When is the best time to go to New Orleans?

The best time to visit New Orleans, with favorable weather, extends over much of the year, covering the months from January to July, and then from September to December. However, to enjoy truly ideal weather, the months of April and November are to be preferred. During these months, the city offers a pleasant temperature, perfect for exploring its lively streets, green parks, and historical sites.

If you are a fan of swimming or simply want to enjoy the welcoming waters of the region, the best time to swim on the beaches around New Orleans, with water temperatures ranging from 19°C (67°F) to 32°C (90°F) , is between the months of April and October. It's a great opportunity to cool off after a day of exploration.

As for the peak tourist season in New Orleans, it mainly takes place in February, May, July, October, and November. These months correspond to a significant influx of travelers, attracted by the city's festive events, such as the famous Mardi Gras in February or the jazz festival (New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival) in April or May. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider planning your trip outside of these periods.

That being said, even during less favorable periods, New Orleans has a lot to offer. The summer months, although hot and humid, are animated by a multitude of music and culinary festivals. Additionally, the winter months, although less sunny, offer a unique opportunity to discover the city in a quieter and more serene atmosphere.

In conclusion, whether you are passionate about music, gastronomy, history, or simply seeking a new adventure, New Orleans has something to offer every time of the year. It's just a matter of choosing the time that best suits your preferences and expectations.

So, when is the best time to go to New Orleans? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:

  • The best months for good weather in New Orleans are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November and December
  • On average, the warmest months are June, July, August and September
  • January is the coldest month of the year
  • The rainiest months are July and August
  • The best months for swimming are June, July, August and September



Annual weather in New Orleans

Infographic of the best times to visit New Orleans
Infographic of the best times to visit New Orleans ©whereandwhen.net

Weather details in New Orleans month by month

To get all the information about the climate and weather in New Orleans for a specific month, click on the corresponding link below:

January February March April May June July August September October November December



Weather and climate in New Orleans

New Orleans, a city in Louisiana, United States, is blessed with a humid subtropical climate. This type of climate, classified as Cfa according to the Köppen-Geiger classification, is characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. The seasons are well defined, with significant temperature and precipitation variations throughout the year.

Winter in New Orleans (December - February)

Winter in New Orleans is rather mild, with daytime temperatures mainly ranging from 11°C to 19°C (67°F) . Winter is the least rainy season of the year, mostly offering a sunny or slightly cloudy sky. It's an ideal time to explore the city's historical sites without the summer tourist crowds.

Spring in New Orleans (March - May)

Spring in New Orleans is characterized by a gradual increase in temperatures and precipitation. Daytime temperatures range from 16°C to 29°C (85°F) , creating a very pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Spring months are also known for their generally sunny skies, providing beautiful light for photography.

Summer in New Orleans (June - August)

Summer is the hottest season in New Orleans, with maximum temperatures often reaching 33°C. It is also the wettest season, with significant rainfall, especially in August. Despite this, the city experiences many sunny days during the summer, making it a popular time for tourism.

Autumn in New Orleans (September - November)

Autumn in New Orleans sees a gradual decrease in temperatures and precipitation. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 16°C (61°F) , providing a comfortable climate for exploring the city. Autumn months are also marked by many days of clear or slightly cloudy skies, offering excellent visibility for outdoor activities.

In conclusion, the climate of New Orleans is characterized by well-defined seasons, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Whether you prefer summer heat or mild winters, New Orleans offers a pleasant climate experience throughout the year. The best time to visit will depend on your personal climate preferences.

New Orleans : Quartier français de la Nouvelle Orléans



Charts: temperature and rainfall in New Orleans

In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of New Orleans: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.

Outside temperature

Precipitation (rainfall)

Daily sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Humidity


Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in New Orleans

Find out when New Orleans has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.

Tourist seasons in New Orleans

  • Very low season in New Orleans
    The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, March, April, June, September and December.
  • Low season in New Orleans
    The months with low numbers of tourists are: May and August.
  • Peak season in New Orleans
    The largest number of tourists visiting New Orleans is during: July, October and November.

Figure: Visitor index for New Orleans month by month



Best time for low prices in New Orleans

Average prices of hotels in New Orleans month by month

Generally, August is the month with the lowest hotel prices in New Orleans. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, March is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.

Find the best price for your hotel room

Average price for flights to New Orleans

A return flight between London and New Orleans is generally cheaper if you go in january ($ 704 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 366 more for your airline ticket to New Orleans if you go in august.

Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to New Orleans

Average price of hiring a car in New Orleans

On average, it costs $ 113 per day to hire a car in New Orleans. This price varies by $ 24 depending on the month. In october, hiring a car costs an average of $ 99 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in april is $ 122.

Find the best price for your car rental


Other cities and places near New Orleans

Best time to go to Louisiana

Chargement en cours
Legend: New Orleans other locations

Change units