What to expect in New Orleans in December
December is a strong choice for New Orleans: 18° / 9°, with manageable crowds at the big attractions and prices close to the yearly average.
New Orleans weather in December
Typical conditions in New Orleans during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 18°C 64°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 9°C 48°F |
| Rainfall | Moderate 30/100 |
| Total rainfall | 124 mm4.9 in |
| Rainy days | 9 |
| Daylight | 10 h 14 min |
| How it feels | Mild — layers weather |
Average highs sit around 18°C with lows near 9°C. It is one of the drier months — pack light.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for New Orleans — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Layers you can shed: 18°C by day and about 9°C after dark is a two-jacket kind of month.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for New Orleans — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 42% less.
Who this month suits
- Travellers who want the most reliable weather
- Anyone travelling on a budget
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in December, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
New Orleans in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 27° / 17° | Moderate | $$ | 62 |
| November | 22° / 12° | Moderate | $$ | 66 |
| December · This month | 18° / 9° | Moderate | $$ | 58 |
| January | 17° / 8° | Low | $ | 65 |
| February | 19° / 9° | High | $$$ | 37 |
These months score higher for New Orleans on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
