New Orleans month by month

The best time to visit New Orleans

For most travellers, the sweet spot in New Orleans is November · October · March: 22° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	17° / 8°	Low	$	Fair
February	19° / 9°	High	$$$	Ideal
March	22° / 12°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
April	25° / 15°	High	$$	Ideal
May	28° / 19°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
June	32° / 23°	Low	$	Fair
July	33° / 24°	Moderate	$	Avoid
August	33° / 24°	Low	$	Avoid
September	32° / 22°	Low	$	Avoid
October	27° / 17°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
November	22° / 12°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
December	18° / 9°	Moderate	$$	Great

Best months November October March April

Months to avoid July August September

The year in New Orleans

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in New Orleans.

Spring Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 25°C · Mild spring days, French Quarter blooms

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Fair

Jun–Aug · highs around 33°C · Humidity climbs, hurricane season begins

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 27°C · Cooler dry air, festival season resumes

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Ideal

Dec–Feb · highs around 18°C · Mardi Gras parades flood the streets

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

May ·October

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

January ·June

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

January ·June

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

February ·April ·May

Practical basics

Region: North America
Local currency: USD
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: 8° – 33°
Strongest months: November, October, March
Good for: culture · food · nightlife · city

Events in New Orleans

Feb Mardi Gras — Parade krewes throw beads and doubloons through weeks of costumed celebration.
Apr French Quarter Festival — Free stages across the Quarter showcase local musicians and Louisiana cooking.
Apr–May New Orleans Jazz Fest — Two weekends of jazz, funk, and food fill the Fair Grounds Race Course.
Jul Essence Festival — A celebration of Black culture and music fills the Superdome and Convention Center.

Every month in New Orleans

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

New Orleans in January 17° · $ Fair New Orleans in February 19° · $$$ Ideal New Orleans in March 22° · $$ Ideal New Orleans in April 25° · $$ Ideal New Orleans in May 28° · $$ Ideal New Orleans in June 32° · $ Fair New Orleans in July 33° · $ Avoid New Orleans in August 33° · $ Avoid New Orleans in September 32° · $ Avoid New Orleans in October 27° · $$ Ideal New Orleans in November 22° · $$ Ideal New Orleans in December 18° · $$ Great

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit New Orleans?

What is the cheapest time to visit New Orleans?

January — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 58%.

When should you avoid New Orleans?

July, August, September.

What is the weather like in New Orleans?

Average highs sit around 33°C with lows near 8°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.