Best time to visit New Orleans
The best months to visit New Orleans are April, March and November, based on month-by-month temperature and rainfall data. The full year of weather, daylight, holidays, and festival timing is below.
April, March and November score best for New Orleans weather:
- March22° / 13°CMarch is warm spring, with post-Mardi Gras crowds easing and Garden District walks comfortable between showers.
- April26° / 17°CApril is festival-heavy, with French Quarter Festival and the first Jazz Fest weekend making music schedules and hotel bookings central.
- November22° / 12°CNovember is mild and less humid, strong for Garden District, City Park, and River Road day trips.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated May 20, 2026
New Orleans weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17° | 8° | 130 | 10 | 10h |
| February | 19° | 10° | 105 | 9 | 11h |
| MarchBest weather | 22° | 13° | 110 | 8 | 12h |
| AprilBest weather | 26° | 17° | 135 | 7 | 13h |
| May | 30° | 21° | 145 | 8 | 14h |
| June | 32° | 24° | 195 | 13 | 14h |
| July | 33° | 25° | 170 | 14 | 14h |
| August | 33° | 25° | 175 | 14 | 13h |
| September | 31° | 23° | 130 | 10 | 12h |
| October | 27° | 18° | 95 | 7 | 11h |
| NovemberBest weather | 22° | 12° | 100 | 7 | 11h |
| December | 18° | 9° | 120 | 9 | 10h |
Temperatures in °C. Long-term monthly averages.
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New Orleans month by month
January
New Orleans in January: 16.9°C high, 7.8°C low, 130mm rain over 10 days, 10.3h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
February
New Orleans in February: 19.1°C high, 9.8°C low, 105mm rain over 9 days, 11h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
MarchBest weather
New Orleans in March: 22.4°C high, 12.9°C low, 110mm rain over 8 days, 11.8h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
French Quarter Festival
AprilBest weather
New Orleans in April: 25.8°C high, 16.5°C low, 135mm rain over 7 days, 12.7h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival · French Quarter Festival
May
New Orleans in May: 29.6°C high, 20.6°C low, 145mm rain over 8 days, 13.5h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival · French Quarter Festival
June
New Orleans in June: 32.2°C high, 23.7°C low, 195mm rain over 13 days, 13.9h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
Southern Decadence
July
New Orleans in July: 33°C high, 24.7°C low, 170mm rain over 14 days, 13.8h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
Essence Festival · San Fermin in Nueva Orleans · Southern Decadence
August
New Orleans in August: 32.9°C high, 24.8°C low, 175mm rain over 14 days, 13.1h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
Satchmo Summer Festival · Southern Decadence
September
New Orleans in September: 31.2°C high, 23.1°C low, 130mm rain over 10 days, 12.2h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
October
New Orleans in October: 27°C high, 17.9°C low, 95mm rain over 7 days, 11.3h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
NovemberBest weather
New Orleans in November: 21.8°C high, 12.1°C low, 100mm rain over 7 days, 10.5h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
December
New Orleans in December: 18.2°C high, 9.1°C low, 120mm rain over 9 days, 10.1h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
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