Best Time To Visit New Orleans: The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring months of March to May when the weather is mild, and festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Festivals are in full swing, offering a vibrant atmosphere and cultural experiences.
Your answer to this question depends on whether you want to attend Mardi Gras! If you want to experience the celebrations to their fullest, go between February and May when they are in full swing. This is the ideal weekend vacation location!
The actual Mardi Gras Day usually occurs at the very end of February or the very beginning of March if you wish to attend.
Remember that hotel rates at this time of year are incredibly high. Plan to make reservations for your accommodation and flights at least a year in advance.
- š¦ļø Weather conditions in New Orleans throughout the year
- š Visiting New Orleans In the Summer (June to August)
- š Visiting New Orleans In the Fall (September to November)
- āļø Visiting New Orleans In winter (December to February)
- š¼ Visiting New Orleans In Spring (March to May)
- šļø Visiting New Orleans By Month
- šš»āāļø FAQs For Best Time To Visit New Orleans
- Q. What is the best month to go to New Orleans?
- Q. What is the cheapest month to go to New Orleans?
- Q. What time of year is hurricane season in New Orleans?
- Q. How many days do you need in Orleans?
- Q. What months are New Orleans busy?
- Q. When is Mardi Gras celebrated in New Orleans?
- Q. What is the weather like in New Orleans during summer?
- Q. Is it worth visiting New Orleans during winter?
- Q. What is the Essence Festival, and when does it take place?
- Q. What are some must-visit attractions in New Orleans?
- Q. Are there any outdoor activities in New Orleans?
- š Conclusion
- šØļø Share your thoughts in the comments about what you believe is the best time to visit New Orleans!
š¦ļø Weather conditions in New Orleans throughout the year
New Orleans experiences a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city enjoys relatively pleasant weather throughout the year, making it a popular destination for travelers. Hereās a breakdown of the weather conditions in New Orleans across the seasons:
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17Ā°C | 19Ā°C | 23Ā°C | 26Ā°C | 30Ā°C | 33Ā°C | 34Ā°C | 33Ā°C | 31Ā°C | 27Ā°C | 22Ā°C | 18Ā°C |
| Temp. | 13Ā°C | 14Ā°C | 18Ā°C | 22Ā°C | 26Ā°C | 28Ā°C | 29Ā°C | 29Ā°C | 27Ā°C | 23Ā°C | 18Ā°C | 14Ā°C |
| Low | 9Ā°C | 11Ā°C | 14Ā°C | 18Ā°C | 22Ā°C | 25Ā°C | 26Ā°C | 25Ā°C | 24Ā°C | 19Ā°C | 14Ā°C | 10Ā°C |
š Visiting New Orleans In the Summer (June to August)
New Orleans summers are not for the weak of heart. You must be ready for sweltering days, we assure you.
Yet, if you want to avoid enormous crowds while also saving some money, now might be the most fantastic time for you to visit New Orleans!
The hottest months will be in July and August. Ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit is the average temperature, but June and September arenāt much colder.
There will be fewer visitors because the summer is regarded as the off-season. Hotels and flights will also be reduced to entice you!
Key Events:Ā
- Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco FestivalĀ (June)
- New Orleans Wine & Food ExperienceĀ (June)
- New Orleans Pride FestivalĀ (June)
- Essence FestivalĀ (June-July)
- Satchmo SummerfestĀ (August)
- COOLinary New OrleansĀ (August)
- Red Dress RunĀ (August)
June
- Average High Temperature: 89Ā°F (32Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 72Ā°F (22Ā°C)
- June marks the start of summer, bringing hotter temperatures and increased humidity. Itās a great time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy the cityās vibrant music scene.
July
- Average High Temperature: 91Ā°F (33Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 74Ā°F (23Ā°C)
- July is the hottest month in New Orleans, with temperatures often exceeding 90Ā°F (above 35Ā°C). Visitors should be prepared for intense heat and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
August
- Average High Temperature: 91Ā°F (33Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 74Ā°F (23Ā°C)
- August continues to be hot and humid, making it a good time to enjoy indoor activities, museums, and galleries.
š Visiting New Orleans In the Fall (September to November)
Fall in New Orleans is a curious beast, not quite the high season and not quite the low season. Even though it is again in the 80s and mid-70s, the weather warrants your attention.
Late August and early September mark the height of the hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Hurricanes may be predicted, but a sudden creation could interrupt travel plans.
Even still, fall remains one of the most significant times to visit New Orleans due to the lower temperatures and the abundance of cultural activities.
Key Events:Ā
- Beignet FestĀ (September)
- Crescent City Blues & BBQ FestivalĀ (October)
- Voodoo Music + Arts ExperienceĀ (October)
- Oak Street Po-Boy FestivalĀ (November)
- New Orleans Film FestivalĀ (November)
- Celebration in the OaksĀ (November-January)
September
- Average High Temperature: 88Ā°F (31Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 70Ā°F (21Ā°C)
- September marks the transition from summer to fall, with slightly cooler temperatures and reduced humidity. Itās an excellent time to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds
October
- Average High Temperature: 80Ā°F (27Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 61Ā°F (16Ā°C)
- October brings pleasant weather, making it a popular time for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the cityās beautiful parks.
November
- Average High Temperature: 71Ā°F (22Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 51Ā°F (11Ā°C)
- November offers mild temperatures, making it an enjoyable time to visit and experience the cityās culture, music, and cuisine.
āļø Visiting New Orleans In winter (December to February)
One of our favorite seasons to visit New Orleans is winter. Even spring can be stifling, so weāre not huge fans of the summer heat.
The city had time to cool off to 60 degrees between late November and early January before the commencement of the spring celebrations.
It will also be affordable to take a winter vacation to New Orleans. There wonāt be as many tourists in town, which means significant financial savings for you.
Anticipate finding affordable accommodation and flight costs. Try to visit in December during the Christmas Season when the city is decked if you have nowhere else to be during the holidays!
Key Events:Ā
- Sugar BowlĀ (January)
- Celebration in the OaksĀ (November-January)
December
- Average High Temperature: 64Ā°F (18Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 46Ā°F (8Ā°C)
- December is the start of winter in New Orleans, with mild temperatures and festive holiday decorations throughout the city
January
- Average High Temperature: 62Ā°F (17Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 43Ā°F (6Ā°C)
- January brings cooler temperatures, but itās still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. Itās an excellent time to explore indoor attractions and experience New Orleansā unique winter traditions
February
- Average High Temperature: 65Ā°F (18Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 46Ā°F (8Ā°C)
- February marks the end of winter, with slightly warmer temperatures. Itās a fantastic time to visit and join in the excitement of Mardi Gras celebrations
š¼ Visiting New Orleans In Spring (March to May)
Experience the enchanting Big Easy during spring (March to May). Enjoy the colorful revelry of Mardi Gras in March.
Jazz Fest in April brings soulful music and delectable cuisine. May delights with art festivals and blooming gardens.
In mild weather, pack light layers, and comfy shoes. Embrace the spirit of New Orleansā vibrant culture in this captivating season.
Key Events
- Mardi GrasĀ (February-March)
- Tennessee Williams/Literary FestivalĀ (March)
- French Quarter FestivalĀ (April)
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage FestivalĀ (April-May)
- Mid-City Bayou BoogalooĀ (May)
- New Orleans Greek FestivalĀ (May)
March
- Average High Temperature: 72Ā°F (22Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 53Ā°F (12Ā°C)
- March marks the beginning of spring in New Orleans, with mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. Itās a fantastic time to visit and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras.
April
- Average High Temperature: 78Ā°F (26Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 59Ā°F (15Ā°C)
- April brings warmer temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers throughout the city. Itās an ideal time to enjoy outdoor festivals and explore the cityās historic neighborhoods.
May
- Average High Temperature: 84Ā°F (29Ā°C)
- Average Low Temperature: 66Ā°F (19Ā°C)
- May is a pleasant month with warmer weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring New Orleansā diverse culinary scene.
šļø Visiting New Orleans By Month
If you still canāt decide when to depart, donāt worry. To help you choose the ideal time to visit the Big Easy, weāve broken down all the activities there month by month.
Yet every month is the most fantastic time to visit New Orleans because of all the events and festivals there.
New Orleans In January
On January 1, go to the Sugar Bowl, the annual college football championship game. You can still join a neighborhood watch party at a sports bar downtown if you canāt attend the Dome for fun! From inside, you can see spectators crowding the city.
On January 6, Joan of Arcās birthday, you may see the annual Krewe de Jeanne dāArc parades across the city.
The first king cake of the Mardi Gras season is served after the walking parade, which features a procession through the French Quarter with a medieval theme!
New Orleans In FebruaryĀ
Going to church or visiting St. Augustine Church is the best way to begin your commemoration of Black History Month in February.
This was once a house of worship for the black residents of Treme. Next, visit one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the area!
Watch for the three-day Tet and Vietnamese heritage celebration at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church.
Everyone is invited to enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine, live music, fun activities, dragon dances, and fireworks!
New Orleans In MarchĀ
Seasonal snowball stalls and businesses return in the spring, beginning in March. Locals are fiercely devoted to the favored stands that have become pillars of the community.
While visiting places like Hansenās and Plum Street Snowballs, please bring cash and sample their many flavors!
You should attend the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, an annual event that evokes a speakeasy from the 1920s.
You can participate in extensive tastings, meals paired with bourbon, burlesque shows, and seminars on topics like Bourbon History!
New Orleans In April
Because of the abundance of festivals, April is considered the finest month to visit New Orleans. First, go to the Freret Street Festival on the first Saturday in April.
This Uptown celebration of local businesses, excellent music, and delectable cuisine is the perfect way to usher in spring in New Orleans.
The French Quarter Festival is held in one of New Orleansā most adored areas. You can experience local culture, delicious food, and live music from Woldenberg Park to Jackson Square! In my opinion, one of the best locations to stay in New Orleans.
New Orleans In May
Because of the weather, many people think May is the best month to visit New Orleans. Another choice is the Bayou Boogaloo, and all proceeds support the Bayou Saint John community! Enjoy artisan shops, regional cuisine, and family-friendly activities!
National Shrimp Day is celebrated on May 10, and the seafood in New Orleans is at its best there.
A frozen margarita on May 5 is possible at a local restaurant like Casa Borrega! Mom will undoubtedly enjoy being surprised with a Motherās Day weekend brunch in New Orleans if youāre looking for a family getaway!
New Orleans In June
You may anticipate amazing things from the annual Oyster Festival in New Orleans because the cityās cuisine is well-known.
While listening to live music and perusing the arts and crafts booths, savor them chargrilled, fried, or raw!
Given that New Orleans has been named one of the friendliest cities, June also marks the beginning of one of the best Pride parades in the United States!
Prepare your appetite for Black Restaurant Week at the end of June. You can visit and eat at some of the top Black-owned restaurants in the area, all of which offer unique menus and discounts!
New Orleans In July
Gather your friends and family to watch the fireworks in celebration of Independence Day, which is celebrated in July.
Crescent Park, Algiers Point, and Jackson Square offer incredible views. Check out some of New Orleansā most excellent locations, or host your barbecue!
Then attend the ESSENCE Fest, one of the largest festivals in the Big Easy, every year! Celebrate Black music, health, food, beauty, and culture over three days with panel discussions and celebrity attendees! Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, and Prince were previous performers!
New Orleans In August
The best time to travel to New Orleans is during Satchmo Summerfest, a celebration of the life of Louis āSatchmoā Armstrong, who was born and raised in the Big Easy.
The three-day event features numerous live performances, regional cuisine, and seminars about the great trumpeter over the first weekend in August.
Then attend Southern Decadence, New Orleansā most extraordinary LGBTQ celebration. Six days of festivities are held throughout the French Quarter. Enjoy parties, parades, and fancy dress this Labor Day weekend!
Wear your best red dress to the Red Dress Run after that. The second Saturday of every month marks a beloved Big Easy tradition where runners and walkers take part in supporting neighborhood charities.
New Orleans In SeptemberĀ
If youāre a foodie, September is the ideal month to visit New Orleans! In addition to cooler temperatures, September also ushers in Restaurant Week, which runs from September 9 to 15. Restaurants that offer prix-fixe menus offer 25% off of regular prices!
While Irish Fest is observed in New Orleans in September, St. Patrickās Day is celebrated in March. This celebration of Irish culture spans two stages and fairgrounds and features arts, dance, music, food, and crafts!
New Orleans In OctoberĀ
Visit the Deutsches Haus of New Orleans for October throughout October! Enjoy traditional fare like sauerbraten, cabbage, Bavarian pretzels, and of course, BEER! This is how we pay homage to the German presence and culture in Crescent City.
Memphis is renowned for its blues and barbecue, but the annual Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival is far superior. Enjoy a lineup of live brass bands, blues, and gospel musicians while shopping from over 20 local BBQ vendors.
Over the Halloween weekend, the Voodoo Arts + Music Experience will feature different cuisine and musical genres.
The New Orleans Film Festival solidifies New Orleansā status as the Hollywood of the South with more than 200 films from nearly 120 nations. During the week-long event, go to the screenings in addition to the exclusive parties, events, and panels!
New Orleans In November
You may go to the Bayou Bacchanal the first weekend in November, undoubtedly the most fantastic time to visit New Orleans!
While the parade closes down Canal Street, you may enjoy cuisine and music from many Caribbean countries as the Crescent City celebrates Caribbean culture!
After that, start to want the Oak Street Po-Boy festival! Every year, 35 different vendors turn Oak Street into a po-boy paradise! Who creates the best po-boy in the Big Easy is up to you to decide!
Then take in the New Orleans trinity of brass bands, beads, and gumbo at the Treme Creole Gumbo Fest!
New Orleans In December
With a rush of Christmas festivities, the holidays are the most fantastic time to visit New Orleans.
The season begins with the Krewe of Jingle parade! Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Mr. Bingle, Rudolph, and more all appear!
Then take pleasure in Celebration in the Oaks for the remainder of the month. You can go for a romantic stroll in the evening at City Park, where holiday-themed decorations illuminate the old oak trees.
Afterward, please proceed to the Mississippi River levees for the Christmas Eve bonfires, which Santa and his reindeer use to light their route!
šš»āāļø FAQs For Best Time To Visit New Orleans
When planning a trip to New Orleans, itās natural to have a lot of questions. But donāt worryāIāve got you covered! Below, Iāll answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you plan your visit to this vibrant city.
Q. What is the best month to go to New Orleans?
A. The months of October, January, March, and April are the ideal times of year to travel to New Orleans. These are the least expensive and busiest seasons of the year.
Q. What is the cheapest month to go to New Orleans?
A. The most affordable months to travel to and stay in New Orleans are by far July and August, however, you may discover affordability as early as late June and into early September.
Q. What time of year is hurricane season in New Orleans?
A. Beginning in early June and ending in late November, New Orleans experiences hurricane season, which typically peaks in late August or early September.
Q. How many days do you need in Orleans?
A. Thereās never enough time in my opinion since I could imagine living in New Orleans! For the typical traveler, 5 to 6 days are ideal.
Q. What months are New Orleans busy?
A. New Orleans is busy for travel during February (Mardi Gras), April (Jazz Fest), and October (pleasant fall weather).
Q. When is Mardi Gras celebrated in New Orleans?
A. Mardi Gras is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which varies each year but usually falls in February or March. Itās a grand and colorful festival, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Q. What is the weather like in New Orleans during summer?
A. Summer in New Orleans is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 30-35Ā°C). Itās essential to stay hydrated and take breaks indoors during peak afternoon heat.
Q. Is it worth visiting New Orleans during winter?
A. Yes, Winter in New Orleans is mild, making it an excellent time to explore the city comfortably. The festive atmosphere during the holiday season and the iconic celebrations of Mardi Gras make it a magical experience.
Q. What is the Essence Festival, and when does it take place?
A. The Essence Festival is an annual celebration of African-American culture, music, and arts. It typically takes place in July and features renowned artists and speakers, attracting thousands of visitors.
Q. What are some must-visit attractions in New Orleans?
A. Aside from the French Quarter, donāt miss exploring the Garden District with its beautiful antebellum mansions, the lively Frenchmen Street known for its live music venues, and the charming Magazine Street lined with boutiques and restaurants.
Q. Are there any outdoor activities in New Orleans?
A. Certainly! You can enjoy outdoor activities like a relaxing steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River, exploring City Park, or strolling through Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo
š Conclusion
A city unlike any other, New Orleans brings music, food, and culture together in a joyful celebration of life.
Anytime you decide to stop by, youāll be welcomed with open arms and surrounded by an environment of unrestrained joy.
New Orleans will capture your heart and leave you with priceless memories, from the joyful Mardi Gras parades to the soul-stirring jazz performances.
Pack your luggage, indulge in the distinctive cuisines, and experience the spirit of the Big Easy!
šØļø Share your thoughts in the comments about what you believe is the best time to visit New Orleans!
Also, donāt forget to book your personalized holiday package withĀ Fiery Trippers. Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.
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