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Best time to visit New Orleans
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit New Orleans, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10-17°C, cool and often cloudy with occasional rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be chilly, pack layers. | |
| February | 12-19°C, mild with a mix of sun and clouds | peak | peak |
⚠ Book accommodation and flights months in advance for Mardi Gras. | |
| March | 15-22°C, pleasant with increasing sunshine | high | high |
⚠ Post-Mardi Gras, but still busy with festivals. | |
| April | 18-25°C, warm and sunny with occasional spring showers | high | high |
⚠ One of the busiest and most expensive months due to Jazz Fest. | |
| May | 21-28°C, hot and humid with increasing chances of thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Humidity starts to become a factor. | |
| June | 24-30°C, very hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ High humidity and heat can be intense. | |
| July | 25-31°C, extremely hot and humid with daily thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Peak heat and humidity season; seek air conditioning. | |
| August | 25-32°C, oppressive heat and humidity, high chance of heavy rain | low | low |
⚠ Hurricane season is active; very hot and humid. Many locals leave town. | |
| September | 23-30°C, still very hot and humid with significant hurricane risk | low | low |
⚠ Highest risk for tropical storms and hurricanes. Significant rainfall is common. | |
| October | 18-26°C, warm and pleasant with lower humidity and sunny days | high | high |
⚠ Very popular month; book ahead. | |
| November | 14-22°C, cool and crisp with plenty of sunshine | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Post-Voodoo Fest, crowds thin out slightly. | |
| December | 11-18°C, cool and variable with a mix of sun and rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Christmas and New Year's Eve can see price bumps. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
The culmination of Carnival season with parades, balls, and revelry throughout the city.
A celebration of New Orleans' music, food, and culture, featuring free live music on multiple stages.
One of the world's premier music festivals, showcasing jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, and more, alongside local crafts and cuisine.
A major festival celebrating African American culture and music, with concerts and empowerment seminars.
A Halloween-themed music festival featuring a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres.
A Caribbean-inspired festival celebrating Caribbean culture with music, dance, and food.
A spectacular holiday lights display in City Park, offering a magical festive experience.
Insider timing tips
- •While spring (March-April) is ideal for weather, it coincides with major festivals, driving up prices and crowds significantly.
- •The late summer and early fall (August-September) offer the lowest prices and fewest crowds but carry a substantial risk of hurricanes and oppressive heat/humidity.
- •Mardi Gras week in February is an extreme peak; book many months in advance and expect very high prices and intense crowds.
- •King Cake season officially begins on Epiphany (January 6th) but is widely available from early January through Mardi Gras.
- •Post-Jazz Fest in early May offers a brief shoulder season before the intense summer heat and humidity set in.
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