United States · tool
Best time to visit New Orleans
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Joe Lavigne on Unsplash
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 overcast with occasional rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be chilly, especially at night. | |
| February | 12-19°C, mild and pleasant with a mix of sun and clouds. | peak | peak |
⚠ Mardi Gras dates vary; expect extreme crowds and prices. | |
| March | 15-22°C, warming up with sunny days and comfortable evenings. | high | high |
⚠ Post-Mardi Gras crowds can still be substantial. | |
| April | 18-25°C, warm and sunny with occasional spring showers. | high | high |
⚠ Jazz Fest draws massive crowds and drives up prices. | |
| May | 21-28°C, hot and humid with a good chance of afternoon thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Humidity increases significantly. | |
| June | 24-30°C, very hot and humid with frequent, heavy thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Extreme heat and humidity can be oppressive. | |
| July | 25-31°C, extremely hot and humid with daily thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Peak heat and humidity; indoor activities are key. | |
| August | 25-32°C, very hot and humid with a high chance of tropical storms. | low | low |
⚠ Hurricane season is active; high risk of heavy rain and wind. | |
| September | 23-30°C, hot and humid with continued hurricane risk. | low | low |
⚠ Highest risk of hurricanes and significant rainfall. | |
| October | 19-26°C, pleasant and less humid with sunny days. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Post-hurricane season, but residual risks remain. | |
| November | 14-21°C, cool and crisp with plenty of sunshine. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Temperatures can drop, especially towards the end of the month. | |
| December | 10-17°C, cool and mild with a chance of rain. | moderate | high |
⚠ Christmas and New Year's Eve lead to higher prices and crowds. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Mardi Gras
The culmination of carnival season with parades, balls, and street parties across the city.
March
French Quarter Festival
A free festival celebrating New Orleans' music, food, and culture with performances on multiple stages.
April
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
A major international music festival showcasing jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, and more, alongside local crafts and cuisine.
May
Bayou Country Superfest
A country music festival held at the Caesars Superdome.
August
Satchmo SummerFest
A celebration of Louis Armstrong's life and legacy with music, food, and lectures.
October
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
A multi-genre music festival held in City Park, often around Halloween.
November
Bayou Classic
A major event featuring a football game between Grambling State University and Southern University, a parade, and a step show.
December
Celebration in the Oaks
A spectacular holiday lights display in City Park.
Insider timing tips
- •Mardi Gras week sees peak crowds and prices, with accommodation booking up months in advance.
- •August and September are the riskiest months for hurricanes, leading to lower prices but potential travel disruptions.
- •The shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November offer a balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
- •While summer is hot and humid, it's also a period of fewer tourists and potentially lower costs outside of major festivals.
- •Local holidays and events, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, can cause price surges and increased local density, especially around specific attractions.
Ready to plan your New Orleans trip?
Get a full day-by-day itinerary with real places and bookable activities.
Best time to visit elsewhere