Best Time of the Year to Visit New Orleans

New Orleans draws visitors from not only around the country, but also from across the world with its famously rich cultural heritage, remarkable cuisine and showstopper celebrations.

However, it’s not always easy to know when the right time may be to enjoy the Big Easy’s many pleasures. When it comes to planning the best time of the year to visit New Orleans, the answer isn’t clear-cut for everyone. It depends on your goals, your preferences, your pocketbook and your personal comfort levels in the face of, for instance, crowds or sultriness. There are always amazing things to do in New Orleans any time of year, but one should plan for the levels of visitation, rates and weather when planning a getaway.

This guide is here to explain the best time of year to visit New Orleans for every type of traveler. Learn about seasonal weather, events, crowds and more to help plan your ideal trip.

New Orleans Weather in the Summer (Late June – September)

As far as New Orleans’ climate and weather go, summer can be the most uncomfortable stretch of the calendar. Throughout July, August and part of September, the humidity of the subtropical New Orleans climate can be felt at full-force.

The temperatures themselves can be quite hot, as daily summertime highs typically climb into the low 90s. However, it’s truly the 80 percent or higher humidity which is the real issue. Given Louisiana’s southerly latitude and all the abundant moisture sources nearby, this doesn’t come as a surprise. This can be felt throughout the Gulf, the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, plus vast areas of associated marshland and swampland. This climate can feel rather shocking to those unaccustomed to a Deep South summer.

It’s because of that tropical-style heat, humidity and frequent rain that summertime is the low season when it comes to tourism in New Orleans. That can be its own enticement though, as if you prefer lower crowds and the idea of saving on airfare, accommodations and dining, July and August are good times to visit.

While things are comparatively quiet compared to the peak festival season, there are still notable events going down during the Big Easy summer: from the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival and New Orleans Pride Festival in June to COOLinary New Orleans in August, when loads of restaurants offer high-value prix-fixe menus. September, meanwhile, brings Beignet Fest, a celebration of one of NOLA’s quintessential culinary delicacies, as well as the New Orleans Burlesque Festival.

Keep in mind that hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico kicks off in June and, while extending into November, peaks during August and September. Summer visitors will certainly want to pay attention to weather forecasts and advisories from the National Hurricane Center and be prepared to adjust their plans if it looks like a storm might be a possibility.

New Orleans Weather in the Fall (October – November)

One of the shoulder seasons of New Orleans tourism, fall is generally an ideal time to visit. Temperatures and humidity are moderating into pleasant territory; daily highs are often in the 70s and lows are in the 50s to low 60s. Hurricane season is still active, but the odds of a major tropical storm diminish after September. October is also the driest month on average in New Orleans.

The crowds and rates aren’t terrible either, given you’re ahead of the winter holiday season (which, as we’ll get to, isn’t even the busiest time in New Orleans).

Among the notable events taking place in New Orleans during October and November are Oktoberfest, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, the New Orleans Film Festival, the Bayou Bacchanal and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. As you might imagine, New Orleanians (and more than a few out-of-towners) also celebrate Halloween heartily: a worthy spectacle. It’s worth noting that the festival of lights and art called LUNA Fête sometimes falls in November, as well.

New Orleans Weather in the Winter (December – January)

Compared to much of the U.S., winter weather in New Orleans tends to be on the tame and mild side. The daily temperature range usually runs between the mid-40s at night to the mid-60s during the day, though you’ll want a jacket or sweater along for the cool evenings. Cold fronts occasionally sweep down into New Orleans from the north and bring chillier, even subfreezing, temperatures but snowfall is exceedingly rare.

December and January are overall good months to visit for those concerned about cost and crowds. While the Christmas-to-New-Year’s holiday stretch certainly sees an uptick in visitation, there are generally still fewer tourists here compared to the big spring festival stretch ahead. Important winter events in New Orleans include the Sugar Bowl football game and Reveillon celebrations; the aforementioned LUNA Fête lights festival occurs in December some years.

New Orleans Weather in the Spring (February – early June)

This is the busiest time of year in New Orleans because of a combination of signature festivities and excellent weather. The Carnival season kicks off in January (on Twelfth Night) but crescendos in February and early March to the iconic New Orleans Mardi Gras party: a bucket-list item for people all over the globe. Known for its exuberant parades, masquerade balls and nonstop parties, this is the most exciting stretch of time to be in New Orleans.

All throughout the Carnival season one should expect a lot of company and high prices for travel, lodging and dining in New Orleans. If you want to sample the revelry but don’t want the full-blown crazy crush of Mardi Gras, consider visiting earlier in the season toward the beginning of Carnival, or during the week rather than weekend.

Springtime weather in New Orleans is most of the time ideal and comfortable. February can still see chilly lows and dank rains on occasion, but temperatures generally are comfortable for most, with lows often in the 50s and highs ranging between the low 70s and low 80s.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans: The Verdict

As the above discussion has hopefully demonstrated, the best time to visit New Orleans varies depending on what a traveler is looking for.

• Visit New Orleans in the late winter/spring: for the quintessential New Orleans experience. Although it will be the priciest option, you will see the city in full color while enjoying comfortable weather.
• Those seeking the highest value and best rates might aim for a summer visit, though they’ll need to recognize that outdoor activities are going to be limited by the oppressive, sweltering mugginess and should be content with spending a lot of (air-conditioned) time indoors.
• Fall and pre-Carnival winter (outside of the Christmas/New Year’s stretch) are great seasons to come to New Orleans, with friendly weather (especially in fall), lower rates and thinner crowds.

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