Welcome to New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and rich history. If you're planning a visit to New Orleans, it's important to know what to expect in terms of weather so you can pack accordingly and make the most of your trip.
New Orleans has a subtropical climate, which means it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city's average temperature ranges from 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) in January to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) in July. However, it's not uncommon for temperatures to reach into the 90s or even 100s during the summer months.
In this article, we'll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the average temperature by month in New Orleans, along with some tips on what to wear and what activities to enjoy during each season.
average temperature by month new orleans
New Orleans weather offers distinct seasons for all tastes.
- January: Cool, 72°F (22°C)
- February: Mild, 75°F (24°C)
- March: Pleasant, 79°F (26°C)
- April: Springtime, 83°F (28°C)
- May: Warm, 86°F (30°C)
- June: Hot and humid, 88°F (31°C)
- July: Peak summer, 90°F (32°C)
- August: Tropical, 89°F (32°C)
Now grab your bags, be it parka or swimsuit, to experience the best of NOLA!
January: Cool, 72°F (22°C)
New Orleans in January is a refreshing blend of cool temperatures and vibrant festivities. While the days are typically mild, with average highs reaching a comfortable 60°F (16°C), the nights can get chilly, dipping down to an average low of 45°F (7°C). This makes it an ideal time to cozy up in a charming café with a warm cup of coffee or indulge in a hearty bowl of gumbo at one of the city's many renowned restaurants.
January also marks the beginning of carnival season, leading up to the legendary Mardi Gras celebration. The city comes alive with parades, music, and dancing, creating an electric atmosphere that's sure to leave you captivated. If you're visiting New Orleans during this time, be sure to pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to the varying temperatures throughout the day and night.
While the weather may not be ideal for swimming or sunbathing, January is a great time to explore New Orleans' many indoor attractions. Visit the French Quarter and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture. Take a stroll through the Garden District and admire the stunning antebellum mansions. Or venture into the Warehouse District and discover its trendy art galleries and boutiques.
As the month draws to a close, don't miss the chance to experience the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which showcases a diverse lineup of local and international musicians. With its mild temperatures and vibrant atmosphere, January is a delightful time to visit New Orleans and embrace its unique charm.
Remember to pack a light jacket or sweater, as the evenings can get cool. And if you're planning on attending any outdoor events, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance.
February: Mild, 75°F (24°C)
February in New Orleans is a delightful month, characterized by mild temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere. As the days grow longer and the city awakens from its winter slumber, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
- Mardi Gras Magic:
February is synonymous with Mardi Gras, New Orleans' most iconic celebration. The city transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, with parades, parties, and live music filling the streets. Don't miss the chance to catch a glimpse of the elaborate floats and flamboyant costumes, and indulge in the traditional King Cake, a sweet treat象征ing the Mardi Gras season. - Pleasant Temperatures:
February's mild temperatures make it an ideal time to explore New Orleans' many outdoor attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic French Quarter, admire the stunning architecture of the Garden District, or venture into City Park, a vast urban oasis with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a renowned sculpture garden. - Cultural Celebrations:
February is also a month of cultural celebrations in New Orleans. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals showcasing its rich heritage. From the New Orleans Black Heritage Festival, which honors the African American community's contributions to the city's culture, to the French Quarter Festival, which celebrates New Orleans' unique French and Creole roots, there's something for everyone to enjoy. - Pre-Spring Beauty:
As February draws to a close, signs of spring start to emerge in New Orleans. The city's parks and gardens come alive with colorful blooms, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of magnolia and jasmine. It's a beautiful time to experience the city's natural beauty and embrace the changing seasons.
While the weather is generally mild in February, it's always a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater, especially for evenings and early mornings. With its vibrant atmosphere and mild temperatures, February is an excellent time to visit New Orleans and immerse yourself in its unique charm and rich cultural heritage.
March: Pleasant, 79°F (26°C)
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, New Orleans in March bursts into life. The city awakens from its winter slumber, and a sense of renewal and rejuvenation fills the air.
With average highs reaching a comfortable 79°F (26°C), March is an ideal time to explore New Orleans' many outdoor attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic French Quarter, admire the stunning architecture of the Garden District, or venture into City Park, a vast urban oasis with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a renowned sculpture garden.
March is also a month of festivals and celebrations in New Orleans. The city hosts a variety of events showcasing its rich culture and heritage. From the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which attracts renowned musicians from around the world, to the French Quarter Festival, which celebrates New Orleans' unique French and Creole roots, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
As the month draws to a close, signs of spring become more pronounced. The city's parks and gardens come alive with colorful blooms, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of magnolia and jasmine. It's a beautiful time to experience New Orleans' natural beauty and embrace the changing seasons.
While the weather is generally pleasant in March, it's always a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater, especially for evenings and early mornings. With its mild temperatures and vibrant atmosphere, March is an excellent time to visit New Orleans and immerse yourself in its unique charm and rich cultural heritage.
April: Springtime, 83°F (28°C)
April in New Orleans is a season of transformation, as the city bursts into bloom and the air fills with the sweet scent of jasmine and magnolias. With average highs reaching a delightful 83°F (28°C), it's the perfect time to enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer.
- Spring Festivals:
April is a month of festivals and celebrations in New Orleans. The city hosts a variety of events showcasing its rich culture and heritage. From the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which attracts renowned musicians from around the world, to the French Quarter Festival, which celebrates New Orleans' unique French and Creole roots, there's something for everyone to enjoy. - Outdoor Activities:
April's pleasant temperatures make it an ideal time to explore New Orleans' many outdoor attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic French Quarter, admire the stunning architecture of the Garden District, or venture into City Park, a vast urban oasis with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a renowned sculpture garden. - Riverfront Activities:
The Mississippi River is an integral part of New Orleans' identity, and April is a great time to enjoy the riverfront. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront promenade, enjoy a scenic cruise, or visit the Audubon Zoo, which offers a unique opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. - Spring Cuisine:
New Orleans is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and April is a great time to sample some of the city's best dishes. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering po' boys, there's something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to try some of the city's famous beignets, a sweet treat that's perfect for any time of day.
While the weather is generally pleasant in April, it's always a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater, especially for evenings and early mornings. With its mild temperatures and vibrant atmosphere, April is an excellent time to visit New Orleans and immerse yourself in its unique charm and rich cultural heritage.