If you're planning a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, you'll want to know what to expect in terms of weather. New Orleans has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city experiences its highest temperatures in July and August, with average highs in the low 90s Fahrenheit. New Orleans also receives plenty of rain, with an average of over 60 inches per year. Most of the rain falls during the summer months, when thunderstorms are common.
If you're looking for the best time to visit New Orleans, spring and fall are generally considered to be the best times to go. The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. However, if you're looking for a truly authentic New Orleans experience, you may want to visit during the city's famous Mardi Gras celebration, which takes place in February or March.
In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at the monthly average temperatures in New Orleans, as well as the city's annual precipitation and humidity levels.
monthly average temperature new orleans
New Orleans weather offers a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
- January: 55°F (12.8°C)
- February: 59°F (15°C)
- March: 67°F (19.4°C)
- April: 77°F (25°C)
- May: 83°F (28.3°C)
- June: 88°F (31.1°C)
- July: 91°F (32.8°C)
- August: 90°F (32.2°C)
- September: 86°F (30°C)
- October: 78°F (25.6°C)
- November: 67°F (19.4°C)
- December: 58°F (14.4°C)
Summer months bring high humidity and risk of thunderstorms.
January: 55°F (12.8°C)
January is the coldest month in New Orleans, with an average temperature of 55°F (12.8°C). However, the weather can be quite variable, with temperatures sometimes reaching into the 70s Fahrenheit during the day. January is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3.5 inches of rain.
- Mild days and cool nights: January days are typically mild, with average highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. However, nights can be cool, with average lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cold spells: While January is generally mild, there are occasional cold spells when temperatures can drop into the 30s or even 20s Fahrenheit. These cold spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Rainy days: January is one of the driest months in New Orleans, with an average of only 3.5 inches of rain. However, there can be occasional periods of rain, especially during the second half of the month.
- Fewer tourists: January is the off-season for tourism in New Orleans. This means that there are fewer crowds and lower prices on hotels and flights.
Overall, January is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for warm, sunny weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
February: 59°F (15°C)
February is a transitional month in New Orleans, with the weather gradually warming up as spring approaches. The average temperature in February is 59°F (15°C), with average highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit. February is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3.2 inches of rain.
Here are some details about the weather in New Orleans in February:
- Mild days and cool nights: February days are typically mild, with average highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. However, nights can be cool, with average lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cold spells: While February is generally mild, there are occasional cold spells when temperatures can drop into the 30s or even 20s Fahrenheit. These cold spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Rainy days: February is one of the driest months in New Orleans, with an average of only 3.2 inches of rain. However, there can be occasional periods of rain, especially during the second half of the month.
- Mardi Gras: February is the month of Mardi Gras, a world-famous celebration that takes place in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana. Mardi Gras is a time of parades, parties, and general revelry. If you're visiting New Orleans in February, be sure to check out the Mardi Gras festivities.
Overall, February is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for warm, sunny weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
March: 67°F (19.4°C)
March is a beautiful time to visit New Orleans, as the weather is mild and spring flowers are in bloom. The average temperature in March is 67°F (19.4°C), with average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit. March is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 4.1 inches of rain.
- Spring flowers: March is the month when New Orleans' famous azaleas and camellias are in bloom. These beautiful flowers can be seen all over the city, in parks, gardens, and even along the streets.
- Mild days and cool nights: March days are typically mild, with average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, nights can be cool, with average lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cold spells: While March is generally mild, there are occasional cold spells when temperatures can drop into the 40s or even 30s Fahrenheit. These cold spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- St. Patrick's Day: March is the month of St. Patrick's Day, a holiday that is celebrated with parades, parties, and general revelry. If you're visiting New Orleans in March, be sure to check out the St. Patrick's Day festivities.
Overall, March is a great time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for mild weather, beautiful flowers, and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for warm, sunny weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
April: 77°F (25°C)
April is a beautiful time to visit New Orleans, as the weather is warm and sunny and the city is in full bloom. The average temperature in April is 77°F (25°C), with average highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. April is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3.6 inches of rain.
Here are some details about the weather in New Orleans in April:
- Warm days and mild nights: April days are typically warm, with average highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally mild, with average lows in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cool spells: While April is generally warm, there are occasional cool spells when temperatures can drop into the 50s or even 40s Fahrenheit. These cool spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Jazz Fest: April is the month of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, one of the most popular music festivals in the world. The festival features a wide variety of music, from traditional jazz to contemporary pop, as well as food, crafts, and other activities. If you're visiting New Orleans in April, be sure to check out Jazz Fest.
Overall, April is a great time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for warm weather, beautiful flowers, and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for hot, humid weather, you may want to consider visiting during the summer months.
May: 83°F (28.3°C)
May is a warm and humid month in New Orleans, with average temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit. The city also receives a fair amount of rain in May, with an average of 4.5 inches. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- Warm days and humid nights: May days are typically warm, with average highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally humid, with average lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional thunderstorms: May is one of the rainiest months in New Orleans, with an average of 4.5 inches of rain. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- French Quarter Festival: May is the month of the French Quarter Festival, a free music festival that features a wide variety of music, from traditional jazz to contemporary pop. The festival also features food, crafts, and other activities. If you're visiting New Orleans in May, be sure to check out the French Quarter Festival.
- Start of hurricane season: May is the official start of hurricane season in New Orleans. While hurricanes are rare in May, it's important to be aware of the risk and to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane.
Overall, May is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for warm weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for cooler weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
June: 88°F (31.1°C)
June is a hot and humid month in New Orleans, with average temperatures in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. The city also receives a fair amount of rain in June, with an average of 6.2 inches. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
Here are some details about the weather in New Orleans in June:
- Hot days and humid nights: June days are typically hot, with average highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally humid, with average lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional thunderstorms: June is one of the rainiest months in New Orleans, with an average of 6.2 inches of rain. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- French Quarter Festival: June is the month of the French Quarter Festival, a free music festival that features a wide variety of music, from traditional jazz to contemporary pop. The festival also features food, crafts, and other activities. If you're visiting New Orleans in June, be sure to check out the French Quarter Festival.
- Start of hurricane season: June is the official start of hurricane season in New Orleans. While hurricanes are rare in June, it's important to be aware of the risk and to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane.
Overall, June is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for hot weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for cooler weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
July: 91°F (32.8°C)
July is the hottest month in New Orleans, with average temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit. The city also receives a fair amount of rain in July, with an average of 6.4 inches. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- Hot and humid days and nights: July days and nights are typically hot and humid, with average highs in the low 90s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional thunderstorms: July is one of the rainiest months in New Orleans, with an average of 6.4 inches of rain. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- Essence Festival: July is the month of the Essence Festival, a music and culture festival that celebrates African-American culture. The festival features a wide variety of music, from R&B to hip hop, as well as food, crafts, and other activities. If you're visiting New Orleans in July, be sure to check out the Essence Festival.
- Peak of hurricane season: July is the peak of hurricane season in New Orleans. While hurricanes are rare in July, it's important to be aware of the risk and to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane.
Overall, July is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for hot weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for cooler weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
August: 90°F (32.2°C)
August is the second hottest month in New Orleans, with average temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit. The city also receives a fair amount of rain in August, with an average of 5.9 inches. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- Hot and humid days and nights: August days and nights are typically hot and humid, with average highs in the low 90s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional thunderstorms: August is one of the rainiest months in New Orleans, with an average of 5.9 inches of rain. However, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so it's still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
- Back to school: August is the month when many schools in New Orleans start back up. This can lead to increased traffic and congestion, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
- End of hurricane season: August is the official end of hurricane season in New Orleans. However, it's important to remember that hurricanes can still occur in September and October.
Overall, August is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for hot weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for cooler weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
September: 86°F (30°C)
September is a transitional month in New Orleans, with the weather gradually cooling down as fall approaches. The average temperature in September is 86°F (30°C), with average highs in the low 90s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. September is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 4.7 inches of rain.
Here are some details about the weather in New Orleans in September:
- Warm days and mild nights: September days are typically warm, with average highs in the low 90s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally mild, with average lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cool spells: While September is generally warm, there are occasional cool spells when temperatures can drop into the 60s or even 50s Fahrenheit. These cool spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Voodoo Music + Arts Experience: September is the month of the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a music festival that features a wide variety of music, from rock to electronic to hip hop. The festival also features food, crafts, and other activities. If you're visiting New Orleans in September, be sure to check out the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience.
Overall, September is a great time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for warm weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for cooler weather, you may want to consider visiting during the fall or winter.
October: 78°F (25.6°C)
October is a beautiful time to visit New Orleans, as the weather is mild and the city is alive with activity. The average temperature in October is 78°F (25.6°C), with average highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. October is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3.3 inches of rain.
Here are some details about the weather in New Orleans in October:
- Mild days and cool nights: October days are typically mild, with average highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally cool, with average lows in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cool spells: While October is generally mild, there are occasional cool spells when temperatures can drop into the 50s or even 40s Fahrenheit. These cool spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Halloween: October is the month of Halloween, a holiday that is celebrated with trick-or-treating, costume parties, and other festivities. If you're visiting New Orleans in October, be sure to check out the city's Halloween celebrations.
Overall, October is a great time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for warmer weather, you may want to consider visiting during the summer months.
November: 67°F (19.4°C)
November is a transitional month in New Orleans, with the weather gradually cooling down as winter approaches. The average temperature in November is 67°F (19.4°C), with average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit and average lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit. November is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3.6 inches of rain.
Here are some details about the weather in New Orleans in November:
- Mild days and cool nights: November days are typically mild, with average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally cool, with average lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cold spells: While November is generally mild, there are occasional cold spells when temperatures can drop into the 40s or even 30s Fahrenheit. These cold spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Thanksgiving: November is the month of Thanksgiving, a holiday that is celebrated with family gatherings, food, and football. If you're visiting New Orleans in November, be sure to check out the city's Thanksgiving celebrations.
Overall, November is a great time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for warmer weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or summer.
December: 58°F (14.4°C)
December is the coolest month in New Orleans, with an average temperature of 58°F (14.4°C). However, the weather can be quite variable, with temperatures sometimes reaching into the 70s Fahrenheit during the day. December is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3.2 inches of rain.
- Mild days and cool nights: December days are typically mild, with average highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. Nights are generally cool, with average lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit.
- Occasional cold spells: While December is generally mild, there are occasional cold spells when temperatures can drop into the 30s or even 20s Fahrenheit. These cold spells are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days at most.
- Christmas and New Year's Eve: December is the month of Christmas and New Year's Eve, two holidays that are celebrated with family gatherings, parties, and other festivities. If you're visiting New Orleans in December, be sure to check out the city's Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
- Sugar Bowl: December is also the month of the Sugar Bowl, a college football bowl game that is held in New Orleans. If you're a college football fan, be sure to check out the Sugar Bowl if you're visiting New Orleans in December.
Overall, December is a good time to visit New Orleans if you're looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. However, if you're hoping for warm, sunny weather, you may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall.
FAQ
Do you have questions about the average temperature in New Orleans by month? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: What is the hottest month in New Orleans?
Answer: The hottest month in New Orleans is July, with an average temperature of 91°F (32.8°C).
Question 2: What is the coldest month in New Orleans?
Answer: The coldest month in New Orleans is January, with an average temperature of 55°F (12.8°C).
Question 3: When is the best time to visit New Orleans for mild weather?
Answer: The best time to visit New Orleans for mild weather is in the spring (March, April, and May) or fall (September, October, and November).
Question 4: When is the rainy season in New Orleans?
Answer: The rainy season in New Orleans is from April to September, with the peak rainfall occurring in July.
Question 5: What is the average humidity in New Orleans?
Answer: The average humidity in New Orleans is 77%.
Question 6: What are some things to pack for a trip to New Orleans?
Answer: Some things to pack for a trip to New Orleans include light, breathable clothing, a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and an umbrella or rain jacket.
Closing: We hope this FAQ has been helpful in answering your questions about the average temperature in New Orleans by month. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some additional tips for planning your trip to New Orleans:
Tips
Here are some tips for planning your trip to New Orleans by month:
Tip 1: Check the weather forecast before you pack.
The weather in New Orleans can be unpredictable, so it's important to check the forecast before you pack your bags. This will help you ensure that you have the appropriate clothing and accessories for the weather conditions.
Tip 2: Dress in layers.
The weather in New Orleans can also be quite variable, so it's a good idea to dress in layers. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing to the changing temperatures.
Tip 3: Stay hydrated.
New Orleans is a humid city, so it's important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
Tip 4: Be prepared for rain.
New Orleans receives a fair amount of rain throughout the year, so it's a good idea to pack an umbrella or rain jacket. This will help you stay dry if you get caught in a sudden shower.
Closing: We hope these tips have been helpful in planning your trip to New Orleans. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Now that you know more about the average temperature in New Orleans by month and have some tips for planning your trip, you can start planning your itinerary. New Orleans is a city with something to offer everyone, so you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Conclusion
New Orleans is a city with a unique and vibrant culture, and there's something to enjoy in every season. Whether you're looking for warm weather and sunny skies or mild temperatures and fewer crowds, you're sure to find the perfect time to visit New Orleans.
Here is a summary of the main points about the average temperature in New Orleans by month:
- The hottest month in New Orleans is July, with an average temperature of 91°F (32.8°C).
- The coldest month in New Orleans is January, with an average temperature of 55°F (12.8°C).
- The best time to visit New Orleans for mild weather is in the spring (March, April, and May) or fall (September, October, and November).
- The rainy season in New Orleans is from April to September, with the peak rainfall occurring in July.
- The average humidity in New Orleans is 77%.
Closing Message: No matter when you choose to visit, New Orleans is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its delicious food, lively music scene, and rich history, New Orleans is a city that you'll want to come back to time and time again.