Best time to visit New Orleans
The largest city in Louisiana, United States, New Orleans is located on the banks of the Mississippi.
City of water (48.45% covered by bodies of water) and jazz (which was born there and where there are more than 120 jazz clubs), New Orleans was built following the route of the Mississippi.
With a favorable climate 9 out of 12 months, it’s pretty sure you’ll make his Cajun saying, “Let the good times roll” your own.
Even if January is the coldest month in New Orleans, do not hesitate to go there from epiphany to Mardi Gras. It is organized in Louisiana, many festive events; parades and costumed parades with colorful floats, the election of Carnival kings, balls, and concerts. If it’s chilly, warm up by tasting the “Café du Monde,” a local specialty.
From June to September, when temperatures are at their highest in New Orleans, you will enjoy the atmosphere and unspoiled colonial architecture of the late 18th century of the French Quarter, which is a National Historic Landmark.
The oldest working cathedral in the United States, St. Louis Cathedral, is a must-see while in New Orleans.
Don’t leave Louisiana without taking a tour of the Mississippi River on the Natchez, the city’s iconic paddle steamer.
New Orleans annual weather: when to go?
The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May when the weather is comfortably cool and the celebrations are in full swing. If you’re not interested in Mardi Gras mania, plan to visit in December or January, when the city is calm and you don’t have to worry about making hotel reservations a year in advance.
When to go to New Orleans? Here is some statistical information on the weather in New Orleans to help you find the best time for your trip:
- The climate is good all year round in New Orleans
- On average, the hottest months are June, July, August, and September
- New Orleans has periods of drought in November and December
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The best months for swimming are June, July, August, and September
The climate of New Orleans
New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana, is quite favorable for sightseeing all year round. But if you are sensitive to a humid and warm atmosphere, prefer more pleasant times like autumn or spring.
New Orleans, located at the same latitude as Houston, Texas, enjoys a humid subtropical climate where heat meets rains throughout the seasons. The winter characterized by pleasantly mild temperatures is less harsh than in northern states such as Utah.
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Relatively short, it leaves more time in the spring and fall, which are the best times to experience New Orleans in all its glory.
1. Spring climate in New Orleans
Spring begins quite early because it is possible to enjoy the pleasant heat in the middle of the day from the end of February. And even if the temperatures continue to climb, they remain comfortable. Until May, the climatic conditions have nothing to envy those of Miami, Florida.
2. Climate in summer in New Orleans
From June to the end of September, the heat begins to intensify before experiencing a slight decrease. At this time of the year, temperatures are briskly above 34 ° C, already high to be sure but relatively acceptable, compared to those recorded in Phoenix, Arizona. The summer season is also the wettest season of the year.
3. Climate in autumn in New Orleans
Temperatures begin to drop from the last ten days of September. At the same time, the rains are quietly withdrawing. It is not surprising that with the drop in temperature, which promotes a more comfortable feeling, and the withdrawal of the rains, leaving more time in the beautiful Sun, October is one of the best times to visit New Orleans.
4. Winter climate in New Orleans
Winter is very mild, as temperatures vary from 10 ° C to 17 ° C. The nights and mornings are pretty cool, but as soon as the sun is high enough, this freshness turns into a warmth of pleasant sweetness.
Crowds and tourist seasons
Find out when is the high tourist season in New Orleans (and, therefore, the period when the tourist traffic is the highest) and when is the low tourist season with our data and graphs.
New Orleans tourist seasons
- Shallow season in New Orleans
- The months with the lowest tourist traffic are January and June.
- Low season in New Orleans
- The months when attendance is low are March, April, and September.
- High Season in New Orleans
- Attendance in New Orleans is high in February, May, August, November, and December.
- Very high season in New Orleans
- In July and October, the tourist influx in New Orleans is at its peak.
Monthly average hotel price in New Orleans
THE BEST PERIOD FOR THE BEST PRICES
Overall, the cheapest month in New Orleans for a hotel room is August. So it’s a good time to go to save money! Conversely, March is statistically the highest month of the year in the hotel industry.
DETAILS BY CATEGORIES AND TYPES OF HOTELS
- 2-star hotel – The average price for one night in a 2-star guesthouse/hotel is € 114. This price varies during the year from 24 €. The best price is in August (103 €) while the highest price is in February (127 €)
- 3 Star Hotel – The average price for a night in a 3-star hotel is € 173. This price varies during the year from 49 €. The best price is in August (152 €) while the highest price is in March (201 €)
- 4-star hotel – The average price for a night in a 4-star hotel is € 239. This price varies during the year from 107 €. The best price is in August (186 €) while the highest price is in March (293 €)
- 5-star hotel – The average price for a night in a palace (5 stars) is 348 €. This price varies during the year from 124 €. The best price is in August (267 €) while the highest price is in November (391 €)
- Hostel / Hostel – The average price for a night in a hostel or youth hostel (dormitory or room for two adults) is € 127. This price varies during the year from 47 €. The best price is in August (108 €) while the highest price is in February (155 €)
- Room with kitchen – The average price for a night in a hotel room with a kitchenette is € 179. This price varies during the year from 56 €. The best price is in August (152 €) while the highest price is in March (208 €)
- Hotel with swimming pool – The average price for a night in a hotel with a shared swimming pool is € 153. This price varies during the year from 48 €. The best price is in August (133 €) while the highest price is in March (181 €)
- Gîte or guest house – The average price for one night in a guesthouse or guest house is € 235. This price varies during the year from 75 €. The best price is in August (204 €) while the highest price is in March (279 €)
- Family room – The average price for one night in a family hotel room (beds for two adults and two children) is 149 €. This price varies during the year from 34 €. The best price is in August (129 €) while the highest price is in March (163 €).
The average price of flights to New Orleans
The price of a return flight from Paris – New Orleans is lower for a departure in November (€532 on average): this is the best period for travelers on a budget. On the other hand, you risk paying your plane ticket to New Orleans in Louisiana 354€ more expensive than leaving in July.
The average price to rent a car in New Orleans
We are hiring a car in New Orleans costs, on average, $ 32 per day. This price varies from € 14 depending on the month. Thus, in June, the rental of a car for 24 hours costs 25 € on average. It is the best time to save money! Conversely, in August this average price is 39€.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS
February and March with the massive Mardi Gras celebrations are considered the best time to visit New Orleans. Note, however, that such events draw huge crowds, and the prices go up dramatically.
Aside from the hot weather, summer also brings hot deals so that you can take advantage of COOLinary New Orleans, a month of specials. In the restaurants of the city. A balmy October through November is another great time to explore New Orleans and sample a wide variety of local seafood.
December and January are great for savvy tourists as hotel rates are low, and the city cools down considerably.
13 THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS (APRIL 20 – APRIL 29)
1. French Quarter Festival
21-24 April 2022 • Event
The most famous district, the festival is full of food and free.
2. Shrimp
April-February • Food
Although available, a year-round frozen shrimp is nothing like the fresh white and brown ones!
3. Plantation pilgrimage
September-November | March-May • Activity
If you are in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, you can’t miss seeing the old plantations!
4. Crayfish season
December-July • Food
It’s crayfish time! New Orleans’ most important food season
5. Dirty Linen Night
NOT-CONFIRMED Spring 2022 • Event
A White Linen Night Counterpart, Dirty Linen Night Is Weirder
6. Oysters
November-April • Food
Although Louisiana oysters are available year-round, the best time is the cooler months.
7. Hummingbirds
end of February – beginning of October • Nature
Your garden could become the “first port in the storm” for those tiny people who just flew hundreds of miles above open water.
8. Paddlewheeler Cruises
All year round (best period: April – June 15 | November-December) • Activity
How about enjoying authentic Louisiana meals and live jazz music with the best views in town
9. Azaleas
March-April • Nature
Enjoy the beautiful pinkish flowers blooming during this time.
10. Sno-Ball
March-October • Food
Sno-ball, not the snow cone, is New Orleans’ favorite armor against the prolonged summer heat.
11. Pontchartrain lake causeway
all year round • Activity
The longest continuous bridge in the world over a body of water
12. Hiking
September-May • Activity
Swamps, forests, and bayous – there is a lot to explore around New Orleans.
13. Louisiana Iris
April • Nature
Symbol of beauty, this flower even has a Krewe named after it.
37 THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE OF THE SELECTED DATE RANGE
1. New Orleans Red Dress Run
CANCELED August 14, 2021, • Event
A blazing race in red dresses accompanied by great music and lots of beer.
2. World Naked Bike Ride
WAITING from the start to mid-June 2021 • Event
New Orleans has participated in the World Naked Bike Ride since 2009
3. July 4th weekend events and fireworks
NOT-CONFIRMED July 4 • Event
The Big Easy City is great for celebrating! Summers here are hot, so are the festivities.
4. Mardi Gras
OUT OF PERIOD March 1, 2022, • Event
The festival that made New Orleans famous!
5. White Linen Night
CANCELED August 7, 2021, • Event
South SoHo, Warehouse District Hosts Art and Style Party
6. Easter parades
OUT OF PERIOD April 17, 2022, • Event
For New Orleans, Easter is a particular time with more parades!
7. Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade
OUT OF PERIOD October 23, 2021, • Event
New Orleans would never miss a chance to dress up and party
8. NOLA ChristmasFest
OUT OF PERIOD 17-30 December 2021 • Event
Get into the Christmas spirit, meet Santa Claus and celebrate winter in New Orleans.
9. Louisiana Crawfish Festival
OUT OF PERIOD April 29 to May 2, 2021, • Event
A delicious showcase of Cajun cuisine and seafood
10. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
OUT OF PERIOD April 29-May 8, 2022 • Event
A unique celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana with a true jazz spirit
11. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
CANCELED 29–31 October 2021 • Event
The loudest of New Orleans Halloween events
12. Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival
OUT OF PERIOD 13–15 May 2022 • Event
A joyous celebration of Louisiana’s food and musical traditions
13. Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
OUT OF PERIOD 23-27 March 2022 • Event
Even if you are not a fan of literature, nothing in New Orleans is ever dull!
14. New Orleans Oyster Festival
CANCELED end of May – beginning of June 2021 • Event
Oyster Capital of America presents lots of delicious ways to enjoy your favorite seafood at the annual Oyster Celebration
15. Krewe of Jingle Parade
NOT-CONFIRMED beginning of December 2021 • Event
Official New Orleans Parade thrills locals and visitors alike
16. NOLA Holiday Lights
OUT OF PERIOD end of November – beginning of January • Event
Yet another reason to celebrate in New Orleans
17. Southern Decadence
OUT OF PERIOD 2-6 September 2021 • Event
Known as Gay Mardi Gras, the festival is extravagant and joyful.
18. Swamp towers
OUT OF PERIOD May-October (all year round) • Activity
The most exciting and easiest way to experience Louisiana’s famous swamps and bayous
19. COOLinary New Orleans
OUT OF PERIOD August • Food
Treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch or dinner at one of the city’s famous restaurants offering money-saving specialties for a month.
20. Celebration in the Oaks
OUT OF PERIOD November 26, 2020 – January 3, 2021 (drive-through Event ) • Event
A beautiful scene scattered throughout the City Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens
21. Louisiana Renaissance Festival
OUT OF PERIOD November 7 to December 13, 2020, • Event
A great adventure with a festival, theater, theme park, shopping, and an educational experience
22. New Year in New Orleans
OUT OF PERIOD From December 31 to January 1 • Event
Fleur De Lis drop and fireworks over the Mississippi on New Year and college football on New Year – New Orleans knows how to celebrate in style
23. Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
WAITING beginning of November 2021 • Event
The favorite sandwich with a unique history is the pride of New Orleans and thus gets its festival!
24. Fat Monday
OUT OF PERIOD February 28, 2022, • Event
The day before the start of Mardi Gras!
25. Jazz in the Park
ENDED April 26 – June 7, 2018, • Event
Signature New Orleans Jazz at Armstrong Park each Spring
26. New Orleans Film Festival
OUT OF PERIOD 5-21 November 2021 • Event
No one can celebrate cinema-like New Orleans
27. Mardi Gras King Cake
OUT OF PERIOD January 6 – Ash Wednesday • Food
The tasty and extraordinary colorful King cake to appease your party
28. Rubber Duck Derby
OUT OF PERIOD September 18, 2021, • Event
Thousands of rubber ducks run for the grand prize of $ 5,000
29. Labor Day weekend in New Orleans
OUT OF PERIOD 2-6 September 2021 • Event
Party in the French Quarter or seek a retreat in the local parks
30. Wild alligator
OUT OF PERIOD September • Food
The bred alligator is available year-round, but it is also more expensive than the wild, available only during this time.
31. Cinco de Mayo
OUT OF PERIOD May 5 • Event
A great excuse to party and indulge in delicious Mexican food
32. Sandhill cranes
OUT OF PERIOD all year round • Nature
Mississippi cranes are at serious risk
33. Whooping cranes
OUT OF PERIOD October – February • Nature
The tallest and rarest birds in North America
34. BUKU Music + Art Project
OUT OF PERIOD 22-23 October 2021 • Event
A vibrant mix of electronic music, hip-hop, indie rock, and large-scale art
35. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
OUT OF PERIOD 5-6 February 2022 • Event
What can be better than running accompanied by live bands and lots of other entertainment?
36. Louisiana Marathon
OUT OF PERIOD From 15 to January 17, 2021, • Event
A fast, flat race followed by a vibrant Louisiana-style celebration
37. Patrick’s Day celebrations
OUT OF PERIOD March 17 • Event
New Orleans Shifts Perceptions During St. Patrick’s Day Celebration