best time to visit new orleans 2024

New Orleans   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit New Orleans

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. To save on room rates, travel in the summer or fall. Just note that these seasons are known for their stifling heat and humidity, not to mention the threat of hurricanes – making travel insurance  a worthy investment for those traveling to New Orleans during this time.

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Popular Times to Visit New Orleans

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The Best Time to Visit New Orleans in 2024: When to Go Guide

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When is the best time to visit New Orleans? Virtually every season has its pros and cons and I’m here to share them with you

New Orleans’ distinct culture of music, architecture, food, and nightlife make it an attractive place to visit at any time of year, though many people prefer visiting during the city’s warmer months to enjoy its outdoor activities and festivals.

I’ve been to New Orleans on several occasions, all at different times of the year. It depends on what I want to do that dictates the best time to visit. I’ll outline some of my favorites below.

The best time to go to New Orleans varies depending on the season and your personal preference, but our tips will help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Big Easy.

To help you plan your next trip to New Orleans, here are some tips for choosing when to visit based on when festivals or events will take place and how busy the city will be overall.

Table of Contents

Mardi Gras Season

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, one of the best times to visit is during Mardi Gras season.

Mardi Gras season starts as early as the day after Three Kings Day, January 6th , all the way until the actual Mardi Gras day. Because of New Orleans’ long history and love of Mardi Gras, it’s going to be the most popular time to visit. That shouldn’t deter you from visiting, however. You can get plenty of Mardi Gras before the big event in late February or early March.

From January through Fat Tuesday, the city comes alive with music, parades, and parties. With its vibrant culture and renowned cuisine, there’s no better place to be during this festive time of year.

When it comes to experiencing Mardi Gras in all its glory, timing is key. If you’re traveling to New Orleans for the festivities, you’ll want to make sure that you’re there during the peak of the celebration. Parades usually begin around the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and last until the day before Lent begins. Although, there are parades, also called Krewes, as early as January 6 , so don’t count out January as a great time to visit. It’s important to note that many parts of the city are closed off to vehicular traffic on parade days, so plan your trip accordingly.

If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, consider attending one of the many festivals or parades that take place leading up to Fat Tuesday. There are a variety of events to choose from, from traditional second-line parades to more contemporary music festivals. It’s also worth noting that many restaurants, bars, and clubs will offer special menus and entertainment during this time. Find a complete festival and Krewe list here .

So, what is the best time to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras? For maximum parades and festivities, the week leading up to Mardi Gras is great. For fewer crowds and still a lot of fun, early February.

No matter how you choose to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it’s sure to be a memorable trip. Keep in mind that this is a popular time of year to travel, so it’s best to book accommodations and tickets as far in advance as possible. With a bit of planning and some luck, you’re sure to have an incredible trip to New Orleans.

History of Mardi Gras

The celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans dates back centuries, and today it’s one of the most famous festivals in the world.

Mardi Gras began as a religious holiday celebrated by early French settlers in Louisiana. In 1699, French explorers brought their Catholic faith to the area and named the spot Pointe du Mardi Gras.

By the late 18th century, locals had embraced the tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras with parades and parties. As time went on, the celebration of Mardi Gras grew, becoming more elaborate and grand. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cities throughout the world, but none quite like New Orleans.

If you want more history of Mardi Gras, be sure to check out the Presbytere Museum in the French Quarter .

Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Contrary to popular depictions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you do not have to celebrate it on Bourbon Street to have a good time. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend Bourbon Street for families and even teens.

Festivals, krewes, and parades take place all over the city and the surrounding parishes. In fact, Jefferson Parish, where New Orleans is located, offers up Family Gras in Mardi Gras Plaza in early February. Safely experience Mardi Gras celebrations, local Cajun and Creole dishes, and outdoor concerts.

On the day of Mardi Gras, visitors can enjoy colorful floats, marching bands, and plenty of beads along Canal Street. The route changes every year, but it typically starts at Lee Circle and ends in the French Quarter. Another great spot for watching parades is at City Park, where a few family-friendly parades take place.

For those looking to learn more about the Mardi Gras tradition, visit the Mardi Gras World. Located in the Warehouse District, this location is the world’s largest float designing and building facility. Get an up close and personal look at authentic Mardi Gras costumes and tour the elaborate floats used in more than 80 percent of the Mardi Gras parades. You’ll also learn the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans along with traditions and customs, including King Cake. Bonus, you can visit here year-round.

When is Mardi Gras in 2024?

Mardi Gras Day falls on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Spring in New Orleans

Early spring might see the tail end of Mardi Gras or a St. Patty’s Day Parade. It’s possible to combine these two events, depending on how long you will be in the Crescent City. St. Patrick’s Day always falls on March 17th, so at least that day is easy to figure out. In 2025, Mardi Gras is March 4th, and in 2030 Mardi Gras is March 5th .

Spring is one of the most popular times to travel to New Orleans. With its mild temperatures and festive atmosphere, there’s no better place to enjoy the season than the Big Easy. Whether you’re planning a trip to explore all of the city’s attractions or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun, here are a few tips for making the most out of your trip to New Orleans.

First and foremost, take advantage of the mild temperatures and make sure to pack light. The weather in New Orleans during the spring ranges from 50°F to 85°F. It’s best to dress in layers so you can adjust to any temperature changes.

Make sure to plan your visit during one of the city’s many festivals and events. With music festivals like the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April , there’s always live music happening in the city. There’s also a wide selection of excellent restaurants and bars in the city, so take some time to explore the city’s culinary delights.

The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival is a personal favorite of mine. Best known for A Streetcar Named Desire, the playwright set his scenes in New Orleans. This festival also takes place during the spring months.

Finally, take some time to explore the city’s many historic landmarks. The French Quarter, Garden District, and other neighborhoods offer plenty of opportunities to experience New Orleans’ history. Make sure to check out some of the city’s iconic architecture and stroll along Royal Street for a taste of what makes New Orleans so special.

When it comes to traveling to New Orleans, spring is one of the best times of the year. With its vibrant atmosphere, mild weather, and countless attractions, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on your trip to New Orleans!

Summer in New Orleans

The summer months are going to be hotter with average highs in the 80s to low 90s during the day. High humidity might make outdoor activities a little more challenging if you’re not used to it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great time to visit. This city is alive no matter the time of year, even in the hottest months!

Summer would be a great time to take advantage of all the exciting indoor attractions the city has to offer.

Enjoy interactive historical figures and musical influences New Orleans has played a part in when you visit Vue Orleans . This new experience offers high-tech, no-touch, colorful interactive elements spanning the history of Crescent City from Camonche Hunters to Jelly Roll Morton and more influential figures.

Then head to the 33rd floor where you’ll see a 360-degree mural of the Mighty Mississippi River and every tributary that feeds this important body of water. One more floor up, and you can take in the entire city from the outdoor observation deck.

Keep in mind that hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico is from June through November . It’s a good idea to check the weather before you travel to New Orleans. Active months for Hurricanes are August and September.

That being said, the city is well-prepared and equipped with measures such as hurricane evacuation plans and shelters. I don’t avoid travel during hurricane season, but I would also recommend travel insurance to cover things such as trip cancellation and interruption.

Fall in New Orleans

Fall is one of the best times to experience the vibrant culture and energy of the city. From jazz festivals and outdoor events to tantalizing cuisine and unique attractions, you’ll find something to do no matter what your interests are.

From September to November, visitors are welcomed by warm temperatures and comfortable humidity levels . The summer heat has dissipated and crowds have thinned, so you can enjoy the city’s attractions without the hustle and bustle.

September in New Orleans is when the city comes alive with fall festivities such as the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience , and the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience .

For foodies, fall in New Orleans is a must-visit. From classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys to modern culinary delights like oyster shooters and softshell crabs, there’s something for everyone. The iconic beignets at Café du Monde or Cafe Beignet and pralines from New Orleans Cooking School will satisfy your sweet tooth.

I highly recommend a food-based walking tour through the French Quarter . You’ll not only get to sample these iconic dishes but get a history of the architecture as well.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your trip to New Orleans. Take a hike at City Park, explore the Louisiana swamps on an airboat tour, or go fishing in Lake Pontchartrain.

New Orleans Holidays

For a quieter, more relaxed trip, consider traveling during winter. December is the best month to visit New Orleans in my opinion. The city celebrates Christmas with lights, parades, and live music performances.

The Christmas in the Oaks lights extravaganza, The Cajun Christmas Preservation Hall Concerts, and Reveillon, are all great events to take part in when you travel to New Orleans during the winter months.

We recently visited New Orleans again over the Christmas holiday and I was pleasantly surprised at the crowd levels.

During Christmas, lights are everywhere, Christmas jazz music is everywhere, and it’s still walkable and enjoyable.

Best Time of year to Visit New Orleans

Peak season will be during Mardi Gras and either late February or early March, depending on when the holiday falls.

That said, if you’re looking for a rich cultural experience (not on Bourbon Street) it is easily an event and experience you can’t get anywhere else and one of the best times to visit New Orleans. However, because it is iconic to New Orleans, expect large crowds the closer you get to Fat Tuesday.

Other popular events such as Jazz Fest will also attract more visitors, but once again, it’s an iconic event and a great way to experience New Orleans.

I love the holidays, so I would also recommend traveling to New Orleans during the Christmas season. It is one my personal favorites for the best time to visit New Orleans with family. With the lower average temperatures, yet still comfortable enough to be outside, you can enjoy city lights through the city and Jefferson Parish.

Consider the Weather – New Orleans has hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching the 90s. If you’re looking to avoid the heat and humidity, consider visiting in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder.

Best time to Visit New Orleans without Crowds

Visit in the shoulder season in the fall or in January, when the temperatures are a bit cooler. You’ll likely find cheaper rates at accommodations and maybe even some specials.

To get the best value for your money, try to stay in hotels during the off-season. Prices tend to drop during the winter months, but you may be able to score a good deal to save some money .

My vote personally would be mid-January. for the best time of the year. You’ll find neighborhood Krewe parades and lower hotel rates, the temperatures are perfect, and with fewer tourists, you’ll feel as if the city is yours.

how to visit New Orleans

Now that you know when to go, it’s time to figure out how to get to New Orleans.

You can fly directly into Louis Armstrong International Airport or take the train to Union Passenger Terminal. Once you’ve arrived, you can travel around the city by public transportation or by walking.

A ride on one of the streetcars is also a must-do attraction and an exciting mode of transportation. The Historic Green Line runs along St. Charles Avenue through the Garden District and beyond, while the other lines run along Canal Street, the Riverfront, and Rampart Streets. A one-day pass is only $3 and it’s both an effective mode of transport while also being a scenic ride. Parking, especially in the French Quarter will be tight and at times, not available.

If you’re driving into the city, I’d recommend the streetcars or walking. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from the Warehouse District. to the French Quarter for example, and a compact enough city that between the public transport and walking, you can see most of it.

How Many Days in New Orleans?

Initially, I’d start with a 4-day trip to New Orleans. I’ll be working on a full itinerary soon to give you an idea of what to see and do in those 4 days.

Final Thoughts When to go to New Orleans in 2024

New Orleans is great any time of year and there is so much to do. I’ve been in the fall, at the holidays, and in the spring and have not been disappointed in any of those times.

If you want Mardi Gras, but don’t want the crowds, you can still get a taste of the experience by visiting places such as the museums, Mardi Gras World, and shops on Royal Street.

Food is good year-round, but I love fall and winter for warm, spicy jambalaya and gumbo.

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Best Time To Visit New Orleans: When To Go And When To Avoid

April 17, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

While there are probably a thousand reasons to go when exactly is the best time to visit New Orlean s ? One of the most eccentric, vibrant, colorful cities in the South, the answer depends on you! With so much to experience, you’re going to want to plan your trip around your own interests!

Planning your trip to New Orleans last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in New Orleans in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!

Top Experiences And Tours In New Orleans:

• Evening Jazz Cruise On Steamboat (Likely to sell out!)
• Ghosts, Vampires + Voodoo Tour (Unique French Quarter tour!)
• High-Speed Airboat Ride (Super fun for the whole group)
• Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark (Very popular tour with 4.5/5 stars)

Top recommendations for accommodation In New Orleans:

• Sonesta New Orleans ES Suites (Downtown with views)
• Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter (Chic Bourbon Street location)
• The Brandywine Sextant (Rooftop pool!)
• NOPSI Hotel New Orleans (5-star luxury hotel!)

New Orleans is filled with friendly citizens, incredible live music, some of the best food in the South , and attractions that will create lifelong memories.

You can always find something to enjoy here! So when is the best time to visit New Orleans?

When Is The Best Time To Visit New Orleans?

The answer to this question will depend mostly on whether or not you’re interested in attending Mardi Gras! If you want to get the most of the festivities, you’re going to want to visit in early spring from February to May when the celebrations are in full swing. This will make a perfect weekend getaway !

If you want to attend actual Mardi Gras Day, that day usually falls either around the very end of February or the very beginning of March. Keep in mind that hotel rates during this time of year are very expensive. Expect to book your hotel and flight reservations at least a year in advance.

If you don’t mind the heat and want to stick to a budget, keep in mind that the best time to visit New Orleans for your wallet will be during the summer months. To get the best deep discounts, plan to visit during July, August, and September.

High And Low Season For New Orleans

Spring will always be the High Season for the Big Easy. The entire Mardi Gras season, or Carnival, runs for several weeks before actual Mardi Gras Day. Spring in general has the best weather, and is considered by most to be the best time to visit New Orleans. The summers can be hot and oppressive!

Because summers in New Orleans are long, swampy, and balmy, this is generally the low season for the city. While the summer months are difficult, you can definitely still survive. Just take it slow and drink plenty of water, especially if you’re day-drinking too. The sun can and will dehydrate you quickly!

While July and August are hot, this is when you’ll find the best hotel deals . The low season means fewer tourists, so airlines and hotels want to lure in travelers on a budget. You’ll be super hot, but you’ll love the deals!

Visiting New Orleans In Summer

Summer in New Orleans is not for the faint of heart. Trust us, you need to be prepared for brutally hot days. But if you’re hoping to avoid large crowds while saving a few bucks, this may be the best time to visit New Orleans for you!

July and August will be the hottest months. Average temperatures are 91 degrees Fahrenheit, but June and September aren’t much cooler. The trade off will be less crowds because summer is the low season. Hotels and airfare will be cheaper as well to draw you in!

Visiting New Orleans In Winter

Winter is one of our favorite times to visit New Orleans! We’re not big fans of that summer heat, and even spring can be oppressive. From late November to January, the city has had time to cool off to the 60s before the springtime festivals have started.

A New Orleans winter vacation will also be easy on your wallet. Fewer tourists will be in town, which translates to big savings for your wallet. Expect to find bargain hotel rates and airfare prices. If you don’t have anywhere to be during the holidays, then you should try to visit in December during Christmastime when the city is decorated !

Visiting New Orleans In Fall

Not quite the high season and not quite the low season, autumn in New Orleans is a strange beast. While temperature have receded back into the 80s and mid 70s, you still need to pay attention to the weather.

Late August and September are the height of the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. While hurricanes can be predicted in advance, a sudden formation can still throw a wrench into vacation plans. However, the reduced temperatures and many cultural events still make fall one of the best times to visit New Orleans!

Visiting New Orleans In Spring

Ahh, springtime in the Big Easy. There’s nothing like it. Comfortably warm weather in the low 70s to mid 80s brings the most major of festivals: Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Many tourists and locals will tell you that spring is the best time to visit New Orleans.

Keep in mind that heavy tourist traffic due to these festivals means dramatically raised hotel rates and airfare. If you want to guarantee your attendance and go easy on your wallet, you’ll need to book early. Just to secure a room at all? You’ll want to book several months to a year in advance!

Remember too that if you visit in spring, many of the city’s most popular attractions will be closed during Mardi Gras. If sightseeing is a priority, then you should try to plan a trip that doesn’t coincide with the biggest events of the year.

New Orleans By Month

If you still can’t decide when to go, don’t worry. We’ve broken down all the events in the Big Easy month by month so you can pick exactly when you want to vacation there! Although, with this many events and festivals happening, every month is the best time to visit New Orleans.

New Orleans In January

On New Year’s Day, check out the Sugar Bowl, the annual college football playoff game. Even if you can’t be in the Dome for the game, you can head to a local watch party at one of the sports bars downtown! You’ll see fans flooding downtown from inside.

On Joan of Arc’s birthday, January 6, you can catch the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parades which run annually downtown. The walking parade stars a medieval-themed procession through the French Quarter, ending with the first king cake of the Mardi Gras season!

Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, also on January 6 marks the official beginning of the Mardi Gras season! The first king cake of the season will make its way into local offices and parties until Fat Tuesday. Look out for the Phunny Phorty Phellows on the St. Charles Streetcar who herald the beginning of the Carnival Countdown during the best time to visit New Orleans.

This is one of our favorite things to do and you should add it to your Weekend In New Orleans Itinerary.

New Orleans In February

February is Black History Month, and there’s no better way to start your celebration by attending mass or visiting the St. Augustine Church. Historically this was a place of worship for the black community of Treme. Then visit one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the area!

 Look out for Mary Queen of Vietnam Church’s three-day celebration which celebrates the Lunar New Year, Tet, and Vietnamese heritage. All are welcome to enjoy live music, amazing Vietnamese food, games, dragon dances, and fireworks!

New Orleans In March

Every spring, starting in March, seasonal snowball shops reopen their storefronts and stands! Locals are incredibly loyal to their favorite stands who are neighborhood institutions. Bring cash and check out dozens of flavors at places like Hansen’s and Plum Street Snowballs!

You can also check out the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, an annual tradition reminiscent of 1920s speakeasies. You can attend sessions on topics like Bourbon History, go to grand tastings, bourbon pairing dinners, and burlesque shows!

Of course, you can’t forget BUKU, or the BUKU Music + Art Project. A music festival of EDM, hip-hop, and indie rock musicians unite in an underground/house party atmosphere. During this festival at Mardi Gras World, the best time to visit New Orleans, past performers have included Tyler the Creator, Glass Animals, and Megan Thee Stallion.

New Orleans In April

April is thought to be the best time to visit New Orleans, mainly because of the sheer number of festivals! First, on the first Saturday of April, check out the Freret Street Festival. Celebrating the local businesses, live music, and iconic food of the Uptown part of the city, this is the perfect way to start spring in New Orleans!

In one of New Orleans’ most beloved neighborhoods, you can catch the French Quarter Festival. From Woldenberg Park to Jackson Square, you can take in live music, incredible food, and the culture of the area! This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In New Orleans!

Then catch the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or Jazz Fest. Drawing massive crowds from all over the world, only Mardi Gras can top this festival. Over two weekends, hear live music on 14 stages and taste signature Jazz Fest foods!

New Orleans In May

Simply because of the weather, many consider May to be the best time to visit New Orleans. You can also check out the Bayou Boogaloo, whose proceeds are reinvested in the Bayou Saint John community! Enjoy fun for the entire family, local food, and craft vendors!

May 10 hails as National Shrimp Day, and the local restaurants in New Orleans do seafood the best. You can also grab a frozen margarita on Cinco de Mayo from a local spot like Casa Borrega! If you’re looking for a family vacation, Mom will certainly love being treated to New Orleans brunch for Mother’s Day weekend!

New Orleans In June

New Orleans’ cuisine is famous, so you can expect great things from the city’s annual Oyster Festival. Enjoy them chargrilled, fried, and raw while enjoying live music and browsing arts and crafts vendors! June also heralds one of the best Pride parades in the U.S., as New Orleans has been voted one of the most welcoming cities!

Then get your appetite ready at the end of June for Black Restaurant Week! You can patronize and taste the food of some of the best Black-owned restaurants in the city, all who feature special menus and deals!

This is also a great time of year to visit if you want to check out some of the best beaches Near New Orelans because it is so hot!

New Orleans In July

July means Independence Day, so that means gather your friends and family to watch the fireworks. You can get the best views from Crescent Park, Algiers Point, and Jackson Square! Host your own BBQ, or check out some of New Orlean’s best places!

Then check out the annual ESSENCE Fest, one of the Big Easy’s biggest festivals! Over three days, celebrate Black music, health, food, beauty, and culture with panel discussions and celebrity guests! Past performers have included Prince, Mary J. Blige, and Diana Ross!

Paying homage to the Spanish influence throughout New Orleans, head to the Arts + Warehouse District for the annual Running of the Bulls! Instead of living bulls, you’ll run away from New Orleans Roller Derby Girls!

New Orleans In August

The Big Easy has a lot of famous natives, so the best time to visit New Orleans is during Satchmo Summerfest which honors the life of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. During the first weekend of August, the three-day celebration hosts many live performances, local food, and seminars about the great trumpeter.

Then catch Southern Decadence, the largest LGBTQ event in New Orleans. The celebration lasts six days through the French Quarter and beyond. A favorite for Labor Day weekend, enjoy parties, parades, and glamorous costumes!

Then don your best red dress for the Red Dress Run. A beloved Big Easy tradition held the second Saturday of the month, runners and walkers participate to support local charities throughout the area!

New Orleans In September

September is the best time to visit New Orleans if you’re a foodie! Not only does the month bring cooler weather, but it also brings Restaurant Week from September 9-15. You can get 25% off regular prices at restaurants offering Prix-fixe menus!

St. Patrick’s Day may be in March, but in September, New Orleans celebrates Irish Fest. Across two stages and fairgrounds, this celebration of Irish culture includes arts, dance, music, food, and crafts!

The Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society also annually celebrates William Faulkner’s birthday with Happy Birthday, Mr. Faulkner, a birthday party and literary festival of sorts from September 24-27. 

New Orleans In October

Throughout October, head to the Deutsches Haus of New Orleans for Oktoberfest! Paying homage to German presence and culture in the Crescent City, enjoy classics like sauerbraten, cabbage, Bavarian pretzels, and of course, BEER!

Memphis may be known for their blue and BBQ, but it has nothing on the annual Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival. With over 20 local vendors specializing in BBQ, enjoy a lineup of live brass bands, blues, and gospel musicians. You can enjoy more food and music styles at the Voodoo Arts + Music Experience over the Halloween weekend!

With over 200 films from almost 120 countries, New Orleans earns its claim as the Hollywood of the South at the New Orleans Film Festival. Attend showings during the weeklong event in addition to exclusive events, panels, and parties!

Other events to experience include the Mac n Cheese Fest, Beignet Festival, Gentilly Fest, Treme Fall Fest, Praise Fest NOLA, and many more! Don’t forget to check out some of the most Haunted Hotels in New Orleans!

New Orleans In November

During the first weekend in November, arguably the best time to visit New Orleans, you can attend the Bayou Bacchanal! Celebrating Caribbean culture in the Crescent City, you can enjoy food and music from a number of Caribbean nations while the parade shuts down Canal Street!

Then get hungry for the Oak Street Po-Boy festival! Each year, Oak Street is transformed into a po-boy haven with 35 different vendors! Only you can decide who makes the best po-boy in the Big Easy! Then enjoy the Treme Creole Gumbo Fest to enjoy the New Orleans trifecta: brass bands, beads, and gumbo!

New Orleans In December

The holiday season is the best time to visit New Orleans with a flurry of Christmas celebrations! The Krewe of Jingle parade kicks off the season! Mr. and Mrs Claus make appearances, as well as Mr. Bingle, Rudolph, and more!

Then enjoy Celebration in the Oaks throughout the entire month. In City Park, you can take a romantic evening stroll with holiday-themed decorations illuminating the historic oak trees. Then head to the levees along the Mississippi River for the Christmas Eve Bonfires , which light the way for Santa and his reindeer!

There’s always a festival in New Orleans to enjoy, no matter what time of year you arrive! Even if you’re not keen on attending Mardi Gras, the Big Easy will leave your belly full, your spirits lifted, and put a song in your heart! The best time to visit New Orleans? All the time!

Time your trip right: the best time to visit New Orleans

Mar 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Honestly, there isn't a bad time to visit New Orleans; festivals fill the calendar year-round Kris Davidson / Lonely Planet

The best time to visit New Orleans is whenever you're feeling like you need to add some fun and random beautiful chaos to your life, because this city manufactures good times in overdrive. Good times aside, you probably want to arrive at the fun factory when the weather is pleasant. 

When it comes to New Orleans climate, there are basically two seasons: summer and not-summer. Summer lasts from May until October but can rear its muggy head at any time of the year: 80°F (26°C) days in the middle of a 50°F (10°C) week in winter are definitely a thing. Keep in mind that most of summer also overlaps with hurricane season, which has its own climatic footnotes. Meanwhile, "not-summer" (October to April) can include a surprisingly chilly winter, bracketed by a roughly two-month long, gorgeous spring on the one end, and an autumn that lasts maybe three days on the other (we’re exaggerating, but only just).

But "best time to visit" is not just a question of climate. There are other major concerns when visiting New Orleans, namely: what festivals are happening, and how many formal opportunities will exist for overindulgence? Spoiler alert: something will be happening, and yes, you can always have too much of a good thing. Read on to find out how, and more importantly, when.

January to mid-March: It’s Carnival Tiiiiiime

The above is the hook for Al Johnson’s masterpiece Carnival Time , which was recorded in 1960 and, some six decades later, remains the definitive Mardi Gras banger (OK, yes, it shares the title with Professor Longhair’s Go To the Mardi Gras ). If you're from outside Louisiana you might think Mardi Gras is a one-day party, but you'd be mistaken. While Mardi Gras  French for Fat Tuesday – is just the one Tuesday, it caps off the whole  Carnival season, which lasts from Twelfth Night/The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) until the day before Ash Wednesday. That latter date is set by the Catholic liturgical calendar – you can get a list of upcoming Mardi Gras dates here , but the holiday always hits in February or early March.

Carnival begins with the streetcar procession of the Phunny Phorty Phellows , and then continues to grow in fever-dream fantasy, with parades like the science fiction-themed Chewbacchus , and culminates in the five days before Mardi Gras, when everything in the city shuts down, everyone throws on a costume and the greater New Orleans metro area becomes an explosion of glitter, costuming and king cake .

Which is all to say: Carnival season is a ton of fun. If you’re coming from up north, the weather will almost certainly be warmer than what you’re used to, although the high humidity of South Louisiana makes the chill of 50°F (10°C) feel a lot more bitter than you’d expect – on the flip side, 70°F (21°C) or warmer days are certainly not unknown. Rates for everything, of course, are high – and you’ll want to make any sort of bookings, be it for accommodation or dining, well in advance.

Mid-March to May for the best festivals 

Lent begins the day after Mardi Gras , but big communal celebrations are decidedly not on the list of things New Orleans gives up. Spring in the city heralds festival season, marked by two big-name events: the French Quarter Festival (which is free!) and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (ie, Jazzfest), and sprinkled by several smaller parties. The weather approaches chef’s kiss perfection at this time; Louisiana spring is sort of like the golden days of early summer in many other parts of the country. 

Are room rates high? Definitely, and anything that can be booked should be done so well in advance. But in return, you’re getting good weather and great live music around the clock, and the city just feels like it’s in a good mood. In addition, on the last weekend of April, Lafayette in Louisiana, some 140 miles west of New Orleans, hosts Festival International de Louisiane, a rollicking free festival that celebrates Francophone music and heritage.

The summer slog of high heat and humidity settles in around mid-May, but prices don’t drop until after Memorial Day weekend.

June to September means summer heat and hurricanes  

Summer in New Orleans is, to be frank, interminably long and pretty miserable. Temps regularly hit the 90s (32°C), but high humidity means the real feel is often in the triple digits. It can feel hard to breathe, and being outside for longer than 30 minutes means dealing with copious amounts of sweat. The main relief comes from thunderstorms: the humidity swells and swells until it gets swept away by a dramatic storm. On top of everything, hurricane season starts, and while it technically lasts from June through November, peak hurricane time in South Louisiana is August and September.

Why visit at this time? Well, it’s as cheap as New Orleans gets. Waitstaff and hospitality workers tend to seem a little friendlier, a nod of respect to those who come here during the swelter. And there are parties, like the chichi White Linen Night, and the more down-to-earth Dirty Linen Night (both art gallery extravaganzas).

There's also the New Orleans Running of the Bulls (featuring roller derby skaters), the  Essence Music Festival , Satchmo Summerfest , and Southern Decadence (the city's most energetic LGBTQIA+ festival) takes place over Labor Day weekend. You’re a lot more likely to rub shoulders with a local during a show and there is a sweaty romance in the air on those long, sticky summer nights. Then, in September, New Orleans usually experiences a "false fall" (we just call it "Fallse") when temps drop to 70°F (21°C) before the heat comes raging back for a few more weeks.

October to December for the best of fall, with Halloween and Christmas 

There is no wishful thinking like the Louisiana family that hangs an autumnal wreath come late September, when the real feel still regularly tops 100 degrees (38°C). Still, by October the hellish heat gets broken up with cooler days, "cooler" here meaning 80-ish degrees (26°C). It’s not unusual for the air-con to be switched on on Halloween day, although sometimes Spooky Season in the Crescent City is decently temperate.

Either way, Halloween is fun in New Orleans, a time when costuming and silliness and defiant celebration manifests itself after the looong summer. Rates go up Halloween weekend but drop again in November, itself a generally quiet month and an excellent time for exploring the city free of the trifecta of heat, hurricane threats and high season rates. Indeed, if you’re into just having a (relatively) quiet New Orleans experience of strolling and admiring historical buildings, November is tough to beat.

Christmas is big in New Orleans, and while the weather will often top 70 degrees (21°C), there are days that drop into the 50s (10°C) and 40s (4°C), which feels cold in that humid air. December in New Orleans is all about hitting up holiday parties and celebrations, and while rates climb back up in anticipation of Carnival season, this is more or less a shoulder window with the added bonus of sincere, warm family cheer.

This article was first published Feb 12, 2021 and updated Mar 13, 2023.

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The Best Time to Visit New Orleans, LA

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Louisiana , United States of America (USA)

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Put your party pants on and get ready to visit New Orleans!

The city is known for its remarkable cuisine, upbeat music scene, and electrifying atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to explore the supernatural or just want to let loose, there’s always something fun happening in NOLA year round.

So check out my guide now for tips on when it’s the best time to visit New Orleans (hint: all times)!

Summer (June, July & August)

Summer in New Orleans is certainly not for the faint of heart!

With summer heat that can feel like walking into a sauna, to the potential of dodging storms while they make their way through the Gulf of Mexico during official hurricane season, no summer visit here could ever be defined as boring.

But, bravado aside, summer in many ways is the best time to experience everything this wonderful city has to offer.

Kicking off the steamy summer in June is New Orleans Pride with block parties, dance parties, parades, and tons more fun all month long.

Fourth of July weekend is the Essence Festival at the Caesers Superdome, a music festival featuring Black artists. What an epic way to celebrate the 4th!

Next up is Fidelity Bank White Linen Night , which takes place the first Saturday evening in August. This fun cultural event happens in New Orleans’ Arts District.

It’s basically a block party that celebrates the art galleries and artists in the area, plus there’s food and drink.

And the name? Everyone is encouraged to wear their best white linen ensemble to the event.

Kicking off the transition from Summer to Fall is Southern Decadence , which always takes place in the days leading into Labor Day.

It’s a bit like a pride party, as it was started and is hosted by the LGBTQ+ community, though tends to be mainly gay men.

There are dance parties, bar crawls, and of course, a big ol’ parade in the French Quarter, including Bourbon Street, on the day before Labor Day. It is New Orleans, after all!

So open an umbrella for both sun and rain protection, slather yourself in sunscreen, and put hot and sticky New Orleans on your Summer bucket list. You won’t be sorry you did!

Fall (September, October & November)

Visiting New Orleans in the fall is a treat to remember.

In September is the Beignet Festival , a 1-day charity event at City Park with incredible food and local musicians.

Proceeds benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which provides grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve New Orleans kids with developmental disabilities.

Around mid-October is the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival , a small blues and jazz festival paired with local BBQ vendors at Lafayette Square.

On Halloween weekend, you can catch the exciting Voodoo Music + Arts Experience at City Park.

This fun festival features a variety of bands, local food vendors, art installations, and a market.

Halloween itself is a spooktacular time of year in New Orleans where the city comes alive with decorations and people in costume everywhere you look.

You can even find extra spooky haunted tours and experiences , like seances in abandoned hospitals and Halloween costume parties.

Rounding out the fall season in New Orleans is the New Orleans Film Festival in early November, which is an Oscar award qualifying festival!

While there is a focus on Southern filmmakers, anyone can submit their film for consideration.

Fall is one of my favorite times to visit New Orleans, especially close to Halloween. Be sure to pack a costume and book your haunted tours ASAP!

Winter (December, January & February)

Visiting New Orleans during Christmas or the winter season is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

New Orleans residents really know how to splash out when it comes to decorating their homes for the holidays, and Christmas is no exception.

Christmas lights twinkling off the old buildings combined with live jazz bands make for a surreal atmosphere, almost as if time has frozen itself.

As you approach the new year, don’t miss out on celebrating New Year’s Eve in true Big Easy fashion.

Also around this time is the Allstate Sugar Bowl college football game, usually held on New Year’s Eve or Day. The 2 teams playing depends on who the top teams are that year from the SEC and Big 12 Conference.

Carnival season

But the most exciting thing to happen in the winter is the kickoff of Carnival season on Twelfth Night , aka January 6, aka Three King’s Day.

This is when folks bring out the King Cake and the parties start leading up to Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday.

Speaking of Mardi Gras , this even will happen on the day before Ash Wednesday, so it will be either the tail end of Winter or in early Spring.

Word for the wise – Mardi Gras isn’t a single day celebration. It’s nearly every day from January 6th, with Mardi Gras itself being the last day.

Why? Because Lent starts the next day, where many Christians will give something up, typically a bad habit or influence, until Easter.

So it’s basically a way to get all the partying out of your system before a nice ol’ reset.

Anyway, the parties can range from decadent, luxurious balls to partying in the street during your favorite krewe’s parade.

Lastly, a word for the wise – it might be Louisiana, but it does get cold in the winter!

On my last visit, for New Year’s, I didn’t bring a winter jacket and ended up needing to buy one in the French Quarter because my sweater wasn’t warm enough – and I’m used to the chilly weather as a New England girl! There were definitely lots of hot cafe au laits and beignets from Cafe du Monde that week!

Spring (March, April & May)

In my opinion, Spring is the best time to visit New Orleans, LA.

First off, Mardi Gras often falls right at the beginning (although as explained in the previous section, sometimes it’s at the end of winter).

No doubt coming off the high of Carnival season and Mardi Gras, Spring brings multiple festivals.

In March is the New Orleans Bourbon Festival , which celebrates all things bourbon and whisky.

There are panels, tastings, and awards, kind of like a conference but a heck of a lot more fun!

In early April is the French Quarter Festival , a FREE music festival featuring mainly music styles from or popularized in Lousiana, such as blues, jazz, and zydeco.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is New Orleans’ most well-known music festival. It takes place over 2 separate weekends, usually in April or April into May.

Don’t be fooled by the name – artists within other genres, such as Soul, Rock, and Bluegrass, also perform.

TIP : If you’re not into crowds, the time between Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the best time to visit New Orleans for fewer tourists to dodge in the French Quarter.

Lastly, the weather in New Orleans during the Spring months is quite nice. It’s usually warm, but not sweltering, and not too much rain yet, as it’s not hurricane season.

When is your favorite time to visit New Orleans?

From incredible Cajun food to the iconic Mardi Gras celebrations, there truly is something for everyone in New Orleans.

Whether you’re looking to explore the city and enjoy classic cultural sites by day or dance the night away in The French Quarter with friends, a trip to this vibrant city is guaranteed to leave you with lifelong memories.

All that’s left now is for you to decide when you’re going to take your adventure and where to stay .

Maybe you’ll even find yourself returning every year, like so many already have, for more of what this unique city has to offer.

Have fun and enjoy this magical Southern city!

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published October 20, 2016. It was last updated March 17, 2023.

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When Is the Best Time to Go to New Orleans? Your Full Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/when-is-the-best-time-to-go-to-new-orleans

When is the best time to go to New Orleans? It depends. There are a lot of reasons to visit this charming city, from Mardi Gras in winter to Jazz Fest in spring.

Read on for the best months to visit New Orleans for any occasion. Better yet, book your vacation with a New Orleans trip planner (a.k.a. Fora Advisor) and you’ll get access to a plethora of awesome New Orleans travel perks, tips and recommendations. 

Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your getaway today.

When is the best time to go to New Orleans, season-by-season?

Here are the best months to visit New Orleans, organized by travel season.

January, February & March: the time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, parades & St. Patrick’s Day

January, February and March are the best months to visit New Orleans for many reasons. New Orleans is an increasingly popular destination for New Year’s celebrations, but Tet, an important holiday among the city’s large Vietnamese population, is also celebrated.

And of course, January 6th marks the beginning of Carnival Season. Mardi Gras, the final day of Carnival, usually falls somewhere in mid-February or early March, and New Orleans' overall Mardi Gras seasons lasts through mid-to-late March. Black History Month is hugely important in New Orleans, too. 

While Mardi Gras Day (i.e., Fat Tuesday) is usually the busiest date of the year, March still sees more traffic overall. In fact, March is arguably New Orleans’ liveliest month. The weather is also at its most temperate — the perfect time for a honeymoon trip (check out the most romantic hotels in New Orleans ) or a spring break New Orleans girls’ trip . St. Patrick’s Day is the last major holiday of these three months, and the celebration is one of the biggest outside Boston. 

(Eager to sample the city’s world-renowned gastronomy? Our foodie’s guide to New Orleans has you covered.)

April & May: the best months to visit New Orleans for nice weather and the Jazz Festival

April and May also bring great weather, although it can get fairly warm toward the end of this period. Festivals and parades continue until the end of April, with the Jazz Festival capping the season before the harsh summer weather rolls in. 

Connect with Fora for the full scoop, plus guidance on (and VIP travel perks at) the coolest New Orleans hotels .

June, July, August & September: NOLA’s quietest & hottest months

June through September are New Orleans’ hottest months to visit. You won’t see many major festivals and celebrations during this period, as temperatures and humidity can be particularly severe. Hurricane season also peaks in August and September.

The one exception to large gatherings is the beginning of the NFL season in September. New Orleans Saints games have achieved a near-religious following here, and it’s one of the better atmospheres for a football game (unless the Saints are playing a divisional rival). This might be the best time of year to visit New Orleans if you want a more low-key trip away from other travelers.

(Want to get off the beaten path in New Orleans ? Check out our guide.)

October, November & December: Halloween, Christmas & New Year’s Eve

By October, the crowds are starting to come back to New Orleans’ streets. If you’re looking for a quieter vacation and a relatively laid-back atmosphere, it's better to visit outside of the major holidays and long weekends.

Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s (again) are exciting times to enjoy the city, with many local businesses participating in some fashion. In fact, October, November and December are arguably the best months to visit New Orleans if you want the most balanced experience: fun holidays and quieter off-days. The overall vibe is still energetic, but magnitudes less than what you can expect during spring.

(Celebrating Christmas in New Orleans ? Our guide has itinerary suggestions.)

When is the best time to go to New Orleans: FAQs

Have more questions about the best time of year to visit New Orleans? Read on.

(Wondering when to visit other great destinations in the USA? Read our guides to the best time to visit Colorado and the best time to visit Utah .)

When is Mardi Gras? What about the Jazz Festival?

The Mardi Gras season usually begins around mid-February — whatever day Fat Tuesday falls on — and runs between four and eight weeks, depending on when Ash Wednesday occurs. 

Part of Carnival Season, which kicks off on January 6th each year, Mardi Gras is when New Orleans nightlife is at its peak. Tens of thousands from all over crowd the city’s streets, jazzy rhythms flow from the music halls and everyone on Bourbon Street has a daiquiri or hurricane cocktail in hand.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (a.k.a. Jazz Fest) is usually held the last weekend of April through the first weekend of May. If you’re a music lover, this might be your best time to visit New Orleans.

Connect with Fora to book your getaway today and get intel for all the major happenings in New Orleans. And when you book your trip with a Fora Advisor, you can stay at the city's best hotels (including the coolest boutique hotels in New Orleans ), all while unlocking exciting extras and VIP perks at no extra cost.

(BTW: check out our 3-day New Orleans Jazz Fest itinerary if you’re wondering what to do while you’re in town.)

Is New Orleans a good spring break destination?

Unsurprisingly, New Orleans is easily one of the top spring break destinations in the United States, especially during years when spring break coincides with Mardi Gras. But even when the two events don’t coincide, spring is an electric time to go to New Orleans. Virtually every night feels like a party on Bourbon Street, and lively parades run through Magazine Street just about every weekend.

It’s also worth noting that outside of Bourbon Street (and to some degree Canal Street) at night, New Orleans is actually a family-friendly destination for spring break, too.

What time of year is New Orleans busiest? When’s the best time to avoid crowds?

All the best areas to stay in New Orleans are definitely at their busiest during Carnival Season, especially around Mardi Gras. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds — maybe because you’re visiting with kids (check out the best family hotels in New Orleans ) — we recommend visiting in fall for a couple reasons. 

First, you’ll miss NOLA’s hottest and most humid weather. Second, while the streets are much quieter than they are during Mardi Gras, there’s still a fun energy in the city. 

(Can’t wait to take in the lovely scenery of New Orleans’ most prized district? Check out our ultimate French Quarter guide .)

When is hurricane season for New Orleans?

Hurricane season technically lasts from June 1st to November 30th, but August and September are especially volatile (i.e., this might not be the best time to throw a New Orleans girls’ getaway or family vacation). 

How serious is New Orleans’ hurricane season? Should I avoid visiting during this period?

Obviously, if a hurricane is coinciding with a planned trip, it’s wise to cancel (this is where travel insurance can be a good idea). However, one thing to note about hurricanes is that they’re almost always noticed and tracked well in advance. In other words, if you’re planning a trip that’s set to occur a few weeks out, you may be able to avoid any pending storms. On the other hand, if you’re planning a trip for the following hurricane season, you are taking a bit of risk. A Fora Advisor will help you navigate these risks. 

Is October the best month to visit New Orleans outside of Mardi Gras?

Arguably so: by October, New Orleans’ weather tends to cool down. And while fall sees the return of crowds, the streets are never as busy during this period as they are during Mardi Gras. Plus, locals take the holiday season — starting with Halloween — to heart, so it’s a magical time to visit.

What’s the best time of year to visit New Orleans for the weather?

Aside from summer, when it can be scorching hot and humid, New Orleans generally enjoys comfortable, pleasant weather. Even winters here are fairly mild. Although, it can get cold at night — occasionally dropping into the 40s and below. 

When does NOLA receive the most rain per day?

Rain is common all year long, but peaks in summer. On the bright side, this can provide a little bit of relief from the city’s otherwise hottest season.

How many days do you need to visit New Orleans?

Our full guide to how many days in New Orleans you’ll need covers this in detail, but generally, we recommend a few days to a week to get the full experience. 

Start planning your NOLA trip with Fora and an advisor will help you build your ideal 3-day New Orleans itinerary (or any itinerary, for that matter).

When is the best time to go to NOLA for lower prices?

The blazing heat, frequent rain and threat of hurricanes makes August the most affordable time of year to visit New Orleans. That said, it’s generally more affordable to visit during fall and winter than spring — and you don’t have to worry so much about adverse weather.

Does New Orleans have an off-season?

Summer is New Orleans’ quietest travel season almost exclusively because of the weather and lack of major events.

Is there an overall best time of year to go to New Orleans?

This ultimately comes down to whether you want to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras or to see the sights. If you can’t wait to experience the party atmosphere at its most vibrant, then spring is ideal. 

If you’re more interested in the city itself and other sights, then fall is generally better. It’s slightly more affordable, the weather is usually great, there’s still a great energy and virtually all the city’s best sights and attractions are still open (there’s way more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street ).

When is the best time to go to New Orleans for ‘your’ trip? Ask Fora

So when is the best time of year to visit New Orleans? Ultimately, it depends on what your interests are. Connect with a Fora Advisor and they’ll help you figure out the best times to go to NOLA based on your preferences. Want a mother-daughter trip to New Orleans sans crowds? Or a bachelor party amidst peak Carnival Season? Consider it a done deal.

Even better, when you book with Fora , you'll unlock VIP hotel perks at no extra cost. Couple that with expert travel recommendations and tips and there’s no better way to vacation in New Orleans.

Curious about the best places to visit in the USA ? Check out these travel guides, too:

Hotels Near Times Square, NYC: 5 Exciting Options  

A Few of Fora’s Favorite Las Vegas Hotels: 6 Ritzy Choices  

5 Beautiful, Fun & Cool Places to Visit in California: Fora's Guide  

The Best Places to Visit in Florida: 3 Great Options  

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5 of the Coolest Places Visit in Chicago: Fora’s Guide  

4 of the Best Places to Visit in Texas: Austin to Galveston

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The Best Times To Visit New Orleans, Louisiana [By Seasons & Interests]

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No city in America is quite like New Orleans. Built by French colonists in 1718 prior to the Louisiana Purchase, the state’s coastal capital has been a cultural crossroads for food, music, and language for generations. This is the birthplace of jazz, a major purveyor of Creole cuisine, and ground zero for one of America’s biggest celebrations — Mardi Gras .

When it comes right down to it, though, planning your visit to the Big Easy is all about timing. Harsh winters rarely touch the American South, especially New Orleans. However, while most months of the year are calm and pleasant, weather-wise, certain windows can experience extreme rises in crowds and temperatures, causing prices (and your sweat levels) to skyrocket.

In the end, the best time to visit New Orleans depends on what you are looking for, or looking to avoid, in your trip. Here to listen to some jazz? Join the party? Escape the party? Events, weather, and crowds are all important factors when choosing the right month to go. Below, we take a deep dive into the city’s seasons, festivals, and more to help you make the best decision.

Spring is considered New Orleans’ peak season . The weather starts to warm up, some of the city’s biggest festivals get underway, the food is fabulous — hello, crawfish season! — and the blooming flowers and emerging wildlife are a serious draw for anyone looking to venture out into the bayou on a swamp tour.

If Fat Tuesday falls late in the year, the beginning of spring can coincide with Mardi Gras, or Carnival — the city’s biggest and most raucous party of the year — when tourists from around the country come to see costumed performers take to the streets, catch beads thrown by fellow revelers on ornate parade floats, and attend parties and masquerade balls through the wee hours.

While you might think Mardi Gras is where the springtime celebrations start and end, New Orleans is just getting started. This season welcomes 1 outdoor festival after another , as the fabulous weather keeps tourists out around the clock.

All of this is to say that spring is the most expensive time to visit New Orleans. For some travelers, however, the hype is worth the price.

Mardi Gras , the biggest event of the year in New Orleans, occurs 40 days before Easter, meaning it can land as late as early March. When it does, flight and hotel rates skyrocket as tourists clamber for a front-row seat to the action surrounding Bourbon Street and the historic French Quarter, where many of the parades process.

Coming off the months of winter, March tends to be the least-humid month  in New Orleans, and also less rainy than other times of the year. Beginning in March and lasting through April and May, trees and flowers begin to bloom and regain their luster in verdant neighborhoods like the Garden District and Audubon Park.

By April and May, the focus finally shifts away from Mardi Gras and onto New Orleans’ famous incredible music scene.

The French Quarter Festival that sets up stages around the district in early April for various acts spanning blues, jazz, and zydeco is followed by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival  when musicians of varying talent and background come together in a celebration of music, food, and crafts that lasts through early May.

Temperatures continue to rise into the high 70s, making April a warm and comfortable month to stroll the city’s streets and riverfront. That said, April showers are no myth here, so be sure to pack a raincoat and some sturdy, waterproof boots if you don’t want a surprise storm to ruin the day.

May’s blooming orchids and lush, green foliage make plantation and bayou tours incredibly vibrant and colorful.

By now, alligators also start to remerge from hibernation and stick around through October — making swamp tours an especially thrilling experience for taking in the local wildlife. Temperatures reach into the mid-80s, and nights are also warm, averaging in the high 60s.

There’s no way around it. In the summer, the South gets hot . Heat and humidity are at an all-time high in New Orleans between June and September, particularly in July and August when temperatures consistently hit the 90s. This season is dominated by long, muggy days as well as frequent thunderstorms that send street vendors and tourists scrambling for cover.

If you’re looking to save a buck, though, you’ll find some incredible discounts during the summer . Many travelers choose to avoid traveling to NOLA this season because of its blazing temperatures, which means crowds are few and far between while hotel and restaurant deals are available and abundant.

Wildlife sightings are abundant during summer swamp tours, though the lingering humidity does attract bugs. If you plan on spending extended time outdoors, it’s important to hydrate and drink plenty of water.

June signals the start of the hurricane season . Both rain and thunderstorms are frequent, making June the wettest month of the year with an average of 8 inches of rainfall. The heat and humidity start to kick in as well, with an average daily temperature of 90 degrees — though the highest temperatures hold off until July.

Along with August, July is among the hottest months of the year , with an average daily temperature of 91 degrees and nights that stay balmy at 75 degrees. Rain continues to fall as the hurricane season progresses, but that doesn’t stop the city from holding a few key events for locals and travelers less bothered by the heat.

The annual Go 4th on the River fireworks show is always a sight, when 2 barges set off spectacular fireworks displays over the Mississippi River. That same weekend hosts the Essence Music Festival , which has become the largest African-American culture and music event in the U.S.

The oppressive heat of July continues in August, and by this time, the humidity is at an all-time high . Daytime temperatures average in the low 90s and don’t let up, rarely falling below 75 degrees even at night. Light, cotton clothes and plenty of water are essential for spending time outdoors.

Keep in mind that this is the height of hurricane season, and storms pass through the city on the regular.

Although September can still experience the tail-end of summer’s heat, rainfall drops off considerably, making fall the driest season in New Orleans and a pleasant time to visit . In fact, October and November are considered one of New Orleans’ best travel windows in terms of weather and activities .

Because this is considered shoulder season, crowds and hotel rates start to drop as the city’s events become less and less frequent. That’s not to say nothing is going on.

On the contrary, October is one of fall’s busier months thanks to the New Orleans Film Festival, the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience, and, of course, Halloween — a perfect time to break out those costumes or embark on one of NOLA’s storied ghost tours.

Don’t be fooled by fall elsewhere in the country — September feels just like summer in the Big Easy, with an average daily temperature of 88 degrees that rarely dips below the 70s, even at night. Think of September as a slightly milder version of August.

By October, cooler weather and low humidity finally begin to give the city a break. Temperatures begin to fall into the low 80s, and locals start to break out their jackets and jeans. Nights get chillier as temperatures reach the low 60s.

This is still hurricane season, but on average, October is New Orleans’ driest month of the year , which might explain why the city jams so many events into its short four weeks.

The celebrations kick off with the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival , which sets up in and around Lafayette Square Park with 2 musical stages, an arts market, and dozens of food vendors. Also in mid-October, the New Orleans Film Festival has been nicknamed “the Cannes of the Mississippi” and is considered one of the best in the country.

Finally, there’s Halloween. Few places do this spooky holiday better than New Orleans, whose crumbling cemeteries with their above-ground graves and lauded ghost tours have lured tourists for decades. Around the same time, the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience takes over City Park, where past performances have included Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The end of hurricane season sees days get even brisker, with an average daily temperature of 72 degrees that drops into the mid-50s after sunset. Long pants and long sleeves are now the recommended wardrobe, and you might even want a pair of gloves as you take your Sazerac — New Orleans’ signature drink — outside.

After the big-ticket events of October, November is a relatively quiet month as the city recovers from Halloween and begins to prepare for the holidays. On Thanksgiving Day, Celebration in the Oaks — one of the city’s most spectacular displays — debuts in City Park, when tens of thousands of holiday lights take over its massive oak trees.

Many travelers consider winter to be the best time of year to visit New Orleans.

The weather, although more unpredictable than other seasons, can be surprisingly pleasant. Daily temperatures have cooled off considerably from summer’s blazing heat and can fluctuate between requiring a heavy coat or just a light jacket. Holiday decorations begin to take over the city , too — an attraction many look forward to each year.

Despite this, winter remains an unpopular and therefore affordable time to visit New Orleans — rain is frequent and, if temperatures are cold enough, can change into sleet without warning — which means crowds are virtually nonexistent , keeping prices for flights, hotels, restaurants, and activities at an all-time low.

Although alligators hibernate until March, swamp tours are still a popular pastime and, while certainly chillier than other times of the year, benefit from 3 winter conditions — no mosquitos, bare trees (which allows you to see better and deeper into the swamp), and seasonal wildlife sightings including deer, otters, and migrating birds.

The 1 exception to the affordability rule, of course, is when Mardi Gras falls early in the year. When that happens, the end of winter becomes the busiest and most expensive time to visit the city.

The holiday spirit takes over the streets , and one of the most magical (not to mention unusual) events in New Orleans — Bonfires on the Levee — takes place on Christmas Eve, when gigantic log pyramids are set aflame along the Mississippi River.

Packing can be tricky this month, Some days call for a heavy winter coat and gloves while others can be downright warm — we’re talking 80 degrees warm. On average, though, expect to see temperatures around the mid-60s and lows in the mid to high 40s.

Mardi Gras may still be at least a month away, but in this town, the celebrations start early — almost immediately after the New Year.

January 6 is Three Kings Day, the official start of the Mardi Gras season , and from then until Ash Wednesday, New Orleans exponentially ramps up the festivities with costume parties, balls, and parades. The energy (and hotel rates) pick up in preparation for the main event.

January might be the coldest month of the year , though “cold” in the American South is a relative term. Temperatures during this month average in the low 60s, though nights can be downright freezing in the mid to high teens.

New Orleans is in all-out party mode by February , as Fat Tuesday draws ever closer. This is the month of Mardi Gras , or Carnival, when tourists from around the world come to see costumed performers (and don costumes of their own), attend formal masquerade balls, and watch as massive parade processions shut down large sections of the French Quarter and the Marigny.

The narrow streets of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhoods, where much of the celebrations take place, mean crowds can be almost insufferable this time of year, but many consider Mardi Gras in New Orleans , like New Year’s Eve in New York’s Times Square, to be an experience worth checking off that bucket list.

Mardi Gras can land as early as mid-February or as late as early March, meaning the festivities often last all month long. Just make sure you pack appropriately, especially if you plan to stay out late. Just slightly warmer than January, daytime temperatures in February hover in the mid-60s while nights dip into the shiver-inducing teens.

Bottom Line:  The best time to travel to New Orleans is typically between October and April . Off-season rates and lower rainfall make fall a beautiful time to visit, while winter and spring festivities keep the energy high. Generally, travelers tend to avoid the city in the summer and early fall due to high temperatures and humidity, which can make long days outside uncomfortable.

The Best Time to Visit New Orleans During Mardi Gras

Here’s a fun fact: Louisiana is the only U.S. state that has made Mardi Gras an official legal holiday . Also known as Fat Tuesday, it’s a day of celebration and indulgence before Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent, and can land as early as the first week of February or as late as early March.

Over the years, Mardi Gras has become New Orleans’ biggest celebration of the year and has taken on a life of its own in the form of raucous street parades, eye-popping masquerade balls, and all-around revelry.

For the true experience, most previous attendees arrive the weekend before Mardi Gras and stay through the week. However, the closer it gets to the holiday, the pricier rates become. In the week leading up to the big event, be prepared for hotels to require bookings of 3 or 4 nights minimum and book out up to a year in advance.

Unfortunately, flights will always be expensive in order to take advantage of the popular travel time.

Although the excitement comes to a head on the day of and in the week leading up to Fat Tuesday, festivities are known to begin in NOLA as early as January. If you don’t care about being there on the actual day, considering flying in a few weeks before when lower-key events can still be enjoyed alongside a fraction of the usual crowd.

The Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Weather

New Orleans during July and August is notoriously hot, humid, and rainy, making summer one of the worst times to visit the city in terms of weather — not to mention hurricane season lasts from June through the fall. Other than that, though, the weather in NOLA is relatively pleasant throughout the spring, fall, and even during winter.

Spring spells warm temperatures, low humidity, fresh blooms, and emerging wildlife. Fall is equally mild. Though storms have been known to pass through, October and November experience the driest conditions all year. Fall also sees fewer crowds than spring and much lower rates across flights and hotels.

For the best weather without the crowds or high prices, time your visit for late March through April or between October and November .

The Best Time to Visit New Orleans Without Crowds

Without a doubt the busiest and consequently most expensive time to pay a visit to the Crescent City is during its big-ticket festivals and events.

If you’re looking to stay away from the mobs, steer clear of spring — specifically the weeks leading up to and during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, which draw thousands of tourists every year and see hotel rooms and restaurant reservations increasingly difficult to come by.

Instead, the least crowded times to visit New Orleans are during summer and winter, which hold fewer events due to their harsh or, in winter’s case, unpredictable weather and see far more affordable hotel and flight rates.

The Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Seafood

New Orleans wouldn’t be New Orleans without its food, especially its seafood. Being on the Gulf of Mexico will do that. Luckily, you don’t have to limit yourself with specific travel dates in order to enjoy what this culinary capital has to offer. That said, some seasons feature fresher ingredients than others, while big-ticket food festivals are worth planning a whole trip around just to attend.

The best season to try Louisiana shrimp, which make their way into must-try dishes like shrimp po’ boys and shrimp remoulade, is in January and between April and November.

Oysters and crab, specifically blue crab, are mostly available year-round, though oyster peak season falls between October and April.

As far as southern food goes, it might not get more traditional than crawfish, which can be boiled or made into an étouffée (shellfish smothered in sauce and poured over rice). You can enjoy these bite-size crustaceans anytime outside July through October.

As for festivals, here are some of the biggest food events to keep on your radar:

• NOLA Crawfish Festival
• Oyster Festival
• Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

The Cheapest Time to Visit New Orleans

It may seem like a no-brainer, but the cheapest time to visit New Orleans is during its least-crowded months, when flights, restaurants, and hotels see the lowest amount of bookings. If you can suffer through the heat and humidity, summer is the best window to experience New Orleans on a budget .

While you can find affordability as soon as late June and into early September, July and August are by far the cheapest months to fly to and stay in NOLA. Even the city’s priciest luxury hotels slash their rates to cushion their lower occupancy. Keep a lookout for special deals, too, at some of the city’s landmark restaurants.

Rates during this time are low for a reason. Many travelers can’t, or don’t want to, endure the city’s oppressive heat and humidity, which can reach into the 90s with a stifling humidity level of 100 percent.

Whether your taste buds are in need of a hearty bowl of gumbo or sugar-coated beignets, your ears are craving some jazz or blues, or your inner history buff is itching to explore the cobbled streets and colorful townhouses of the picturesque French Quarter, New Orleans is a feast for the senses.

Southern temperatures remain warm and pleasant for most of the year. Still, even the heat of summer can’t dissuade some travelers from coming out to enjoy strolls along the Mississippi waterfront or cramming into NOLA’s award-winning restaurants and storied music clubs.

Whatever season you choose to visit the Big Easy, don’t try to fit it all in on one visit. It takes multiple trips to do this fascinating, culturally rich, unique city justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit new orleans.

The best month to visit New Orleans all depends on what you want out of your trip. We hope this article sheds light on which month best suits your preferences — be it mild weather, famous festivals, or affordable hotel rates.

What is the cheapest time to go to New Orleans?

The cheapest time to visit New Orleans is in the summer, when high temperatures and humidity levels keep most travelers away. During this season, flights and hotels are the most affordable they’ll be all year.

What is hurricane season in New Orleans?

Hurricane season in New Orleans lasts from June through November, which coincides with the city’s rainiest months of June, July, and August. Typically, rainfall tapers off considerably by October, the city’s driest month.

Because much of New Orleans sits below sea level, flooding poses a particular threat to the area. Effects are still being felt from Hurricane Katrina, which hit the city in August 2005.

Developing storms should be an important factor when making travel plans, and can be a justifiable reason to postpone a trip.

When is the rainy season in New Orleans?

Rain is a common occurrence in New Orleans throughout the year because of its semi-tropical climate, though it rarely lasts long. The summer months of July, July, and August, as well as January, experience the most rain, with June clocking in as the city’s wettest month with 8 inches of average rainfall.

How many days to you need in New Orleans?

Squeezing a quick weekend trip to NOLA is an exciting prospect, but first-time visitors will feel rushed and be limited to seeing just the major sights.

Many locals and seasoned visitors would recommend that you set aside at least 4 days to take full advantage of the city’s food and music scenes, tour its diverse neighborhoods, take a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi, and embark on a day trip to the area’s swamplands or historic plantations.

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About Lindsey Olander

Currently based in New York, Lindsey spent her childhood in Connecticut dreaming of far-off places. Her first flight was to Disney World at age 11. Her second flight was for a high school field trip to Italy, though travel as a career didn’t stick until she studied abroad in London during college and discovered the true power of her passport. Since then, she’s worked as a travel editor at Jetsetter  and Travel + Leisure , where she reported on everything from African safaris to hot hotel openings to, yes, Disney World.

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Best Time to Visit New Orleans

Explore the best times for Southern culture in New Orleans! From ideal travel months to avoiding the heat & crowds, plan your perfect trip with our guide.

New Orleans is among the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. You won’t find any other U.S. city with such unique cuisine, culture, and nightlife. So, what is the best time to visit New Orleans?

The best time to visit New Orleans is January because flights are 27% cheaper than the rest of the year on average. February-May is the best time to go to New Orleans with family, especially if you go after Fat Tuesday when Mardi Gras ends. July and August aren’t the best months to go to New Orleans as a tourist because of the extreme heat and humidity.

Hurricane season is a dangerous time in New Orleans between June 1st and November 30th. New Orleans is a great vacation destination because there are events and festivals each month of the year. Follow along as we explore the best time to visit New Orleans.

When Should You Not Go To New Orleans?

July and August are the best times to avoid New Orleans because of how hot and humid it gets . There are still plenty of festivities during the summer, but the heat can be exhausting. This is also the peak of hurricane season in New Orleans which adds an extra element of danger that can taint the trip.

You also may want to avoid New Orleans during January if you want to sidestep all of the craziness surrounding Mardi Gras. Over 1 million tourists flock to Mardi Gras during February in New Orleans, and that means  hotel rates and flights are expensive . The excessive crowding also makes it difficult to enjoy the city if you don’t want to partake in the parade itself.

July and August may be a great time for locals in New Orleans, but the opposite is true for tourists. You can experience lower rates which may be tempting, but the heat is a major deterrent. New Orleans involves a lot of walking, and it can be too much to handle during the heat of late summer.

Cheapest Month To Go To New Orleans

You can book the cheapest hotel reservations and flights to New Orleans  during January.  Flights to New Orleans are typically  27% cheaper in January . This is primarily because January isn’t a major time for tourism in New Orleans as it’s before the major festivities kick-off.

You can find rooms for as cheap as  $60 per night  during January in New Orleans. High-end hotels still cost over $200 per night even in January, but that’s a bargain compared to March and April.  Harrah's in New Orleans  is one of my favorite hotels to stay when I go. Families need to budget at least $200 per day in New Orleans during January for hotel, food, and transportation costs.

New Orleans is a cheap city to vacation in, particularly during January, but there is a lot to spend money on. Book your flight and hotel room for a January reservation far in advance to get the best possible rate. Airlines recommend that you book your flight up to  3-4 months before you fly  to New Orleans to get the best rate.

What Time of the Year is the Best Weather in New Orleans?

January: best time for king cake.

King Cake is a timeless tradition in New Orleans, and January is the best time to get it. January marks a special transition period in New Orleans as the city kicks off the carnival season. New Orleanians begin making and purchasing king cakes and preparing for festivities to come.

Martin Luther King Day is another big staple of culture in New Orleans and the community comes together. The Twelfth Night, also known as the epiphany, is on January 5th and  Mardi Gras begins the next day . Temperatures average 45-64 degrees during January in New Orleans.

• Southern Design Week
• Mardi Gras Begins
• Twelfth Night (Epiphany)

February: Best Time for Parades

February may be the most fun month to be in New Orleans, and the festivities don’t stop. Mardi Gras runs until Fat Tuesday, but the 2 weeks leading up to that are an endless party. Whether it be the  Krewe de Joan D’Arc or Krewe of Trucks , the streets are never empty in New Orleans during February.

Visitors will become familiar with the various Krewes in New Orleans. Krewes are organizations that exist solely to celebrate the rich culture of New Orleans during the carnival season. The average temperature in February ranges between 47 and 66 degrees.

• Fats Domino Tribute
• Krewe de Joan D’Arc
• Fat Tuesday (End of Mardi Gras)
• Krewe of Trucks

March: Best Time for Music

The weather warms up as Mardi Gras ends and March ushers in a new wave of festivities in New Orleans. Celebrate French history in New Orleans with the  Se Faire Une toile au French Film Festival.  The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is another big event in New Orleans during March for tourists and residents alike. Temperatures heat up in March and get up to 75 degrees.

• Se Faire Une toile au French Film Festival
• Patricks Day Parade
• Music at Lafayette Square

April: Best Time for Festivals

The warm weather and humidity kick into high gear during April in New Orleans. Events such as  Wednesday at the Square  and the Freret Street Festival keep the celebrations going all month. The Spring Garden Show is a mellow event at the famous City Park’s Botanical Garden that is perfect for families.

French Quarter Festival is one of the most tourist-friendly events in New Orleans. April 29th kicks off the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It gets hot during April in New Orleans and temperatures average 61-79 degrees.

• Freret Street Festival
• Wednesday at the Square
• Spring Garden Show
• French Quarter Festival

May: Best Time to Learn

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival runs through the first week of May. It is a great way to experience the  history, music, and cuisine  in New Orleans as a tourist. New Orleans residents also celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th with all of the food and music that go along with it.

National Shrimp Day is May 10th and it celebrates one of the city’s most beloved foods. The  Crawfish Festival  is another event to celebrate shellfish in New Orleans during May. You can expect temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees in May in New Orleans.

• New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
• Jazz and Heritage Festival
• Cinco de Mayo
• National Shrimp Day
• Crawfish Festival

June: Best Time for Food

June is a popular time for tourism in New Orleans and the streets are packed.  Restaurant Week officially celebrates the city’s world-renowned cuisine. Fun events like the  French Market Creole Tomato Festival  are just as fun for tourists as they are for residents.

The weather gets quite hot in New Orleans during June as the cloudy skies and rain of the spring fade away. New Orleans celebrates history and diversity with  New Orleans Pride and Juneteenth . Temperatures get up to 90 degrees in June with high humidity.

• New Orleans Pride
• French Market Creole Tomato Festival
• Restaurant Week
• Black Pride NOLA

Related Read:   15 BEST Black-Owned Restaurants in New Orleans

July: Best Month for Culture

The festivities don’t stop in July when you visit New Orleans. Events such as  Life fest, NOLA River Fest, and the Fourth of July  celebrations are a unique blast. Music-lovers would enjoy the annual ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans which celebrates African American culture and history.

New Orleans even has its own Running of the Bulls each July which Spain is traditionally known for. The key difference is that there are no bulls, and the festival instead features roller derby girls. July weather in New Orleans brings temperatures  between 76 and 92 degrees .

• NOLA River Fest
• Fourth of July
• Running of the Bulls
• ESSENCE Fest

August: Best Time to Dress Up

New Orleans is home to many significant museums, and the city celebrates them for the entire month of August.  The Red Dress Run is one of the most unique events in the city  and encourages attendees to wear a dress and run to the French Quarter. White Linen Night takes place in the Arts and Warehouse districts with plenty of food, music, and art to satiate your appetite.

HexFest is a celebration of the long tradition of witchcraft and voodoo in New Orleans every August. The Salsa Bachata Festival is another opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, nightlife, and cuisine in New Orleans. August is among the hottest months in New Orleans with highs in the mid-90s.

• Museum Month
• Red Dress Run
• White Linen Night
• Salsa Bachata Festival

September: Best Time for Football

Locals will tell you that the best thing about September in New Orleans is that  the Saints begin their season . Nothing compares to being at a bar or restaurant in New Orleans as the locals cheer on their home team. Southern Decadence is an event that takes place in the French Quarter and has gone on for over 40 years.

Spanish Heritage Month runs from  September 15 th  to October 15 th  in New Orleans. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the Hispanic history and cuisine in the city. Luckily, the weather cools down a bit in September, but you can still expect temperatures in the upper 80s.

• Southern Decadence
• New Orleans Saints Season Begins
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Tales of the Cocktail
• New Orleans Bead & Jewelry Show

Related Read:   50 Most Beautiful Places in the US

October: Best Time to Get Scared

Oktoberfest is a big deal in New Orleans and the festivities run throughout the whole month. The football season is in full swing during October, and you can feel it at every bar and restaurant in October.  New Orleans is one of the best places to be on Halloween , and festivities begin on October 27th.

New Orleans is home to several haunted houses, such as New Orleans Nightmare and The Mortuary which operate in October. NOLAxNOLA is a unique music festival every October that runs from October 7th-17th. Temperatures drop in October and 62-80 degrees is normal throughout the month.

• Oktoberfest
• Krewe of Boo Parade

November: Best Time to Avoid Crowds

The Treme Creole Gumbo Festival is a perfect destination for tourists in November. Día de Los Muertos is another fun event on November 1st that you can’t miss. The fun never stops in November in New Orleans between Saints games and street festivals. Temperatures get as low as 53 degrees during November in New Orleans.

• Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
• Fête des Fromages
• Día de Los Muertos
• Algiers Folk Art Festival

December: Best Time to Celebrate the Holidays

New Orleans celebrates Christmas throughout the entire month. The Christmas Even Bonfires are a breathtaking display of how New Orleans values the holiday. Temperatures fluctuate between the 40s and 60s during December giving visitors and residents a break from the heat.

• Christmas Eve Bonfires
• Allstate Sugar Bowl
• Krewe of Jingle

Best Time to Visit New Orleans With Family

The best time to visit New Orleans with family is anytime between February and May . Endless festivities such as Mardi Gras and the French Quarter Festival take place during this time. The heat and humidity that New Orleans is known for aren’t overbearing from February-May.

Adults and children alike can have fun in New Orleans during these festivities because there is so much to do and see. Some parents are apprehensive because of the partying that goes on during Mardi Gras, but it is all avoidable. Neighborhoods like the French Quarter are safe for families during this period as there is a heavy police presence.

However, a January New Orleans vacation is a great alternative if you want to avoid the craziness with your family. That way, your family can experience the unique culture and cuisine in New Orleans without navigating crowded parades.

Related Read:   45 BEST Things To Do With Kids New Orleans, LA

Best Time to Visit New Orleans to Avoid Crowds

October-November is the best time to visit New Orleans to avoid crowds . Events like Oktoberfest don’t draw crowds from across the country in the way that Mardi Gras does. You can still have plenty of fun in New Orleans between October and November without having to brave large crowds.

This allows you to experience New Orleans in the way that locals typically do. You won’t have to worry about the extreme heat and humidity that New Orleans is known for during October and November.

March and early April are also great times to visit New Orleans to avoid crowds. However, late spring can get hectic in New Orleans because of the spring break crowd. Tourists can navigate the city without massive crowds in early spring and experience the weather and culture with the right timing.

Related Read:   20 BEST Soul Food Restaurants in the USA

Be Careful of Hurricane Season in New Orleans

Hurricane season runs from June 1 st -November 30 th  in New Orleans and can be a dangerous time . Historical hurricanes like Katrina caused unforgettable damage to the city and you can still feel its presence. Hurricane Ida is the most recent example and it caused devastation from August 26th-September 4th 2021.

Hurricanes are among the most devastating tropical storms, and New Orleans sadly is at high risk for them. New Orleans sits below sea level which puts the Crescent City at a particular disadvantage. Hurricane winds start at  74 miles per hour  and can cause extreme damage to buildings.

The winds reached over 170 miles per hour during hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Flooding and excessive winds in New Orleans have caused  over $160 billion in damages .

Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.

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Best Time To Visit New Orleans 2024

Discover the best time of year to visit New Orleans! With temperate climates, unique festivals, and fantastic cuisine, the city has something for everyone.

• - New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich history, unique culture, and lively atmosphere.
• - The best time to visit New Orleans is during the months of February to May when the weather is pleasant and there are several festivals and events taking place.
• - Mardi Gras, which usually falls in February or March, is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in New Orleans, attracting visitors from all over the world.
• - The spring months of April and May are also a great time to visit as the city experiences mild temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers.
• - Another popular time to visit is during the fall months of September to November when the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds.
• - During these months, visitors can enjoy the city's famous cuisine, live music, and explore the historic neighborhoods and landmarks without the summer heat and humidity.
• - However, it's important to note that hurricane season in New Orleans runs from June to November, so it's advisable to check weather forecasts and travel

What is the Best Time to Visit New Orleans

With its vibrant music, tantalizing cuisine, and intoxicating blend of cultures, New Orleans beckons visitors with an allure that is both mysterious and magnetic. Known as " The Big Easy " or " The Crescent City " this enchanting destination on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River pulsates with an energy unlike anywhere else. From the soul-stirring rhythms of jazz to the mouthwatering aromas of Cajun and Creole delicacies, New Orleans is a sensory feast that ignites the spirit and captivates the soul. But when is the best time to experience the true essence of this intoxicating city? Let's explore the seasons, festivals, and hidden gems that make New Orleans an unforgettable destination year-round. Whether you seek the spirited revelry of Mardi Gras or the tranquility of strolling through historic neighborhoods, there is a perfect time to answer the call of New Orleans and immerse yourself in its vibrant embrace.

A Quick Overview at New Orleans

Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans boasts a storied history among its neighbors in the United States that permeates every corner of its charming streets. From its early French and Spanish influences to its vibrant African, Caribbean, and Native American heritage, the city's rich history is palpable at every turn. Wander through the French Quarter's narrow, cobblestone streets and marvel at the elegant architecture that returns to the city's colonial past.

Yet, it's not just the history that makes New Orleans an extraordinary destination. The city pulsates with a unique and vibrant culture deeply rooted in its diverse communities. Experience the rhythm and soul of the city's renowned music scene, where jazz was born and continues to thrive. From sultry blues clubs to lively street performances, saxophones, trumpets, and drums fill the air, inviting you to dance to the infectious beat.

New Orleans is where time seems to stand still, where traditions are cherished, and where the past dances harmoniously with the present. So, as you plan your visit, consider the best time to immerse yourself in the city's rich history, revel in its unique culture, sway to the rhythm of its music scene, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. In New Orleans, every moment is an invitation to experience the essence of a city that captures hearts and leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

1- Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Good Weather

The best time to visit New Orleans in terms of weather is during the fall season from September to November when the temperature is mild, humidity is lower, and there is less chance of rain. The average temperature during this time ranges from 60 °F to 80 °F ( 16°C to 27°C ).

The spring season from February to May is also an excellent time to visit New Orleans as the temperature is pleasant, ranging from 50°F to 80°F ( 10°C to 27°C ). However, be prepared for occasional rain showers and thunderstorms during this time.

The summer season ( June to August ) is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 70° F to 90 °F ( 21°C to 32°C ) and high humidity levels. This season also experiences occasional thunderstorms and hurricanes, so it may not be the best time to visit.

The winter season from December to January is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 45 °F to 65 °F ( 7°C to 18°C ). However, it can get quite chilly, and it's not the best time to visit if you're looking for outdoor activities or festivals. Here's a quick glance at some of the best places in the world to visit in the next January .

2- Best Time to Visit New Orleans For Festivals and Events

New Orleans is known for its vibrant festivals and events throughout the year, so there is always something happening in the city. Here are some of the best times to visit New Orleans for festivals and events:

• Mardi Gras (February/March): Mardi Gras is the most famous festival in New Orleans, and it takes place in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. It's a 2-week celebration leading to Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
• Jazz Fest (April/May): The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place in late April and early May and is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. It features music, food, and arts and crafts from Louisiana and worldwide.
• French Quarter Fest (April): The French Quarter Festival is a free, 4-day event in April and features over 20 stages with live music, food, and arts and crafts.
• Essence Festival (July): The Essence Festival is a 3-day event in July that celebrates African American music, culture, and community. It features live music, speakers, and empowerment sessions.
• Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (October): The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is a 3-day music festival in October and features a diverse lineup of musicians, food, and arts and crafts.

These are just a few examples of the many festivals and events in New Orleans throughout the year. It's always good to check the city's event calendar to see what's happening during your visit.

3- Best Time to Visit New Orleans to Avoid Crowds

The best time to avoid crowds in New Orleans is typically during spring and fall shoulder seasons when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. It's worth noting that New Orleans is known for its hot and humid weather, particularly in the summer months, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for heat and humidity, regardless of the time of year you visit.

It's recommended to check the local situation before planning your trip. Additionally, it's a good idea to check the local events or festivals schedule as these events may attract more tourists to certain areas. It's recommended to check the local situation before planning your trip.

Best for Hotel Prices in New Orleans The best time to find lower hotel prices in New Orleans depends on the specific location and type of accommodation. In general, it's usually cheaper to book hotels during the off-peak seasons, which for New Orleans is typically from May to September, when the weather is hot and humid.

During these months, the weather is not as pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, so many hotels and resorts will offer lower rates to attract guests. Additionally, it's good to consider alternative types of accommodation such as vacation rentals or Airbnb.

These options can often provide more value for your money than traditional hotels. Booking well in advance can also help you find lower prices, but checking for last-minute deals or discounts is also a good idea. It's worth noting that prices vary depending on the hotel and time of booking.

It's recommended to check the hotel's policies before booking and consider possible changes or travel insurance needs. Best Time for Activates Orleans The best time for activities in New Orleans depends on the specific activity you have in mind.

4- Best Time to Visit New Orleans Sightseeing

The best time to visit New Orleans for sightseeing is during the fall season (September to November) and the spring season (February to May). The weather is mild and comfortable during these months, with fewer crowds than in peak summer and festival seasons.

During the fall, you can use the cooler temperatures to explore various outdoor attractions in USA such as City Park, Audubon Park, and the historic cemeteries. You can also stroll through the French Quarter and explore the beautiful architecture, art galleries, and antique shops without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

In the spring season, you can witness the beautiful blooming of the magnolia trees and azaleas in City Park and other green spaces around the city. The weather is also perfect for exploring the many walking tours and historical sites that New Orleans has to offer, such as the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the historic Garden District.

While the summer season can be hot and humid, it can also be a great time to visit New Orleans for indoor sightseeing options like museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions. However, if you plan to explore the outdoors during summer, stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid the heat.

The best time to visit New Orleans for sightseeing is during the fall and spring seasons, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer crowds to contend with.

5- For Outdoor Activities Such as Parks and Gardens

The best time is typically during the fall season (September to November) and the spring season (February to May). During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, with lower humidity and less rainfall than the summer season.

In the fall season, you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in City Park, Audubon Park, and other green spaces around the city. You can stroll or picnic in one of the many parks or enjoy a bike ride along the Mississippi River or on the scenic bike trails in the surrounding areas.

In the spring season, the city comes to life with the blooming of magnolia trees, azaleas, and other beautiful flowers in parks and gardens throughout the city. You can explore the famous Garden District, home to beautiful historic homes and gardens, or stroll through the Botanical Garden in City Park.

The best time to visit New Orleans for outdoor activities such as parks and gardens is during the fall and spring seasons, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the city's natural beauty is at its peak.

6- Best Time to Visit NEw Orleans For Enjoying the Nightlife

The best time to revel in New Orleans' vibrant nightlife is during its cooler months, from late September through April. This stretch encompasses the city's festival season, offering a perfect blend of temperate weather and electrifying events. The renowned Mardi Gras in February marks an exuberant celebration with colorful parades, music, and masquerade balls. However, for a more relaxed yet equally lively experience, October to November presents ideal conditions.

The humid heat of summer dissipates, allowing visitors to explore the French Quarter's iconic bars, jazz clubs, and live music venues comfortably. The evenings come alive with an array of performances, from sultry jazz at Preservation Hall to vibrant street music along Frenchmen Street. During these months, the city pulsates with an infectious energy, welcoming night owls to indulge in the spirited and soulful essence of New Orleans after dark.

7- The Best Time to Book Flights to New Orleans

The best time to find lower flight prices to New Orleans depends on the specific route and airline. Generally, booking flights well in advance is recommended for the best prices. However, it's usually cheaper to fly during the off-peak seasons, which for New Orleans is typically from May to September, when the weather is hot and humid and there are fewer tourists. It's also good to note that prices can fluctuate depending on the day of the week and time of booking.

Typically, booking flights midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) is cheaper than booking on weekends. Also, booking flights during non-peak travel hours (early morning or late at night) can lower prices. Using price comparison websites or signing up for price alerts can help you find the best flight deals.

It's also good to check the prices of different airlines and alternative airports or layover options. Some airlines or airports may have lower prices than others.

Checking the airline's policies before booking and considering possible changes or travel insurance needs is recommended. Best Time for Weather Orleans The best time for weather in New Orleans, Louisiana depends on what you're looking for.

8- The Best Time to Visit Orleans with Family

The optimal time to visit New Orleans with family is during the spring months, specifically from late March to May. This period offers agreeable weather without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. Families can enjoy various outdoor activities, exploring the city's rich culture and history while partaking in family-friendly events like the French Quarter Festival in April. During this time, the city isn't as crowded as during Mardi Gras, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Additionally, the blooming gardens and parks add to the scenic beauty, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor excursions. With mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and a plethora of family-oriented attractions and activities, spring becomes an ideal window to explore New Orleans together, creating lasting memories for all ages.

Watch This Video for Things to Know Before Visiting New Orleans

Check this video for THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO NEW ORLEANS, created by the Creative Travel Guide YouTube channel.

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Best Time To Visit New Orleans | 2024 Travel Guide

New Orleans is a lively city in Louisiana on the Mississippi River, located close to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s nicknamed “Big Easy” for its 24-hour nightlife, dynamic live-music scene, and spicy, unique food that reflects its past as a melting pot of French, African, and American cultures.

New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras, the late-winter celebration that is renowned for colorful costumed parades and street parties.

No matter the time of the year, a visit to this beautiful city guarantees a great time! With unforgettable special events happening throughout the entire year, warm weather, unique things to see and do around every corner and so much more, you’re bound to have a good time in New Orleans.

Keep reading to see when the perfect time will be for you to visit New Orleans. 

Best Time To Visit New Orleans

There isn’t a bad time to visit New Orleans, as all of the different seasons offer something amazing to experience.

Determining the best season to visit really depends on what you want your New Orleans experience to look like. Do you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the festival season, or would you prefer to travel during the shoulder season to avoid crowds and high prices? 

Spring in New Orleans – End of March to Late June

Spring is one of the greatest times to visit New Orleans because the weather is often nicer than the rest of the year: not too hot and not too wet!

April and May are the driest months of the year, with an average of only four rainy days each.

The weather during the spring months is pleasant, with average high temperatures ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Spring in New Orleans means you can expect plenty of fun in the sun, JazzFest, and other outdoor celebrations – making New Orleans ideal for a long weekend escape, or a complete spring break vacation!

Spring Events in New Orleans

Tennessee williams literary festival: march.

The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day festival hosted in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter each spring that draws visitors from all over the world who will attend workshops, panels, and much more.

French Quarter Festival: April

The French Quarter Festival is a free, annual music festival held in early April in New Orleans, Louisiana’s historic French Quarter. This year, it will take place from Apr 13 – Apr 16, 2023.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival: April – May

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of local music and culture held at New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course. Every year, thousands of travelers attend New Orleans for Jazz Fest!

The lineup for the 2023 event, taking place from April 28 to May 7, features performances by Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, and many other incredible artists.

Summer in New Orleans – End of June to Late September

As summer approaches, tourists leave the city as the hottest months bring the heat and humidity, leaving a trail of fantastic hotel room offers in their wake! If you’re okay with the heat, this is a wonderful time of the year to visit New Orleans and snag some great hotel rates.

Keep in mind that the average summer temperatures remain in the hot low 30s, making walking around the city during the heat of the day somewhat uncomfortable. This is also the rainiest season, so bring an umbrella for the rainy days! With the summer heat and it being hurricane season, the summer months are the cheapest time to visit New Orleans. You can find amazing hotel deals, and fewer tourists during this time.

The summer months in New Orleans also usher in a plethora of free events, including outdoor art markets, festivals, and free museum entry days. Visit a city park, go gallery hopping, cool off with some refreshing cocktails, and relax by a pool.

Summer Events in New Orleans

Essence music festival: june – july.

The Essence Festival, sometimes known as “the party with a purpose,” is an annual music festival that began in 1995 as a one-time event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Essence, an African-American women’s magazine. It grew to be the largest gathering of African-American culture and music in the United States.

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience: June

This is a gourmet feast throughout New Orleans featuring great chefs, fine wine, and one-of-a-kind entertainment happening June 7-11, 2023. Experience banquets, galas, grand tastings, demonstrations, seminars, promenades, and more at various venues throughout the metro area.

New Orleans Pride: June

Every year in early June (this year – June 7-11, 2023), New Orleans Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the Crescent City and beyond in the French Quarter.  Pride is an excellent opportunity to see the welcoming nature of New Orleanians.

New Orleans Pride typically involves parties throughout the French Quarter, special events at Bourbon Street bars and beyond, burlesque shows, culinary events, and other activities.

Fall in New Orleans – End of September to Late December

Fall months in New Orleans provide relief from the heat and are a pleasant time of the year to travel to New Orleans. Average hotel rates remain low, and temperatures stay around the mid-20s. But make sure to keep an eye on the weather, since late August and early September are the height of hurricane season.

However, for some, New Orleans is more pleasurable to visit in the fall compared to the summer because of the more mild temperatures and the abundance of cultural events. You’re bound to experience nonstop fun, whether you’re a foodie eager to sample the best of New Orleans cuisine or take part in football season and soak up the atmosphere of a Saints game.

Fall Events in New Orleans

New orleans film festival: november.

With a focus on new, diverse storytellers from around the world, the New Orleans Film Festival delivers the finest in independent film to New Orleans in early November.

Beignet Fest: September

Experience New Orleans Beignets at Beignet Fest, which is held at New Orleans City Park’s Festival Grounds at the end of September. Bring your hunger and load up on delectable, decadent goodies like classic Beignets dusted with powdered sugar or unique savory Beignets filled with cheese, shellfish, and more.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience: October

In New Orleans, there is a multi-day music and arts festival that takes place in October called the Voodoo Music and Arts Festival. On Halloween weekend, you can experience some of the top musical performers in the nation.  Of course, this festival’s best attraction is the fantastic music! However, the festival experience wouldn’t be complete without the food; the three-day festival will also feature chefs from New Orleans’ best restaurants.

Winter in New Orleans – E nd of December to Late March

The winter months are a sweet spot in New Orleans for tourism. With normal high temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius, the city has had time to cool down, and the spring celebrations haven’t yet begun. 

January is the coldest month and it is also the time just before Mardi Gras, when the city really gets busy. Because of this, January draws fewer travelers, which results in more affordable accommodation prices. It’s also a wonderful time to travel during the winter holiday season because you’ll be able to see the city decked out in festive decorations!

Once Fat Tuesday (February 21, 2023) gets closer, the Mardi Gras celebrations begin and the crowds start rolling in. With Mardi Gras season comes higher prices and large crowds, since this is the most popular time to visit New Orleans. 

Mardi Gras Travel Tips: 

Hotel rates are high during Mardi Gras season, so make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, even up to a year in advance for the best price. Keeping this in mind, Mardi Gras 2024 is on Feb 13, 2024. 

It’s important to note that many of the city’s most popular attractions are closed during Mardi Gras, so plan a trip that doesn’t coincide with the holiday if sightseeing is your top priority.  

Winter Events in New Orleans

Sugar bowl: january.

The Sugar Bowl is an annual college football bowl game in the United States that takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is the second-oldest bowl game in the nation, behind only the Rose Bowl Game, and has been played every year since January 1, 1935, together with the Orange Bowl and Sun Bowl.

Mardi Gras: February 

Celebrating Mardi Gras actually begins earlier than Fat Tuesday, with parades beginning weeks in advance! There are many activities to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and the Carnival season other than watching parades, getting dressed up in beads and masks, eating king cake, visiting Mardi Gras World (where a lot of the parade floats are created), and much more. The primary festivities for Mardi Gras 2023 will take place two weeks before the actual date, which is February 21st this year. 

Check out the 2023 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule here .

Best Things To See and Do in New Orleans

French quarter .

The French Quarter is a must-visit destination all year round. The Vieux Carre, the city’s oldest area, is home to stunning architecture, a tonne of history, a wide variety of food and music, and a colorful cast of characters that includes long-time locals, chatty tour guides, and skilled street performers. Take in the vistas of the Mississippi from the edge of the Quarter and don’t forget to visit historic sites like the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Bourbon Street

The amazing nightlife of New Orleans is embodied by Bourbon Street. Every tourist who visits New Orleans needs to experience Bourbon Street at least once. Neon lights illuminate the street, alive with music and embellished with balconies and beads. Visit iconic bars, enjoy live music, experience luxury hotels and restaurants, and much more.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Given that New Orleans is the location where jazz music originated, it only seems to make sense that there would be a jazz museum there. You can see and hear the history of jazz in this extensive collection of objects from the very start of the 20th century. Additionally, the museum conducts instructional programs for children (and adults, too) who want to perform jazz like the city’s jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt, Louis Prima, and more. It also hosts more than 365 concerts annually.

New Orleans City Park

1,300 acres of beautifully maintained green space known as City Park are home to moss-covered oak trees, tranquil strolling trails, and native birds. Rent a swan boat at the Big Lake, take the kids to Storyland, and let your inner child loose at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Don’t miss the Couturie Forest, a varied nature walk that includes Laborde Mountain, which rises a remarkable 43 feet above sea level and is New Orleans’ highest point.

The French Market

The French Market has been operating since the late 18th century, and although it has changed throughout the years alongside the city, it still retains an open-air market-like atmosphere. The five-block-long French Market features a wide selection of regional foods, artwork, and retail stores. Dutch Alley, a pedestrian plaza, and the New Orleans Jazz National Park visitor center, where you may find the answers to all of your questions about jazz in the city. There are local restaurants in the area which are some of the best places to find amazing food, including a wide range of New Orleans staples such as po’boys, oysters, and more.

Visit Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a lovely French-style square modeled after Place des Vosges in Paris, France. Jackson Square is named for General Andrew Jackson, a celebrated Battle of New Orleans hero (who subsequently became President). The Jackson statue and the St. Louis Cathedral are two prominent landmarks in the French Quarter’s central square. Visitors won’t want to miss taking a trip around the region, as it is full of historic landmarks. Don’t forget to stop at the renowned Cafe du Monde for a cup of coffee and some beignets.

Warehouse District

Brick buildings that were once warehouses have been converted into chic coffee shops, unique boutiques, and BBQ eateries in the popular Warehouse District in New Orleans. In this area you can also explore the famed National WWII Museum, see warplanes that are displayed in a towering pavilion, and view the local artwork on display at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Modern art galleries surround Julia Street, and at the Crescent City Farmers Market, vendors sell local food and baked goods.

If you’re looking for some unique outdoor activities in New Orleans, why not go on a swamp tour? Swap out the crowded tourist attractions of the city for peaceful surroundings and the possibility to see some local animals. Choose between sailing a boat through the wetlands or paddling on a kayak. Going on a swamp tour is an amazing way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the natural wonders of Louisiana.

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Voodoo had a significant role in New Orleans’ past and learning the long history of New Orleans voodoo is one of the best ways to appreciate the city’s vibrant culture. This museum is dedicated to commemorating voodoo history, folklore, and its significance in modern New Orleans literature, film, and music. It is a favorite stop for voodoo experts. Locally crafted voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags, candles, and potions are available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop.

Best New Orleans Travel Guides

Fodor’s New Orleans

The local Fodor’s travel specialists in New Orleans provide guidance on everything from drinking on Bourbon Street to taking part in Mardi Gras to listening to jazz on Frenchmen Street. Maps, carefully chosen recommendations, and everything else you need to streamline your trip preparation and make the most of your time are all included in Fodor’s New Orleans travel guidebook.

Get your copy here: Fodor’s New Orleans

DK Eyewitness New Orleans

New Orleans is a city unlike any other since it is a mingling ground for cultures from Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. This mix of influences has resulted in a city that constantly celebrates life, as proven by its contagious music, delicious cuisine, and vibrant party vibe.

With expert-led insights and guidance, thorough information on all the must-see attractions, and stunning photography and illustrations, DK Eyewitness’s guide brings New Orleans to life and transports you there like no other travel guide does. The trip of a lifetime is yours with DK Eyewitness New Orleans.

Get your copy of the travel guide here: DK Eyewitness New Orleans

The Best Time to Visit New Orleans

To sum it all up, no matter when you decide to visit New Orleans you’re sure to have a fantastic time, as each season offers something unique to experience.

Head to New Orleans in February to attend Mardi Gras if this has been on your bucket list! You could also choose to visit New Orleans between March and May, when the weather is at a comfortable temperature and the festivities are in full force. Or, if you want to avoid the craziness of Mardi Gras, choose to go in December or January when the city is its most quiet and you don’t have to worry about making hotel reservations a year in advance. Looking for the most affordable option? Travel in the summer or fall to score cheaper rates on hotel rooms. 

There’s a perfect time of the year for everyone for a visit to New Orleans!

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🕥 Best Time To Visit New Orleans: A Guide to Experiencing the Big Easy

Best Time To Visit New Orleans: The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring months of March to May when the weather is mild, and festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Festivals are in full swing, offering a vibrant atmosphere and cultural experiences.

Your answer to this question depends on whether you want to attend Mardi Gras ! If you want to experience the celebrations to their fullest, go between February and May when they are in full swing. This is the ideal weekend vacation location!

The actual Mardi Gras Day usually occurs at the very end of February or the very beginning of March if you wish to attend.

Remember that hotel rates at this time of year are incredibly high. Plan to make reservations for your accommodation and flights at least a year in advance.

🌦️ Weather conditions in New Orleans throughout the year

🌞 visiting new orleans in the summer (june to august), 🍁 visiting new orleans in the fall (september to november), ❄️ visiting new orleans in winter (december to february), 🌼 visiting new orleans in spring (march to may), new orleans in january, new orleans in february , new orleans in march , new orleans in april, new orleans in may, new orleans in june, new orleans in july, new orleans in august, new orleans in september , new orleans in october , new orleans in november, new orleans in december, q. what is the best month to go to new orleans, q. what is the cheapest month to go to new orleans, q. what time of year is hurricane season in new orleans, q. how many days do you need in orleans, q. what months are new orleans busy, q. when is mardi gras celebrated in new orleans, q. what is the weather like in new orleans during summer, q. is it worth visiting new orleans during winter, q. what is the essence festival, and when does it take place, q. what are some must-visit attractions in new orleans, q. are there any outdoor activities in new orleans, 😇 conclusion, 🗨️ share your thoughts in the comments about what you believe is the best time to visit new orleans.

New Orleans experiences a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city enjoys relatively pleasant weather throughout the year, making it a popular destination for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the weather conditions in New Orleans across the seasons:

New Orleans summers are not for the weak of heart. You must be ready for sweltering days, we assure you.

Yet, if you want to avoid enormous crowds while also saving some money, now might be the most fantastic time for you to visit New Orleans!

The hottest months will be in July and August. Ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit is the average temperature, but June and September aren’t much colder.

There will be fewer visitors because the summer is regarded as the off-season. Hotels and flights will also be reduced to entice you!

Key Events:  

• Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival (June)
• New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (June)
• New Orleans Pride Festival (June)
• Essence Festival (June-July)
• Satchmo Summerfest (August)
• COOLinary New Orleans (August)
• Red Dress Run (August)
• Average High Temperature: 89°F (32°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
• June marks the start of summer, bringing hotter temperatures and increased humidity. It’s a great time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene.
• Average High Temperature: 91°F (33°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 74°F (23°C)
• July is the hottest month in New Orleans, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (above 35°C). Visitors should be prepared for intense heat and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• August continues to be hot and humid, making it a good time to enjoy indoor activities, museums, and galleries.

Fall in New Orleans is a curious beast, not quite the high season and not quite the low season. Even though it is again in the 80s and mid-70s, the weather warrants your attention.

Late August and early September mark the height of the hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

Hurricanes may be predicted, but a sudden creation could interrupt travel plans.

Even still, fall remains one of the most significant times to visit New Orleans due to the lower temperatures and the abundance of cultural activities.

• Beignet Fest (September)
• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (October)
• Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (October)
• Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (November)
• New Orleans Film Festival (November)
• Celebration in the Oaks (November-January)
• Average High Temperature: 88°F (31°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 70°F (21°C)
• September marks the transition from summer to fall, with slightly cooler temperatures and reduced humidity. It’s an excellent time to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds
• Average High Temperature: 80°F (27°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 61°F (16°C)
• October brings pleasant weather, making it a popular time for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the city’s beautiful parks.
• Average High Temperature: 71°F (22°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 51°F (11°C)
• November offers mild temperatures, making it an enjoyable time to visit and experience the city’s culture, music, and cuisine.

One of our favorite seasons to visit New Orleans is winter. Even spring can be stifling, so we’re not huge fans of the summer heat.

The city had time to cool off to 60 degrees between late November and early January before the commencement of the spring celebrations.

It will also be affordable to take a winter vacation to New Orleans. There won’t be as many tourists in town, which means significant financial savings for you.

Anticipate finding affordable accommodation and flight costs. Try to visit in December during the Christmas Season when the city is decked if you have nowhere else to be during the holidays!

• Sugar Bowl (January)
• Average High Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 46°F (8°C)
• December is the start of winter in New Orleans, with mild temperatures and festive holiday decorations throughout the city
• Average High Temperature: 62°F (17°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 43°F (6°C)
• January brings cooler temperatures, but it’s still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. It’s an excellent time to explore indoor attractions and experience New Orleans’ unique winter traditions
• Average High Temperature: 65°F (18°C)
• February marks the end of winter, with slightly warmer temperatures. It’s a fantastic time to visit and join in the excitement of Mardi Gras celebrations

Experience the enchanting Big Easy during spring (March to May). Enjoy the colorful revelry of Mardi Gras in March.

Jazz Fest in April brings soulful music and delectable cuisine. May delights with art festivals and blooming gardens.

In mild weather, pack light layers, and comfy shoes. Embrace the spirit of New Orleans’ vibrant culture in this captivating season.

• Mardi Gras (February-March)
• Tennessee Williams/Literary Festival (March)
• French Quarter Festival (April)
• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April-May)
• Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo (May)
• New Orleans Greek Festival (May)
• Average High Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 53°F (12°C)
• March marks the beginning of spring in New Orleans, with mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. It’s a fantastic time to visit and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras.
• Average High Temperature: 78°F (26°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 59°F (15°C)
• April brings warmer temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers throughout the city. It’s an ideal time to enjoy outdoor festivals and explore the city’s historic neighborhoods.
• Average High Temperature: 84°F (29°C)
• Average Low Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
• May is a pleasant month with warmer weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring New Orleans’ diverse culinary scene.

🗓️ Visiting New Orleans By Month

If you still can’t decide when to depart, don’t worry. To help you choose the ideal time to visit the Big Easy, we’ve broken down all the activities there month by month.

Yet every month is the most fantastic time to visit New Orleans because of all the events and festivals there.

On January 1, go to the Sugar Bowl, the annual college football championship game. You can still join a neighborhood watch party at a sports bar downtown if you can’t attend the Dome for fun! From inside, you can see spectators crowding the city.

On January 6, Joan of Arc’s birthday, you may see the annual Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parades across the city.

The first king cake of the Mardi Gras season is served after the walking parade, which features a procession through the French Quarter with a medieval theme!

Going to church or visiting St. Augustine Church is the best way to begin your commemoration of Black History Month in February.

This was once a house of worship for the black residents of Treme. Next, visit one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the area!

Watch for the three-day Tet and Vietnamese heritage celebration at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church.

Everyone is invited to enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine, live music, fun activities, dragon dances, and fireworks!

Seasonal snowball stalls and businesses return in the spring, beginning in March. Locals are fiercely devoted to the favored stands that have become pillars of the community.

While visiting places like Hansen’s and Plum Street Snowballs, please bring cash and sample their many flavors!

You should attend the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, an annual event that evokes a speakeasy from the 1920s.

You can participate in extensive tastings, meals paired with bourbon, burlesque shows, and seminars on topics like Bourbon History!

Because of the abundance of festivals, April is considered the finest month to visit New Orleans. First, go to the Freret Street Festival on the first Saturday in April.

This Uptown celebration of local businesses, excellent music, and delectable cuisine is the perfect way to usher in spring in New Orleans.

The French Quarter Festival is held in one of New Orleans’ most adored areas. You can experience local culture, delicious food, and live music from Woldenberg Park to Jackson Square! In my opinion, one of the best locations to stay in New Orleans.

Because of the weather, many people think May is the best month to visit New Orleans. Another choice is the Bayou Boogaloo, and all proceeds support the Bayou Saint John community! Enjoy artisan shops, regional cuisine, and family-friendly activities!

National Shrimp Day is celebrated on May 10, and the seafood in New Orleans is at its best there.

A frozen margarita on May 5 is possible at a local restaurant like Casa Borrega! Mom will undoubtedly enjoy being surprised with a Mother’s Day weekend brunch in New Orleans if you’re looking for a family getaway!

You may anticipate amazing things from the annual Oyster Festival in New Orleans because the city’s cuisine is well-known.

While listening to live music and perusing the arts and crafts booths, savor them chargrilled, fried, or raw!

Given that New Orleans has been named one of the friendliest cities, June also marks the beginning of one of the best Pride parades in the United States!

Prepare your appetite for Black Restaurant Week at the end of June. You can visit and eat at some of the top Black-owned restaurants in the area, all of which offer unique menus and discounts!

Gather your friends and family to watch the fireworks in celebration of Independence Day, which is celebrated in July.

Crescent Park, Algiers Point, and Jackson Square offer incredible views. Check out some of New Orleans’ most excellent locations, or host your barbecue!

Then attend the ESSENCE Fest, one of the largest festivals in the Big Easy, every year! Celebrate Black music, health, food, beauty, and culture over three days with panel discussions and celebrity attendees! Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, and Prince were previous performers!

The best time to travel to New Orleans is during Satchmo Summerfest, a celebration of the life of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, who was born and raised in the Big Easy.

The three-day event features numerous live performances, regional cuisine, and seminars about the great trumpeter over the first weekend in August.

Then attend Southern Decadence, New Orleans’ most extraordinary LGBTQ celebration. Six days of festivities are held throughout the French Quarter. Enjoy parties, parades, and fancy dress this Labor Day weekend!

Wear your best red dress to the Red Dress Run after that. The second Saturday of every month marks a beloved Big Easy tradition where runners and walkers take part in supporting neighborhood charities.

If you’re a foodie, September is the ideal month to visit New Orleans! In addition to cooler temperatures, September also ushers in Restaurant Week, which runs from September 9 to 15. Restaurants that offer prix-fixe menus offer 25% off of regular prices!

While Irish Fest is observed in New Orleans in September, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in March. This celebration of Irish culture spans two stages and fairgrounds and features arts, dance, music, food, and crafts!

Visit the Deutsches Haus of New Orleans for October throughout October! Enjoy traditional fare like sauerbraten, cabbage, Bavarian pretzels, and of course, BEER! This is how we pay homage to the German presence and culture in Crescent City.

Memphis is renowned for its blues and barbecue, but the annual Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival is far superior. Enjoy a lineup of live brass bands, blues, and gospel musicians while shopping from over 20 local BBQ vendors.

Over the Halloween weekend, the Voodoo Arts + Music Experience will feature different cuisine and musical genres.

The New Orleans Film Festival solidifies New Orleans’ status as the Hollywood of the South with more than 200 films from nearly 120 nations. During the week-long event, go to the screenings in addition to the exclusive parties, events, and panels!

You may go to the Bayou Bacchanal the first weekend in November, undoubtedly the most fantastic time to visit New Orleans!

While the parade closes down Canal Street, you may enjoy cuisine and music from many Caribbean countries as the Crescent City celebrates Caribbean culture!

After that, start to want the Oak Street Po-Boy festival! Every year, 35 different vendors turn Oak Street into a po-boy paradise! Who creates the best po-boy in the Big Easy is up to you to decide!

Then take in the New Orleans trinity of brass bands, beads, and gumbo at the Treme Creole Gumbo Fest!

With a rush of Christmas festivities, the holidays are the most fantastic time to visit New Orleans.

The season begins with the Krewe of Jingle parade! Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Mr. Bingle, Rudolph, and more all appear!

Then take pleasure in Celebration in the Oaks for the remainder of the month. You can go for a romantic stroll in the evening at City Park, where holiday-themed decorations illuminate the old oak trees.

Afterward, please proceed to the Mississippi River levees for the Christmas Eve bonfires, which Santa and his reindeer use to light their route!

🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs For Best Time To Visit New Orleans

When planning a trip to New Orleans, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below, I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you plan your visit to this vibrant city.

A. The months of October, January, March, and April are the ideal times of year to travel to New Orleans. These are the least expensive and busiest seasons of the year.

A. The most affordable months to travel to and stay in New Orleans are by far July and August, however, you may discover affordability as early as late June and into early September.

A. Beginning in early June and ending in late November, New Orleans experiences hurricane season, which typically peaks in late August or early September.

A. There’s never enough time in my opinion since I could imagine living in New Orleans! For the typical traveler, 5 to 6 days are ideal.

A. New Orleans is busy for travel during February (Mardi Gras), April (Jazz Fest), and October (pleasant fall weather).

A. Mardi Gras is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which varies each year but usually falls in February or March. It’s a grand and colorful festival, attracting visitors from all over the world.

A. Summer in New Orleans is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 30-35°C). It’s essential to stay hydrated and take breaks indoors during peak afternoon heat.

A. Yes, Winter in New Orleans is mild, making it an excellent time to explore the city comfortably. The festive atmosphere during the holiday season and the iconic celebrations of Mardi Gras make it a magical experience.

A. The Essence Festival is an annual celebration of African-American culture, music, and arts. It typically takes place in July and features renowned artists and speakers, attracting thousands of visitors.

A. Aside from the French Quarter, don’t miss exploring the Garden District with its beautiful antebellum mansions, the lively Frenchmen Street known for its live music venues, and the charming Magazine Street lined with boutiques and restaurants.

A. Certainly! You can enjoy outdoor activities like a relaxing steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River, exploring City Park, or strolling through Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo

A city unlike any other, New Orleans brings music, food, and culture together in a joyful celebration of life.

Anytime you decide to stop by, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and surrounded by an environment of unrestrained joy.

New Orleans will capture your heart and leave you with priceless memories, from the joyful Mardi Gras parades to the soul-stirring jazz performances.

Pack your luggage, indulge in the distinctive cuisines, and experience the spirit of the Big Easy!

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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Best & Worst Time to Visit New Orleans in 2024

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The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring months, particularly from February to May. This period offers a delightful blend of pleasant weather, vibrant cultural events, and a lively atmosphere.

The temperatures during these months are comfortably warm, typically ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for exploring the city's charming streets and historic neighborhoods.

One of the most compelling reasons to visit New Orleans in spring is the famous Mardi Gras celebration, usually held in February or March. This festival transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of parades, music, and colorful costumes, presenting an unforgettable experience.

Additionally, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, held in late April and early May, attracts music lovers worldwide with its rich display of jazz, blues, and other music genres.

Apart from these festivals, spring in New Orleans is a time of blooming gardens and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls in the French Quarter, boat tours on the Mississippi River, and sampling the city's renowned culinary delights, from beignets to jambalaya.

While summers in New Orleans are warm and humid and winters can be unpredictable, spring offers a harmonious balance, making it the prime season for experiencing the city's unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment.

What Month is the Best to Visit New Orleans

Visiting New Orleans in January

January in New Orleans brings cooler temperatures, averaging around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a quieter time for the city, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy the iconic sights of the French Quarter without the usual crowds, and local events like the Twelfth Night mark the beginning of the Mardi Gras season. January is also a great time to explore the city's museums and indoor attractions, as the cooler weather lends itself to indoor activities.

Visiting New Orleans in February

February in New Orleans is vibrant and lively, highlighted by the famous Mardi Gras celebrations. This month sees the city at its most colorful and festive, with parades, music, and street parties. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit.

It's the perfect time for tourists who want to experience the city's legendary party atmosphere. However, it's important to book accommodations well in advance, as this is a popular time for tourists.

Visiting New Orleans in March

March in New Orleans is characterized by the tail end of Mardi Gras and the onset of spring. The weather continues to warm up, offering pleasant days with temperatures between the mid-60s and 70s Fahrenheit.

This month is ideal for outdoor activities like strolling through the historic French Quarter or visiting the beautiful City Park. Additionally, the New Orleans Bourbon Festival typically takes place in March, offering a unique experience for whiskey enthusiasts.

Visiting New Orleans in April

April is one of the best months to visit New Orleans, thanks to the perfect weather and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The city is alive with the sounds of jazz, blues, and R&B, attracting music lovers from all over the world.

Temperatures are warm yet comfortable, usually in the 70s Fahrenheit. Visitors can also enjoy the blooming beauty of the city's gardens and parks, making it ideal for those who appreciate both cultural events and nature.

Visiting New Orleans in May

May in New Orleans is warm and lively, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s Fahrenheit. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues into early May, offering more opportunities to enjoy world-class music.

The city's outdoor spaces, like the Audubon Park and the Mississippi Riverfront, are particularly inviting during this month. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, which typically occurs in late May.

Visiting New Orleans in June

June marks the beginning of summer in New Orleans, with temperatures often climbing into the high 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. This month is less crowded, making it a good time for visitors who prefer a more laid-back experience.I

t's an excellent period for exploring indoor attractions like the National WWII Museum or enjoying the city's famous culinary scene. However, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of rain and high humidity.

Visiting New Orleans in July

July in New Orleans is hot and humid, with temperatures frequently in the 90s Fahrenheit. This is the heart of summer, and the city adjusts with a slower, more relaxed pace. It's a good time for indoor activities, such as exploring the famous New Orleans Museum of Art or enjoying the city's renowned jazz clubs.

The Essence Music Festival, one of the largest events celebrating African-American music and culture, often takes place in July, offering a unique and vibrant experience.

Visiting New Orleans in August

August continues the trend of high temperatures and humidity, with similar weather to July. This month is less crowded, offering a more laid-back visit. It's an excellent time for those interested in culinary experiences, as the city celebrates COOLinary New Orleans, where many restaurants offer special menus at reduced prices.

Additionally, the Satchmo SummerFest, a festival dedicated to the legendary Louis Armstrong, typically occurs in August, showcasing jazz music, local food, and cultural discussions.

Visiting New Orleans in September

September in New Orleans sees a slight decrease in temperature but remains quite warm, with averages in the 80s Fahrenheit. The city starts to come alive again after the hot summer, with various events and festivals.

The New Orleans Burlesque Festival is a highlight, celebrating the art of burlesque with performances and workshops. It's also a great time to experience outdoor dining in the city's many courtyards and patios, enjoying the still-warm evenings.

Visiting New Orleans in October

October is one of the most pleasant months to visit New Orleans, with mild temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. The city celebrates the Halloween season with gusto, offering haunted tours, costume balls, and festive parades.

The weather is comfortable for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, such as the historic cemeteries and the scenic riverfront.

Visiting New Orleans in November

November brings cooler weather to New Orleans, with temperatures usually between the 50s and 70s Fahrenheit. It's a fantastic time for visitors who prefer a quieter experience, as the summer crowds have dissipated.

The city's cultural scene is vibrant, with events like the New Orleans Film Festival and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors in the city parks, making it a great month for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visiting New Orleans in December

December in New Orleans is festive and charming, with temperatures typically in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. The city is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, with lights and decorations adorning the streets and public spaces.

The Celebration in the Oaks, a stunning display of holiday lights in City Park, is a must-see. It's also a good time for shopping, with holiday markets and unique local boutiques offering a variety of goods. The cooler weather is ideal for enjoying the city's famous beignets and hot coffee.

New Orleans Weather Guide

New Orleans offers a unique climate that varies significantly throughout the year, creating distinct experiences for visitors in each season.

New Orleans Weather Year Round Table

This weather data is provided by   Weather Spark .

In New Orleans, the weather varies from cool and windy winters to long, hot summers. The summers are known for their high temperatures and humidity, peaking in July with an average high of 91°F (33°C). Winters, while short, bring cooler temperatures, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 43°F (6°C).

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with July experiencing the most rain days. The transitional seasons of spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures and are generally considered the best times to visit for warm-weather activities.

New Orleans Travel Guide and Trip Ideas

New Orleans, a city rich in history, culture, and unforgettable experiences, offers a diverse array of attractions and activities. This guide explores the best places to visit, things to do, accommodations, and tours, ensuring your trip to the Big Easy is as memorable as the city itself.

Places to Visit in New Orleans

New Orleans is a treasure trove of historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and unique attractions. From the lively streets of the French Quarter to the tranquil beauty of City Park, there’s something for every traveler.

• French Quarter : The heart of New Orleans, known for its historic architecture, lively bars, and street performers.
• Garden District : Renowned for its stunning antebellum homes and lush gardens.
• National WWII Museum : A must-visit for history buffs, offering an in-depth look at the impact of WWII.
• Jackson Square : A historic park, famous for its artistic scene and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.
• City Park : Offers a range of outdoor activities amidst picturesque landscapes and waterways.
• Audubon Zoo and Aquarium : Perfect for families, showcasing a wide variety of animals and marine life.

What to Do in New Orleans (Top Things to Do)

New Orleans is not just a city to visit; it’s a city to experience. From indulging in culinary delights to soaking up the vibrant music scene, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

• Enjoy Live Jazz Music : Visit the city's numerous jazz clubs for an authentic New Orleans experience.
• Explore the Culinary Scene : Sample Creole and Cajun cuisine at renowned local restaurants.
• Take a Steamboat Cruise : Experience the Mississippi River on a historic steamboat.
• Attend Mardi Gras : Participate in one of the world’s most famous festivals.
• Stroll Down Bourbon Street : Experience the lively atmosphere of New Orleans' most famous street.
• Visit Art Galleries and Museums : Explore the city's rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

Accommodation in New Orleans ranges from luxury hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, catering to every preference and budget.

• French Quarter Hotels : Stay in the midst of the action with easy access to major attractions.
• Garden District Bed-and-Breakfasts : Experience Southern hospitality in a historic setting.
• Downtown Condos : Ideal for those seeking modern amenities close to business and entertainment areas.
• Mid-City Guesthouses : Offers a more local experience, away from the tourist crowds.
• Warehouse District Apartments : A trendy area with a blend of old and new, close to art galleries and museums.

Best Tours in New Orleans

To fully appreciate New Orleans' rich history and culture, consider taking one of the many guided tours available.

• French Quarter Walking Tours : Discover the stories behind the historic architecture and famous landmarks.
• Swamp and Bayou Tours : Explore Louisiana's unique wetlands and wildlife.
• Haunted and Voodoo Tours : Experience the city's mysterious side with tales of ghosts and voodoo.
• Culinary Tours : Taste your way through New Orleans' culinary landscape.
• Jazz Tours : Immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz with visits to iconic music venues.
• Plantation Tours : Journey into the past with visits to the region's historic plantations.

When is the Best Time to Travel to New Orleans

Best Time to Visit New Orleans with Family

The ideal time for a family trip to New Orleans is from late February to early April. This period avoids the intense summer heat and coincides with many family-friendly festivals and events.

The weather is pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities like picnics in City Park or visiting the Audubon Zoo. Moreover, Mardi Gras, with its vibrant parades, falls during this time, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both kids and adults.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans Without Crowds

To experience New Orleans without the crowds, plan a visit in late November to early December or in January, post-New Year. These times offer cooler weather and fewer tourists, providing a more peaceful exploration of the city.

Attractions like the French Quarter and the Garden District are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed pace. Additionally, hotel rates are generally lower during these months, making it a budget-friendly option.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Seafood

Seafood enthusiasts should consider visiting New Orleans from April to June. This period is prime time for fresh seafood, including the much-loved crawfish season, which peaks in April and May.

Local restaurants and seafood festivals during these months showcase the best of Gulf seafood, from oysters to shrimp. The weather is also conducive for dining outdoors, enhancing the culinary experience.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans French Quarter

The French Quarter is best visited in the spring, particularly from March to May. This time of the year offers moderate temperatures and lower humidity, making it comfortable to walk through the historic streets and enjoy outdoor dining.

The spring calendar is packed with events like the French Quarter Festival in April, adding to the area's lively atmosphere. Additionally, the blooming gardens and courtyards add to the charm of the Quarter.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Cheapest

For budget-conscious travelers, the cheapest time to visit New Orleans is during the summer months, from June to August. Although it's the hot and humid season, you'll find the lowest hotel rates and airfares.

This period is also less crowded, meaning you can enjoy major attractions without long lines. Keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan indoor activities accordingly.

Worst Time to Visit New Orleans

The worst time to visit New Orleans is typically during the peak summer months, from late June to August. During this period, the city experiences its highest temperatures and humidity levels, making outdoor activities uncomfortably hot and tiring.

The sweltering heat often reaches into the 90s Fahrenheit, coupled with significant humidity. Additionally, this time coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, increasing the chances of heavy rains and potential storms.

Tourists looking for a more comfortable and less risky experience might want to avoid planning their trip during these months.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans FAQ

What is the best month to visit new orleans.

The best month to visit New Orleans is April. This month offers comfortable temperatures, vibrant cultural events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the beauty of spring in full bloom.

When is the peak tourist season in New Orleans?

The peak tourist season in New Orleans is during Mardi Gras, usually in February or early March. This period sees the city come alive with parades, music, and festivities.

Is summer a good time to visit New Orleans?

Summer, particularly from June to August, can be challenging due to high temperatures and humidity. It's less ideal for those who prefer outdoor activities and comfort.

When is the cheapest time to visit New Orleans?

The cheapest time to visit New Orleans is during the summer months, especially from June to August. Despite the heat, you'll find lower hotel rates and airfares.

Can you visit New Orleans during the winter?

Yes, you can visit New Orleans in winter. The months of December and January are cooler and less crowded, offering a quiet and enjoyable experience with mild weather.

When is the best time for food lovers to visit New Orleans?

Food lovers should consider visiting in April and May. This period coincides with crawfish season and numerous food festivals, showcasing the city's rich culinary heritage.

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The best time to visit New Orleans

Any time is a great time to visit New Orleans, even in swampy summers

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The New Orleans economy is driven by tourism, so the city—especially the French Quarter— is always busy with visitors. So, rather than deciding based on crowds, it’s best to consider the weather and the multitude of annual can’t-miss events when planning a trip to New Orleans. Even the oppressively humid month of August is well worth a visit, especially for those attracted to lower hotel rates and easier dinner reservations.

Regardless of the weather, New Orleans has res taurants , bars , live music venues, jazz clubs and cultural attractions that can be enjoyed any time of year. There’s always something going on in the city. Each season brings a different lineup of festivals and celebrations, so read on to decide the best time to visit New Orleans (hint: you’ll want to experience every season).

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best time to visit New Orleans

Spring is probably the best season for weather in New Orleans. Mild temps are ideal for outdoor festivals, and there are plenty this time of year. From the meat-centric Hogs for the Cause and the amazingly free French Quarter Festival to the world-renowned Jazz Fest , and everything in between— Greek Fest , Freret Fest , Tremé Creole Gumbo and Congo Square Rhythms Festivals , NOLA on Tap , Tennessee Williams Fest and so many more—there’s a festival for everyone. 

Festivals around the city are prime spots for trying some of the best food in New Orleans—these fests have real, local vendors—but spring is also peak season for crawfish. Spicy crawfish boils are plentiful around town, at restaurants, bars, breweries and backyards, and you won’t want to miss out on these tasty crustaceans.

There’s no denying it, summer in New Orleans is hot.  But there are plenty of ways to deal with the heat: think snowballs, frozen daiquiris, picnics on the river, and refreshing dips in hotel pools open to the public. Despite the swampy conditions, the city is still alive with activity in the summer—just at a slower pace. Don your coolest linen or seersucker and hit up Essence Festival , Creole Tomato Festival , Satchmo Summerfest , White Linen Night , Midsummer Mardi Gras or Decadence . 

Summer is the perfect time to visit the city’s top museums and attractions, most of which are sufficiently air-conditioned. Check out the National WW2 Museum , New Orleans Museum of Art , Ogden Museum , Backstreet Cultural Museum and many more. If you’re here in August, you can enjoy special menus and great deals at some of New Orleans’ best restaurants through the month-long COOLinary New Orleans .

Hurricane season

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. This doesn’t mean the city is constantly under threat, but since hurricanes arrive with plenty of notice, you can adjust your plans accordingly.

Fall is also a great time to visit, with another round of amazing festivals that take advantage of good weather while presenting the best food and music in the city. There’s Beignet Fest , Blues & BBQ Fest , Fried Chicken Fest , Gentilly Fest , Art for Art’s Sake , Top Taco , Po-Boy Fest , and so on. Halloween is also a big draw in the fall, with a slew of events that infuse the macabre with the spirit of Mardi Gras.

Fall means football too, which is huge in New Orleans whether you’re a fan or not. Saints fans—if not in the Dome or tailgating outside—gather at beloved sports bars around the city to cheer on the Black and Gold, and everyone's invited. College football fans, especially those who pray to the altar of the LSU Tigers, are unmissable, and Saturday nights are always a party when there’s a big game. Around Thanksgiving, the annual Bayou Classic is much more than a football game between rivals Southern and Grambling, as the event brings parties, parades and a Battle of the Bands like no other.

Winter in New Orleans is mostly mild, with only a few frigid days here and there. It’s a festive time that includes both the holidays and Carnival season. Stately homes along St. Charles Avenue and in the French Quarter are decorated for the holidays, and there are plenty of spirited events, from caroling in Jackson Square to Celebration in the Oaks . Visit hotels like the Roosevelt , Ritz-Carlton and Windsor Court to see them decked in their holiday finest while sipping on a seasonal cocktail. Be sure to check out the special Reveillon dinner menus at restaurants around town—a tradition from Creole times in the early 1800s. 

Of course, winter is also Carnival time ; the city’s most famous festival period starts on January 6 (Twelfth Night/Epiphany) every year, and lasts until Mardi Gras, which changes based on Easter. Carnival means king cake, fanciful balls, parades and the big day itself, which draws hundreds of thousands of revelers locally and worldwide. While the week or so leading up to Mardi Gras is probably the most crowded with tourists, it’s definitely a bucket-list New Orleans event for all.

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Best Time to Go to New Orleans Explained

This post is a guide to choosing the best time to visit New Orleans.

We include when it is the cheapest to go, when to expect the best weather, and a month-by-month comparison. Let's get started!

• The Quick Answer
• Cheapest Times to Visit
• Best Weather
• Each Month in Perspective

THE QUICK ANSWERS

The best time to visit New Orleans depends on what "best" means to you.

If by “best” you mean cheapest, then you’ll want to visit during the off-season – December through February (minus holidays) and the summer months of June through early October .

In the on-season, you’ll usually find cheaper rates in April, May, and October . (See our section below on the cheapest times to visit.)

If your definition of “best” means good weather and lots of events, then you should visit between Mardi Gras (a moving target – see below) and May or between October and November .

The spring months are more events-intensive, while the fall months can be a little quieter and cheaper.

That said, New Orleans is a festival and event town, so if you want to experience that scene – or avoid it – then it’s worth getting more specific about each month.

So we’ll also have a section of this post breaking down the offerings of every month.

And we posed this question to the members of our New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook group, which has roughly 40k members, and they give their reasons for their choices.

Click on the image to go to this Facebook group post and see what locals and other visitors to New Orleans have to say and join the discussion there.

CHEAPEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS

The short answer is that both flights and hotels are at their cheapest during the summer off-season.

Prices can also be low in the winter, with exceptions for holidays that we’ll discuss below. And, it's easier to make hotel reservations.

Cheapest Hotel Prices

Hotel prices can easily fluctuate from the low $100s during the off-season to the $200s, $300s, and $400s during the spring and fall – and sometimes even higher during Mardi Gras .

The New Orleans tourism calendar is heavily influenced by events, so if you have flexible dates, you may see a large difference in cost just by moving things forward or back a few days.

Since March and November tend to align with school breaks, April, May, and October are usually slightly less competitive for rooms.

Cheapest Flights to New Orleans

As with hotels, flights from many locations will drop in cost during the summer and winter off-seasons, except around major events.  

See below an example from Google Flights, where a direct flight from NYC starts high for the week of Christmas and New Year’s, then drops off . . .

. . . and stays low through the rest of the winter, then rises again for Mardi Gras.

Things to Think About

Know Your Tastes in Weather .

From parades to street music to people watching on Bourbon Street (to walking tours!), a lot of New Orleans life happens outside.

We’re also a great city for outdoor activities, including swamp tours, boating, fishing, and biking.

You can absolutely make a trip out of indoor attractions like museums, restaurants, and bars.

However, if you want to do the full menu of classic activities, you’ll likely find yourself outdoors more often than on other trips.

So the weather deserves special consideration.

And since we’re a fairly rainy town, it’s best to embrace outdoor activities when you get the chance.

. . . and in Crowds . . .

We get lots of visitors in New Orleans during the springtime, and our festivals will put you side by side with your fellow visitors – and with locals, who tend to feel comfortable talking to strangers.

The social ease of our city is one of its joys, but if you need some quiet in your day, it’s easier to find than you may expect.

The tourist scene is very concentrated in the French Quarter, on the grounds of whatever festival is happening today, and, during Mardi Gras, along the parade route.

There’s always a lot more to see and do beyond that list.

. . . and in Music

Music is one of New Orleans’s main attractions, and the cost of attending music events is all over the map.

Many festivals are free, and those with admission fees generally offer a lineup of several bands, often simultaneously playing on multiple stages.

Outside of festivals, music venues may or may not charge a cover.

We typically hold music events at venues across town for all kinds of holidays.

And part of the attraction of festivals like Jazz Fest is the stellar lineup of music outside the festival grounds at the city’s bars and nightclubs.

But with high demand comes higher prices, and since many venues in town are on the small side, it’s common to see them sell out fast.

So during the busiest times of the year, music can be more expensive and also require more preparation to enjoy.

There are several periods in the year when New Orleans restaurants offer citywide deals on special fixed menus. These include:

• NOLA Restaurant Week (June)
• Coolinary (mid-July through early September)
• Reveillon, based on the Creole Christmas tradition (December through New Year’s).

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS WEATHERWISE

As in the previous section, the best time of year for weather is a subjective question.

The short answer is that for most people, the best times to visit New Orleans weatherwise are between March and May as well as mid-October through November.

Or average highs and lows are available here: https://www.neworleans.com/plan/weather/

Another visualization of both is here: https://travel.usnews.com/New_Orleans_LA/When_To_Visit/

These spring and fall months combine comfortable temperatures with average or below-average rainfall.

These are the times of year that New Orleans residents spend outside, and between the good weather and the plentiful festivals, especially in the spring, you’ll find the city at its peak demand.

Winter in New Orleans means milder temperatures than in most of the US, but it does remain humid in winter, so windchill can make a difference.

It’s worth packing as if it were going to be a little colder than the forecast.

The time from late May through early October gets hot and humid in New Orleans, including at night.

These months are the city’s off-season, and travelers and locals alike tend to spend their time indoors.

This period also overlaps with hurricane season, and August and September in particular fall at its peak.

Dangerous storms only strike the city rarely, and weather services can predict a storm’s course anywhere from a few days to a week in advance.

So while hurricane season alone isn’t a reason not to plan a trip, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on local news or the National Hurricane Center.

Finally, New Orleans is on the rainy side throughout the year, with rain falling one out of every three or four days.

We’re also prone to quick changes in temperature almost all year.

Basically, before you pack, look at the forecast, then pack for it to be wetter, warmer, or colder than expected.

Light layers that you can add and subtract throughout the day can go a long way.

 After you read this section, check out our section on things to do by month .

Weather Overview by Seasons

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Winter temperatures in New Orleans tend to be in the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, but humidity and windchill often cause them to feel colder.

Snow is extremely rare (and more or less shuts the city down when it happens), but rain isn’t.

After days of slow warming, rainfall usually signals a sudden drop in temperature.

Again, with the exception of Christmas , New Year’s, and Mardi Gras (see below), this is one of the cheaper times to be here.

Spring (March-May)

By and large, this is the most pleasant and beautiful time of year in New Orleans.

Plants begin to leaf out and bloom earlier than in much of the country, and temperatures will center on the 60s-70s F, with daytimes consistently in the 80s by the end of the spring.

Rainfall is a little above average this time of year, and like in the winter, it often signals a drop to cooler temperatures.

Summer (June - August)

Between the heat (consistently 80s-90s F) and the high humidity, these are the times visitors and locals alike minimize their time outside.

Nighttime is a little cooler, but still very humid. Summer is also the bulk of hurricane season, with chances rising as the months go on.

June is typically the rainiest month of the year, with July and August not far behind, which helps mitigate the heat – but the sun coming out just after a shower can leave the streets steaming.

Visiting during this time of the year isn’t unpopular, especially for families taking advantage of summer vacation.

But, indoor activities are a must during the peak heat of the day.

And it’s important to think about hydration, sunscreen, and comfort (as opposed to style – no one dresses to look sharp in the summer). 

Autumn (Sept-Nov)

September is, for all practical purposes, is a summer month in New Orleans.

It tends to be about as warm and humid as the preceding months, and alongside August, it’s the peak of hurricane season.

October can be a month of fast change, often beginning with summer temperatures and sometimes ending with a Halloween cool enough to discourage skimpier costumes.

Fall temperatures settle around the 60s and 70s, and October and November are typically the driest months of the year.

For great weather with a little less going on in the way of events and crowds, this is a prime time of year.

By late November, lower temperatures and humidity can combine to make for a few wintry-feeling days.

MONTH-BY-MONTH BREAKDOWN

But First – Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is the most popular time to visit New Orleans but is the elephant in the room when it comes to planning a New Orleans trip early in the year.

It tends to confuse travelers in two ways.

First – Mardi Gras is on a different day every year. As part of the Catholic calendar, Mardi Gras moves relative to Easter. It can fall anywhere from early February to early March.

So whether you’re trying to be here for the holiday or to avoid the most crowded and intense time of the year, it’s crucial to check the date before you make plans for a trip during the months of January, February, or March.

Why January? That brings up the second point of confusion.

Many people expect Mardi Gras to only last a day, but over time, we’ve given more and more of the calendar to our favorite holiday.

Carnival, the season leading to Mardi Gras, always begins on January 6 th – a day we commemorate with some smaller parades.

After that, we have four (and counting) weekends of parades leading up to the big day.

The home stretch is a solid week of parades, starting with a Wednesday and concluding on Fat Tuesday itself.

This means different things depending on whether you’re trying to enjoy Mardi Gras or avoid it.

If you like the idea of participating but find the prices or the crowds daunting, then good news!

You have multiple weeks of parades you can attend more affordably and with less competition for space.

If you want to dodge the season entirely, then you still need to know parade dates so you don’t accidentally land right in the middle of the festivities.

Either way, you can find full parade schedules online starting about a year in advance ( https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/ ).

Finally, if you do decide to attend Mardi Gras, decide early!

Even with the high prices, hotels, and flights alike tend to book out as much as a year ahead, especially the hotels located close to the action.

New Year’s Day closes off the Christmas season with one last day of Reveillon dinners and lights in City Park.

This closes off a brief high-traffic moment for us, after which point travelers are few, usually until late in the month.

Christmas is barely past when the next holiday comes along – January 6 th is Twelfth Night, the first day of the Carnival season that leads us to Mardi Gras.

The 6 th includes a few smaller parades, and this is also the traditional day for bakeries, grocery stores, and restaurants across town to start selling king cake, the seasonal carnival pastry (although some places serve it up earlier).

If it’s a year when Mardi Gras falls early, it’s also possible that more parades will roll as early as mid-January.

Another movable holiday also sometimes falls in January – Lunar New Year, the main holiday of the year for New Orleans’ large Vietnamese population.

Between late January and mid-February, churches around town will host Tet festivals, which welcome all comers.

The centerpiece of February is always Carnival season.

While Mardi Gras day itself doesn’t always fall within the month, February always contains some – usually most – of the season’s parades.

Because of this, travel prices are particularly variable in February, although it’s much cheaper to travel here for the earlier parades than for the big day itself.

Parades also make this a very outdoor month to visit, so pack layers (and a costume or two!).

The bulk of the Tet festivities usually also fall in February.

February is also Black History Month, and given New Orleans’s particular connection with the African diaspora, it usually means a whole host of events around town.

Food-wise, February begins crawfish season, the most important of Louisiana’s seafood seasons.

Boiled crawfish are more event food than restaurant food, so look around for boils in town, or if the weather is nice, buy by the pound and make a picnic of it.

Early March may include some Mardi Gras parades if the holiday falls unusually late.

Regardless, higher flight and hotel prices start this month as the weather warms up and as spring breakers come to town.

The passage of Mardi Gras makes way for a long list of spring festivals, like the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, Hogs for the Cause, and the Buku Music and Art Project.

March also gives us chances to celebrate several of New Orleans’s major ethnic groups.

Most famously, there’s the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, for which we have block parties and multiple parades.

But we also toast the local Italian population on St. Joseph’s Day, when a couple more parades roll, and churches and restaurants across town create elaborate food altars.

St. Joseph’s is also important to Mardi Gras Indians, members of a masking tradition who take this day to give a second airing to intricately crafted suits they first debuted on Mardi Gras.

They march again late in the month for one of several events called Super Sunday.

Between festivals, the spring bloom, and outdoor crawfish boils, this is a month to be outside as much as possible.

Beautiful weather continues in April with slightly diminished crowds as spring break passes, making this the slightly more affordable end of the spring.

Easter gives either April or May a day of parades in the French Quarter.

Festivals featuring local food and music also continue, with Freret Street Festival uptown, French Quarter Festival, and finally the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or just Jazz Fest, which caps off the month and continues into May.

This month begins the warmth of summer and closes out the festival season with three events along Bayou St. John.

First comes the second weekend of Jazz Fest, the last major tourist event of the spring.

Then comes Bayou Boogaloo, a smaller food and music festival on the banks of the bayou.

And finally, Greek Fest offers Greek food and music at the local Greek Orthodox Church.

While Jazz Fest is considered to be the end of the festival season, June still has its share of events despite the warmth.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and New Orleans Restaurant Week happen mainly indoors, while New Orleans Pride has a daytime parade and lots of nighttime events.

We also have a Cajun-Zydeco Fest with food and music and lots of events around Juneteenth.

The main attraction for out-of-towners in July is Essence Festival, a huge celebration of black culture that makes for one busy week in otherwise one of the quietest months of the year.

The 4 th also brings parties and a riverfront fireworks display.

The month also includes the Creole Tomato Festival, Bastille Day events, a local riff on Spain’s Running of the Bulls, a beverage industry gathering called Tales of the Cocktail, and a season of restaurant specials called Coolinary that continues through September.

A final festival, Satchmo Summerfest, dedicated to Louis Armstrong and traditional jazz, often straddles the end of July and the beginning of August.

Apart from the close of Satchmo Summerfest, August is a quiet month best suited to indoor activities.

The exceptions are Red Dress Run, an event that draws a mob of people wearing red dresses into the French Quarter, White Linen Night, an evening of walking between contemporary art galleries on Julia Street in the south’s signature hot weather clothing, and Dirty Linen Night, the follow-up event at the French Quarter’s art galleries.

September is another quiet month, with locals celebrating the beginning of the Saints football season, the Beignet Festival in City Park, and Labor Day weekend kicking off the fall with Southern Decadence, a gay festival in the French Quarter and Marigny.

With cool weather comes an increase in outdoor festivals – Fried Chicken Fest, Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest, Oktoberfest, and the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience.

We also devote much of the month to Halloween, with haunted houses and events across town, including the Krewe of Boo parade.

Halloween weekend in the French Quarter and Marigny is the closest experience to New Orleans Mardi Gras without actually being there.

As football season continues, besides staying glued to the fate of the Saints, New Orleans also hosts the Bayou Classic.

Festivals this month include Oak Street Po-Boy Fest, Treme Creole Gumbo Fest, Congo Square Rhythms Fest, the Bayou Bacchanal Caribbean festival, and the New Orleans Film Festival.

Christmas gets a full month of attention in New Orleans, with Celebration in the Oaks, our lights display in City Park, opening early and concerts throughout the month at St. Louis Cathedral, concluding with an evening of caroling in Jackson Square.

Homes and hotel lobbies are decorated, and two parades roll, the cheerful Krewe of Jingle and the creepy Krewe of Krampus.

Traditional and innovative Reveillon dinners, once reserved for Christmas Eve, are served at restaurants throughout the month.

And a Cajun Christmas Eve tradition – bonfires lit along the Mississippi – still is reserved for just one night.

Non-Christmas activities for the month include the Sugar Bowl and the New Orleans Bowl, a festival of interactive light art called Luna Fete, and New Year’s Eve events of all kinds, including a fleur-de-lis drop on the Mississippi riverfront.

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Best time to visit

Best time to visit new orleans.

Find the best time to visit New Orleans and plan your perfect trip in 2024/2025. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

New Orleans by month

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When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

The best time to visit New Orleans is April based on the following average weather conditions. Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [ remove ] Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [ remove ] Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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The weather guide for Louisiana (New Orleans) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue . Find out more about our data sources .

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Which is the hottest month in New Orleans?

The hottest time of year in New Orleans is normally July . Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 33°C with very high heat and humidity .

Which month has the most rain in New Orleans?

In terms of rainfall, July is usually the wettest month in New Orleans with 174mm on average. There are normally 14 days in July with some rain.

When is it sunniest in New Orleans?

The sunniest time of year in New Orleans is normally October with bright sunshine on average for 68 % of daylight hours; that's 8 hours of sunshine per day .

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Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit New Orleans LA

• North America
• Travel Guide: Best Time to…

New Orleans — also known as The Big Easy, Crescent City, NOLA — has always been one of the top cities to visit in the US, and it’s easy to see why. There’s always something cool happening here, whether it’s the famed multi-month Mardi Gras celebrations, music festivals, food, or the rollicking live music scene. We’ve visited NOLA every season and always stumbled upon something new to see, do, or eat. So, figuring out the best time to visit New Orleans, LA, can certainly feel daunting. Since the city is hailed as a four-season destination and has something for everyone, the best time to visit comes down to what one is interested in.

Again, there are a lot of things to consider depending on whether you’re going for a major event or the season. For instance, heading to the Jazz and Heritage Festival or Mardi Gras takes a lot of planning for hotel bookings, tickets, etc. On the other hand, if you plan for the weather, like us, we prefer the shoulder season just before the high season of February to May. Clearly, NOLA has much to offer throughout the year, so here’s a detailed guide to visiting New Orleans for any weather and occasion.

Table of contents

Best things to do in new orleans by month, when should you avoid heading to new orleans, la, cool facts about new orleans, la, where to stay in new orleans, la, when is hurricane season for new orleans, and should i avoid visiting during this time, when is the best month to visit nola outside of mardi gras, how many days do you need to visit new orleans.

January weather for New Orleans is considered wintertime; it sometimes gets cold, even freezing! That said, the average temperature is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and the first few days of the year are all about parties. Besides New Year’s Eve, there are the college playoffs of the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day at the Super Dome.

That said, the most important day is January 6th, one of the reasons for which is Joan of Arc’s birthday. We attended the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parades in Downtown, which is a medieval-themed procession through the French Quarter. It ends with the first king cake of the Mardi Gras season because January 6th also happens to be Twelfth Night, or the Feast of the Epiphany. That happens to be the official beginning of the Mardi Gras season! We also caught the Phunny Phorty Phellows , a satirical Mardi Gras Krewe that parade on the St. Charles Streetcar.

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February is doubly special as the weather for February in New Orleans is the end of winter. While there’s the possibility of a bit of rain or a cold snap here and there, the month sees the nicest weather in the entire year.

The other reason that February is special is because it’s finally Mardi Gras Day! It’s not just one of the world’s best carnivals but also one of those annual world festivals that are worth making the trip for. Since it’s based on the lunar calendar, Mardi Gras Day could fall anytime between the 3rd of February and the 9th of March. “Fat Tuesday,” as Mardi Gras Day is called, is always 47 days before Easter and the day before Ash Wednesday. So, do check what day Mardi Gras falls on before booking your trip. In fact, New Orleans is one of the USA’s most visited cities for this reason alone.

Did you know that NOLA is one of the country’s biggest hubs for Vietnamese diaspora culture? Yes! In Vietnamese tradition, February is also the Lunar New Year, Tet, which results in a huge three-day celebration at the Queen Mary of Vietnam Church. It includes everything from fireworks and dragon dances to games, live music, and delicious Vietnamese food.

This is why New Orleans is also one of the best US winter vacation spots.

March is one of the best times to visit NOLA as it really begins to warm up, and it’s evident because the snowball shops open up their stands and storefronts. As we mentioned earlier, Mardi Gras Day could fall anytime in February or early March, so ensure that you plan ahead to figure out the dates. That being said, there’s a lot to do besides Mardi Gras, like the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. It refers to Bourbon Street, not the drink, and celebrates its history with workshops, food tastings, and even burlesque. We also attended the BUKU Music+Art Project , an EDM (electronic dance music) festival where indie rock and hip-hop musicians played together.

Some might argue that March is the liveliest month in New Orleans. It’s also when the weather is at its most temperate, making it the perfect time to plan a honeymoon trip or a romantic holiday. Check out the  best hotels with a spa in New Orleans .

April is NOLA’s festival season and one of the best weather months of the year, with temperatures around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. First up is the Feret Street Festival, which celebrates the local businesses and shops lining Feret Street in uptown New Orleans. Our favorite was the three-day music celebrations of the French Quarter Fest, which took place in the historic and iconic French Quarter. Did you know that the French Quarter is one of the top tourist attractions in the USA ? Yep.

Then there’s the biggest festival of them all, the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival , which features the best of international stars and local groups. After all, NOLA is the birthplace of jazz and positively shines during this time. We ate good food during this festival, saw different cultural attractions, and enjoyed different musical styles. Since it takes place at the end of April, hotels’ prices skyrocket, so you will need to plan ahead for this.

Finally, April is Easter time, and New Orleans has not one but two parades, including a gay Easter Parade and a traditional Catholic one.

May is New Orleans’ summer, with temperatures reaching about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). The month begins with the three-day music festival of Bayou Boogaloo in one of our favorite neighborhoods, Bayou Saint John. It’s fun for the entire family, with craft vendors, food, and local music. Moreover, May 10th is National Shrimp Day in NOLA, so many local restaurants serve some of the best seafood dishes. We even saw local spots dishing out frozen margaritas!

May also sees Mother’s Day celebrations, like the famed and legendary Court of Two Sisters hosting Mother’s Dat brunches with live jazz performances. Also, there’s usually a Second Line parade that takes place, which are local parades that celebrate life. They’re usually a big walking party organized by pleasure and social aid clubs.

June-August

June through August (and even September) are New Orleans’ hottest months, thus quieter than the year’s first half. The humidity and temperatures can be punishing, and the Hurricane season also peaks during this time. Even though things slow down, it can be a great time to visit, explore, and end the day poolside.

We started in June with two food festivals, the New Orleans Oyster Festival, and the Creole Tomato Festival. While we weren’t surprised about the former, we had no idea about the latter and that Southern Louisiana had its own kind of tomatoes! Next, the most famous July event is the annual ESSENCE Fest, a three-day festival that celebrates black culture, beauty, food, health, and music. Finally, July ends with the city’s homage to its Spanish influence, the running of the bulls . But instead of actual bulls, they have NOLA roller Derby girls!

August, which is the peak of the Hurricane season, sees the Satchmo Summerfest (honoring Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong) and the Red Dress Run, a beloved tradition where walkers and runners wear red dresses and support the region’s charities.

If you are visiting NOLA during these hot summer months, then you better go through the top hotels with a rooftop pool in New Orleans .

September might be the start of fall for most places in North America, but in NOLA, it’s still summertime with the added threat of hurricanes. So, if you’re visiting in September, pack summer clothes and also consider investing in travel insurance.

That being said, the largest LGBTQ event in the city, Southern Decadence , takes place on Labor Day weekend in August/September. This six-day celebration boasts flamboyant costumes, wild dance parties, etc. In fact, it has even been compared to Mardi Gras in its decadence. Bourbon Street also sees the annual international New Orleans Burlesque Festival. This three-day festival sees some of the world’s most eye-popping and glamorous burlesque dancers attend and perform in NOLA. The 2016-created Beignet Fest is the latest addition to NOLA’s September roster. Finally, the one exception that brings out huge crowds is the NFL season that begins in September, as NOLA Saints games have a near-religious following.

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The weather in New Orleans for October finally starts to cool off and is the harbinger of the fall festival season. It all starts with Oktoberfest , which pays homage to German culture with beer, Bavarian pretzels, cabbage, and sauerbraten. However, the 2006-established Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival is the most iconic October celebration. It celebrates NOLA’s role in making R&B and the blues among the most influential music genres in the world. Moreover, many top performers from Mississippi and southern Louisiana perform here.

The celebrations continue with the mid-October NOLA Film Festival and end with Halloween. After all, New Orleans is one of the best cities in the US for celebrating Halloween . Since many parties for all ages are taking place during this time, make sure you pack a funky costume. We also highly recommend strolling down Frenchman Street in the evening, where you can spy on some of the most amazing costumes!

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November and December

November and December are two great months to visit New Orleans, as average temperatures stay around 71 F -51 F (10-15 C). The celebrations begin with the 2001-established Bayou Bacchanal, which sees New Orleanians celebrate Caribbean culture in the city. Aside from music and food from the Caribbean nations, we even enjoyed the parade that strutted down Canal Street in style. Secondly, Uptown’s Oak Street transforms for the annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and is a veritable po-boy haven with 35 different vendors. NOLA’s Thanksgiving is one of our favorite festivals; where we dressed to the T to attend the opening ceremony and dug into Creole cuisine at some of the city’s best restaurants.

Christmas in NOLA is special for many reasons: the mild climate, the delicious food, the festive atmosphere, and the country’s unique traditions and culture. The celebrations continue with New Year’s Eve, when festivities are held along the French Quarter riverwalk, complete with a fireworks show. Finally, full-blown parties are held all over town since NOLA is known for its parties.

If you’d like to experience the Carnival atmosphere and see krewes parading through the streets but want to avoid the inflated prices and madness of Mardi Gras, we’d suggest going in January. There are thinner crowds, and the parties and masquerade balls have already begun. While February-May is the best time to visit the city, it would be better if one avoids the weekends altogether. That is unless you’ve booked months in advance and are prepared to face huge crowds. This also holds true for Halloween and New Year’s Eve/Day, when the beloved college football championship game of Allstate Sugar Bowl is typically happening.

People who cannot stand heat and humidity should avoid heading to New Orleans in the summer altogether. The heat can be particularly intense, and July and August also happen to be the rainiest and the muggiest months of the year. Plus, there’s also the possibility of encountering a hurricane. While air-conditioning can make visiting here more bearable, there are limited outdoor activities. Plus, you won’t be able to get out, so it is best that you avoid a trip during the summer.

Overall, the best times for weather, prices, and crowds tend to be in the fall and late April.

• NOLA’s motto is ‘laissez les bon temps rouler,’ which loosely translates to ‘in English as ‘’let the good times roll.’ It’s certainly a fitting motto for this city’s carefree, vibrant, and lively nature.
• In 1796, New Orleans was the country’s first city to document and host an opera performance. The locals were treated to a performance of Sylvain, which led to NOLA becoming North America’s ‘Opera Capital.’
• The world of New Orleans is home to “voodoo” in the USA. The roots of this often misrepresented religion trace back to West African Vodun, an age-old religion in Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin. There are many local tours, like the French Quarter History and Voodoo Tour .
• NOLA also happens to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. Ryan Murphy’s popular show “American Horror Story” loosely delved into the horrors surrounding Delphine LaLaurie and her tales at her Royal Street estate.
• Contrary to popular belief, the French Quarter’s famous Bourbon Street isn’t named after bourbon. It was named by Adrien de Pauger, the engineer of NOLA’s founder, Frenchman Jean Baptiste Le Moyne. He named it after the House of Bourbon, the ruling French Royal family at the time.
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Technically, Hurricane season is from 1 June to 30 November, but August and September are the most volatile months. Since hurricanes can be tracked well in advance, it’s best to postpone a trip planned around that time.

That would be October or January, depending on whether you want to indulge in or experience the pre-Mardi Gras festivities or not. The weather begins cooling in October, and the month has some great festivals, too. On the other hand, January is perfect for those who want to experience the magic of Mardi Gras approaching without paying through the nose.

Generally, we recommend giving New Orleans at least a week to completely experience the magic of this southern city. If you’re on a time crunch, then you need at least three days to make it an ideal trip.

Author:  Peter S

A travel blogger and the founder of WOW Travel, Peter is a crazy dreamer with an insatiable desire for adventure who could never settle for an ordinary life or conform with the norm. After visiting more than 50 countries, he aims to travel with a purpose and inspire people to do the same.

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Summer in Our City

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Whether it’s sipping libations at Tales of the Cocktail, running from roller derby “bulls” at San Fermin, or taking in some top-notch summer theater, here are our top picks.

Summertime sadness? Not in NOLA. From unique events to live music, and unbeatable deals on dining, hotels, and attractions, it's the perfect time to squeeze in one last summer getaway.

Whether you're a foodie, night owl, culture seeker, or budget traveler, we've got itineraries for every type of traveler. Get inspired and plan your perfect NOLA trip today.

Explore even more of NOLA’s expansive museum scene during the month of August, where one membership gets you FREE admission to all participating museums.

From beignets to bread pudding, explore the sweet side of the city with our most iconic desserts.

COOLinary returns for another year of decadent multi-course dining specials from Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Follow your tastebuds as you eat your way through NOLA's most iconic neighborhood.

Your next eggs benny and Bloody Mary are never too far in New Orleans. See our guide to the very best places to indulge in a decadent weekend brunch.

There's a New Orleans hotel for every traveler's needs. Take advantage of deals and offers from hotels all around the city.

Whether you're looking for low-key relaxation, breathtaking views, poolside cocktails with lounge vibes, or a family-friendly oasis, we've broken down our favorite pools by type.

From suites to kid-friendly amenities, make your little ones right at home with these family-friendly hotel options.

Whether traveling with friends or family, these properties give you space to spread out with all of the conveniences and amenities of a hotel.

New Orleans is known for its cocktail culture. Some even say we invented it. Whether you’re looking for craft creations or a neighborhood dive (or both), we've got you covered.

When the temperatures rise, so does the need for a nice, cold beverage. From frozen daiquiris to fresh fruit tropical concoctions, here are our favorite libations to cool off with.

Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise at these six, must-visit tiki bars in New Orleans.

Eat and drink your way around New Orleans with these epic happy hour specials.

For more great New Orleans content, visit our Instagram page at VisitNewOrleans .

Leave with a story, not just a souvenir. Share your NOLA story with #visitneworleans .

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40 Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To New Orleans (2024 Review)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

New Orleans is unlike any other city in the United States. For starters, it is one of the country’s oldest cities. It has a distinct and diverse culture derived from its African, French, Spanish, and Creole elements mixing together. This translates into architecture, food, and southern hospitality that is distinct from anywhere else in the USA or the world. For the visitor, this creates an opportunity to have unique experiences that will leave a lasting impact. However, it also means that things are done a little differently than what you would normally find in other major American cities. Here are 50 of the best travel tips for first time visitors to New Orleans offered by locals, regular visitors, travel bloggers and industry experts to help guide you so that you can have an amazing and safe time in the Big Easy.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To New Orleans

The best travel  tips  to New Orleans for first time visitors fall into several categories. Those include:

• How best to get around;
• Ways to save money;
• How to stay safe
• Where to stay;
• Where and what to eat; and
• Best things to do.

There were a couple of areas that I received the same advice over and over again from different travel experts and locals. Those were:

• Take at least one streetcar to explore the city.
• Be careful in the French Quarter in the evening.
• Make sure you allot some time to enjoy live music.

Those travel tips and others are described below and explained.

There are other destinations in the world that are expensive, overwhelming, or unique and require some extra assistance in navigating so that you can save money, stay safe, and know the best things to do.

• New York City – If you are travelling to New York soon and want to arrive prepared, take a look at  50 Best New York City Tips For First Time Visitors .
• Las Vegas – Here are  50 Best Las Vegas Tips For First Time Visitors to make sure that you are ready for this crazy fun destination.
• London – For help with these enormous metropolis, here are 50 Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors to London .

Finally, just organizing and booking a trip can be complicated and frustrating. I have written a comprehensive step by step guide about how I go about planning a trip, focusing on how I save money and get the best flights and accommodation. For more information, please see  Planning A Holiday: A Foolproof Guide To Easy Vacation Planning.

Best Travel Tips For Getting Around New Orleans

Here are some of the best travel tips for first time visitors for finding your way around New Orleans.

Avoid Driving To The French Quarter

Try to avoid driving to or trying to find parking in the French Quarter, especially in the evening. Most streets are one way and very narrow. Moreover, some streets turn into walking zones in the evening. In addition, it is very popular and extremely busy at night with pedestrians everywhere.

Walk or Ride A Bike

You can easily walk or ride your bike around New Orleans. It is very flat and the layout of the city is pretty straightforward. If you get lost, people are generally helpful and street signs are everywhere.

Olivia , a frequent visitor to NOLA says, “Try The American Bicycle Rental Company, a family owned business on Burgundy Street. They offer maps and guidance on making the most of each day and rent out American-made Cruiser bikes with comfy 13-inch wide saddles and oversized, puncture-resistant tyres. They are perfect for a long day negotiating the bumpy roads of the city and, with their chrome fenders and bells, look pretty cool too.”

Rely On Public Transportation

Public transportation in NOLA is excellent. Rob , a regular visitor says, “The public transport system in New Orleans is awesome for tourists. I would recommend that first-time visitors purchase a day pass ticket which costs only $3. This is a bargain as it allows you to use the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) busses, streetcars, and ferries for unlimited rides for 24 hours. The transport systems are very well kept and it’s a pleasure to ride to see the beautiful city of New Orleans.

The streetcars will take you across all the major areas of the city including the City Park, Jackson Square, and give you a scenic view of the Mississippi River whilst the busses will get you to the intracity and outer lying areas such as the Bayou Sauvage which is a National Wildlife Refuge. There are two ferries – the Algiers Point-Canal Street Ferry and the Lowers Algiers-Chalmette Ferry – that will get you across the Mississippi to visit parts of the city.”

Take A Street Car

Even if you do not need or want to use public transportation, you should take a street car ride at some point. Allyson , a resident of New Orleans says, “Locals and visitors alike enjoy the reliable and leisurely street car rides across the city. St. Charles, Canal Street, Riverfront, and Rampart lines all either run along or intersect with Canal Street in the area between the French Quarter and the Central Business District, so you can see numerous NOLA icons along the way. At $1.25 for a one-way ride, you won’t find cheaper fare anywhere else.”

Best Travel Tips For Saving Money in New Orleans For First Time Visitors

Travelling and exploring any city can be expensive. However, there are always ways to save money if you know where to look. Accordingly, here are some of the best travel tips to save money in the Big Easy.

Stay A Couple Blocks Away From French Quarter

If you want to have easy access to the French Quarter and save money, book accommodation a block or two beyond the French Quarter. You will not only pay less for accommodation, but you will be able to walk and avoid any taxi or Uber costs.

Stay Outside Of New Orleans

If you really want to save money, then stay outside the Big Easy. This would really only work if you don’t want to party into the night on Bourbon Street. However, if you see yourself only spending the days exploring, then this could be a good option.

In addition, there are some cool excursions outside of NOLA such as taking a swamp tour or visiting plantations, such as the Oak Alley Plantation, both between 1 and 1 1/2 hours drive. For more information about these attractions and how to get there, please check this out .

Karen recommends driving Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. It is the longest continuous bridge passing over water (126,122 feet according to Guinness Book of World Records) and in the middle you cannot see land! 

Consider Youth Hostels

Heidi from Holiday St. says, “Accommodation is generally cheaper than other major U.S. cities averaging about $187 per night for a three-star hotel. There are also a few youth hostels to check out if you’re looking to save some money. These include The India House Backpackers Hostel and The Quisby.

Get The GO New Orleans Pass

If you plan to see a lot of the major sites, consider purchasing the GO New Orleans Pass. Imani, a travel blogger says, “You can save time and money and enjoy stress-free touring with the GO New Orleans Pass. The allows you to choose from over 25 attractions in New Orleans, is good for up to 5 days, and saves you up to 35% on ticket prices. It also comes with a mobile pass option.”

For other simple travel tips to save you money, please take a look at 10 Best Money Saving Travel Tips .

Best Travel Tips For What To Do In NOLA For First Time Visitors

New Orleans offers a long list of fascinating and fun attractions. You will likely need multiple trips in order to see everything, explore different areas, and eat all the wonderful food. So how do you figure out what you should see or how best to organize your time? Here are some of the best travel tips for what to do in the Big Easy for first time visitors.

Explore The French Quarter

When people hear “New Orleans”, they normally think of the French Quarter. More specifically, people often associate New Orleans to the “crazy-night-time-party” scene where people drink and dance in the streets, and others throw beads at them. However, it is very different during the day. It is calm and lovely to explore. The architecture and history of the French Quarter is something beautiful and shouldn’t be missed.

For example, walk around LaFayette Cemetery No. 1 where famous residents such as Tennessee Williams, Jean Lafitte and Anne Rice are buried. In addition, the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square is the oldest cathedral in the US and the only remaining example of French Colonial architecture.

Visit Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is located in the French Quarter and the center of New Orlean’s nightlife. Even if you don’t want to stay long or participate in the festivities, you should swing by one evening and take a look. It is considered by many to be one of America’s foremost party streets.

Design Your Own Pub Crawl

Marc from JTG Travel recommends designing your own pub crawl in the French Quarter. That should include “Old Absinthe House, Maison Bourbon, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar ( the oldest structure in the United States operated as a bar), Pat O’Brien’s terrace, Beach on Bourbon, and the Cat’s Meow.” They can be enjoyed all day and night.

Live Music All Day Long

A visit to the Big Easy wouldn’t be complete without seeing some live music. You have a choice of almost any type of music and multiple areas where you can enjoy it, starting with the French Quarter. Sam says “The French Quarter is home to some of the nation’s finest musical acts, so be sure to take in a show while you’re here.”

Street Performers

You can find dozens of street performers all over the French Quarter from morning until night. They are incredibly accomplished. In any other city, you would only be able to see such talented people in their own show at a venue. Make sure you allow yourself time to walk and enjoy them. Don’t forget to bring some cash for tips.

Go Where The Locals Go

Frenchmen Street is packed with venues that offer an array of live performances ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae and rock. They attract audiences from all over the world. This is a good alternative if you wish to avoid Bourbon Street.

If boutique shopping, artist’s galleries and delicious Creole restaurants are more of your vibe, then Magazine Street is for you.

Freret Street offers more of a chill and laid back feel, with blocks filled with yummy restaurants.”

Rent A Paddleboat

Rent a paddle boat on Lake Pontchartrain. It is an excellent way to see the city without costing too much money.

Have A Parade

Steve from Insanely Cheap Flights says, “What many people don’t know is how easy it is to have your own parade, complete with  police escort . You can hire the musicians directly, or hire a full-service company to take care of all the details. The police will close the streets to traffic along your route, and you’ll be able to celebrate with a unique New Orleans experience.”

Recommended Restaurants

New Orleans is also a foodie paradise. There are many iconic foods and drinks that you should try in New Orleans.

Eva from Discovering Hidden Gems says, “Cafe du Monde is a must for every visitor, so I recommend stopping in early, say before 9 am to avoid heavy crowds and long lines.” Make sure you get New Orlean’s classic, a beignet, a deep fried fluffy donut.

For other quintessential food and restaurant establishments:

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop “the oldest structure used as a bar in the US” – Voodoo Daiquiri  NOLA Po’ Boys – Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwiches Carousel Bar (the bar rotates around like a carousel) – Vieux Carre and The Sazarac are signature drinks Napoleon House – hot Muffuletta sandwich and Pimm’s Cup signature drink Old Absinthe House – Absinthe House Frappe (fair warning – it tastes like licorice, so if you don’t like licorice you won’t like this!) French Market Restaurant – Crawfish (which you can see boiling in the window throughout the day and smell it from a block away to draw you in).

Take The Garden District Streetcar

Taking the streetcar from the Central Business District to the Garden District is another fantastic way to explore New Orleans. It is the world’s oldest continuously functioning streetcar and is available for less than $2. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as this is the only streetcar in the city that still boasts mahogany seats, brass fittings and exposed ceiling light bulbs.

Ralph Calhoun from the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe, Louisiana says, “If you like rare or used books, you can pick up a map in most of the bookstores in the Garden District which lead you to lots of sources for used books.”

Visit The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum is an amazing interactive museum that focuses on the American experience in WWII —why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. It is a must-see experience for your whole family.

The Higgins boats central to Operation D-Day were built in New Orleans. They revolutionized the war by carrying troops from ships to open beaches rather than the historical need to land at ports. This was one of the many reasons Congress made NOLA the home of one of the largest collections of WWII artifacts in the United States.

For Animal Lovers

If you love animals or are travelling with children, check out the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium . The zoo features animals from around the world and offers animal demonstrations, feedings, and the award-winning Jaguar Jungle and Louisiana Swamp habitats. The Aquarium is consistently voted as one of the best in the country and ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans. Both are dedicated to conservation and education.

Iris from Trip 1010 recommends catching one of the free opera performance from Bon Operatit held every month.

Spend Time On The Banks Of The Mississippi River

For a relaxing afternoon, spend time on the banks of the Mississippi River. It has a gorgeous view of the Big Easy which is a magical ending to any day. Across Jackson Square, you will have some of the best views of New Orleans.

If you would like to Travel Cheaper, Smarter and Easier, then join the thousands of subscribers who receive my weekly newsletter filled with the most up to date and best travel tips around. Sign up with this link !

Best Travel Tips To New Orleans For First Time Visitors Concerned About Safety

New Orleans is a large American city. That means there are safe areas, less safe areas, and areas best left avoided at all costs.

The tourist areas (French Quarter, Central Business District, and Garden District) are all relatively safe places to stay or visit provided you use common sense. In other words, don’t get rip roaring drunk and walk alone down an alley at 2:00 am. Beyond that scenario, there are a couple of unique scenarios of which you should be aware.

Tourist Area Is Small

The tourist area in New Orleans is in a small concentrated area. That means petty thieves don’t have to guess where to find the tourists. Be alert and keep your items secure in a zippered purse or pocket.

Stay Together

When out at night having a good time, do not cut yourself off from other revellers. Stay up with your group. On the flip side, make sure you take a moment every so often to ensure everyone in your group is keeping up.

Avoid Solicitation

It is best to avoid anyone who you feel is soliciting you in any way. If someone is offering their service or a product out of the blue, they are likely trying to take advantage of you. Keep your eyes ahead and continue on.

Don’t Overindulge

You should either try not to drink too much or have one person in your group who stays relatively sober and keeps an eye on things. This might be difficult if you are in New Orleans with your college buddies or for a bachelorette party. However, unfortunately, people are waiting to take advantage of you.

Skip The Beads

Bead necklaces are usually thrown from partiers from the upper terraces along Bourbon street all year long. You don’t have to do anything to get them except be walking by when they are thrown (which is usually all night). You certainly don’t have to flash anyone to get them. If you want to wear them while on Bourbon street, then fine. However, don’t wear them beyond. It marks you as a tourist.

Research Area

Michelle from Brit Adventures strongly recommends researching the crime rate where you are staying if you can’t find accommodation in the tourist areas. She ended up staying in a high crime area on one visit to New Orleans when she couldn’t find accommodation in her budget somewhere else. Taxi drivers refused to enter the area to pick up or drop her off.

Spend More To Stay Somewhere Safe

Every neighbourhood in NOLA is not equal. That is particularly true when it comes to safety. If you can’t afford to stay in the tourist districts like the French Quarter, Central Business District, or the Garden District, or other safe neighbourhoods, then save for a bit longer and wait until you can. Otherwise, be prepared to go over budget.

Beware of Pickpockets

The French Quarter offers endless amount of street entertainers and buskers all day and night. They are truly exceptionally talented. Make sure you save time everyday to savour the entertainment. However, keep an eye on your phone, wallet and other valuables. As people gather, it is an easy way to get pickpocketed.

Best Travel Tips To New Orleans For First Time Visitors

There is some advice that falls into lots of different categories. Accordingly, here are the rest of the best travel tips to the Big Easy.

Be Mindful Of The Weather

Summer is very hot and humid. Then, there is hurricane season from June to November. Make sure you understand how each will impact your trip and decide when is the best time for you to visit New Orleans .

Bring Cas h

Sidra, a local , recommends always having cash on hand. “Places will charge fees or they might not accept credit cards. You’ll need cash for food that’s not part of a standard restaurant menu, too. This also includes beers at happy hour prices.”

Watch Out For Alligators

Alligators are common sights in many roadways in Louisiana, especially in the swamps that surround New Orleans, so if make sure you pay attention when you are around water.

Take Your Beverage To Go

Jeff says, “One of the most bizarre New Orleans travel advice is that if you have liquor in your possession, you may request a to-go cup. It’s permitted to consume alcoholic beverages on the street in a disposable plastic cup (not in glass).”

No Closing Tim e

There isn’t any specific time that the bars must close. Some regularly stay open until 4:00 am or later. This is a recipe for disaster if you don’t know your limit.

Drinking Age is 18 Years Old

Louisiana is one of a few states that allow teenagers as young as 18 to drink alcohol provided they are accompanied by a guardian or spouse who is over 21 years old.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

New Orleans is a very walkable city. The tourist area is relatively small and flat so it is easy to walk and explore for many hours. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes so you can tour, eat and shop all day long.

Wear Stretchy Pants

Marquita from Marquitas Travels says, “New Orleans is not the place to come visit while on a diet. The city is known for its food. From the delicious chargrilled oyster and poboys, to the decadent pralines and beignets, and everything in between. Most guests leave the city vowing to eat more fruits and veggies when they return home.”

Be Aware Of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is on a different date every year, so make sure you figure out that date long before you arrive. If you intend to visit during Mardi Gras or inadvertently book your trip just before, during or just after, you should book accommodation asap.

New Orleans is unlike any city in the United States. It is interesting and fun and offers something for everyone, including families. However, the Big Easy does things a little differently than most American places. This is exactly why it is one of the best cities in the USA to visit. If you follow these best travel tips for first time visitors to New Orleans, you should have an exciting and safe time. Arriving prepared will leave you stress free and ready for all the exhilarating experiences waiting for you.

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Travel + Leisure Readers’ 5 Favorite City Hotels in New Orleans of 2024

Readers preferred hotels with tons of character and NOLA spirit in the 2024 “World’s Best Awards” survey.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Courtesy of Maison de la Luz

Some come to New Orleans, Louisiana’s largest city, to bask in its party culture (it’s known for hosting an epic Mardi Gras, after all). Others travel to this cultural destination for its compelling food and music; you can’t go anywhere in NOLA without encountering its exciting blend of French and African influences. The good news: This historic city offers travelers of all denominations the opportunity to find their footing. Our readers weighed in on where to stay in New Orleans , a place overflowing with charming hotels that are rooted in Louisiana tradition.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Readers continue to enjoy the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans (it retains its No. 5 position) and The Windsor Court (No. 3). In the Lower Garden District, readers describe the Hotel Saint Vincent, this year’s No. 4 choice, as “like going to heaven.” But a newcomer made the list this year, too. At No. 2, the Hotel Peter & Paul, a former 19th-century Catholic church in the Marigny neighborhood, gets a second life as a boutique hotel. “It is unique, memorable, and luxurious,” one surveyor weighed in. Another commented on the “beautiful design” and “thoughtful staff” that set it apart.

Last year’s No. 3 pick , Maison de la Luz, in the Warehouse District, has risen to the top this year. Read on to see why T+L readers favored this hotel, as well as the four other winners on this year's list.

Maison de la Luz

Once the annex to City Hall — the building originally opened its doors in 1908 — Maison de la Luz, a 67-room boutique hotel previously operated by the Ace chain, but now rebranded under Hyatt with the name Maison Métier, began charming NOLA in 2019. Twin staircases in the lobby are matched by art deco influences throughout. And proximity to New Orleans’ Central Business District makes for easy pickings when it comes to dining (the property does not have a full-service restaurant, though it does offer guests a small cafe for a casual bite). Readers were impressed with the hotel’s lack of uniformity and its boutique touches, calling it a “unique and exceptional luxury stay.” In a city where history and roots are paramount, it’s not hard to see why this hotel won hearts and minds. 

1. Maison de la Luz

Reader Score: 96.53

2. Hotel Peter & Paul

Reader Score: 94.59

3. The Windsor Court

Reader Score: 93.91

4. Hotel Saint Vincent

Reader Score: 91.88

5. Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

Reader Score: 90.90

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The world’s best train journeys: From New Orleans to San Antonio on a week-long food excursion

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Travel from New Orleans to San Antonio on a week-long food excursion. Photo / Getty Images

Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route connects New Orleans with San Antonio ; two exceptional food destinations. Yvette Cook investigates how one train journey can offer travellers two different experiences during a week-long holiday.

“Keep up or you’ll miss the po-boys,” shouts one member of my tour group above the trumpet’s melody.

I’m eating my way through New Orleans on a food walking tour , but keep getting delayed by the jazz music playing on street corners. While I absorb the music’s vibrations in my ribs, the spring sunshine is warming my back and savoury aromas swirl around me from nearby restaurants. It’s an ordinary Thursday afternoon for New Orleans, but it feels extraordinary to me.

As someone who normally enters a city with a list of sights to visit, I’m taking a new approach to experiencing a city through its food.

New Orleans has long drawn visitors for its exceptional Cajun and Creole cuisine, while San Antonio in Texas is home to Tex-Mex. With only a 15-hour train journey separating them, I’m discovering their offerings on a one-week holiday.

READ MORE: The best New Orleans activities outside of Mardis Gras

Starting in New Orleans with Dr Gumbo’s walking food tour is a masterstroke, an efficient introduction to its streets and its food.

In a swanky restaurant, I start with a bowl of gumbo, which resembles a stew. Delving my spoon in, my tastebuds are awoken by the pleasant tingling of Cajun seasoning. I enjoy the complementary smoky flavour of the Louisiana sausage and the calming balance of the potato.

Our passionate tour guide Beth explains how this Cajun recipe, the chef’s grandmother’s, shares its foundations with Creole recipes. The city’s food has evolved through waves of immigrants who have made New Orleans their home.

Creole is considered more cosmopolitan through its French and Spanish influences, whereas Cajun cuisine originated from French Canadians who introduced countryside foods, such as game. Both are influenced by West African ingredients, including okra, and Native American foods such as beans and shellfish.

Beth takes our tastebuds on a tour of New Orleans’ flavours, from shopping for hot salsas, to tasting sweet and salty bacon pecan brittle - think sea salt chocolate .

At NOLA Po’Boys cafe, we munch into soft Sicilian muffuletta sandwiches of Italian meats, cheeses and olives, yet it’s the crispy outer on the rival po’boy sandwich that gives it the edge.

Created for the “poor boys” during the 1929 streetcar strike, it’s stuffed with anything from beef to crawfish, dressed with salad, and slathered with mayonnaise. Rounding off the tour with Banana Foster and its sweet, buttery rum sauce, I realise that I won’t need to eat again for the rest of the day.

The following morning, after a walk along the Mississippi River, my eyes feast on the rich colours of Creole townhouses with wrought-iron balconies, framed by blue skies and swaying palm trees.

Despite the early hour, I’m drawn to the sound of a double bass entertaining a queue outside Cafe du Monde. It’s not long before I sink my teeth into what this cafe is famous for, a beignet, a pillowy, deep-fried pastry with a generous dusting of icing sugar. A tastier version of a doughnut that sets me up for my cooking class.

At the Mardi Gras School of Cooking, chef Raymond teaches my group how to cook Louisiana classics from barbecue shrimp to bread pudding.

While we chop the holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper, he explains how jambalaya was born from the Spanish having to swap in local ingredients to make paella.

Our class enjoys experimenting with these, like spicy tasso ham, to create our own masterpiece. The perfect jambalaya, but a long way off paella.

The evenings are spent sipping Sazerac cocktails in jazz clubs, though it’s the spontaneity of music on Frenchmen Street that excites me most. Thinking about how jazz breaks conventions, evolves and unveils its rawness, I realise that it is emblematic of this incredible city’s spirit too.

While leaving New Orleans is a drag, boarding the beastly Amtrak train with its booming horn is nothing short of exciting.

The Sunset Limited service departs New Orleans at 9am three times a week, to the edge of the continent, arriving 47 hours later in Los Angeles. As such, some passengers are laden with supplies and head towards the sleeping cars, but as I am only travelling 15-hours to San Antonio I sit in coach class.

Taking my reclining seat in the spacious top deck, I meet Mickey, who like many aboard, is travelling to experience Texas’ solar eclipse. She shares my love of train travel and on spotting an alligator amongst the mangroves, she gloats that she is “seeing a side of America not seen by flying”.

The adjacent lounge car has a sociable atmosphere with passengers eating, playing cards or watching the scenery change through its vast wraparound windows. Sitting in a swivel seat, I watch the train cut through rice paddies and start a conversation with Frank, visiting his grandchildren in Tucson, Arizona .

He isn’t fazed by the 35-hour journey, he likes the time to think, and listen to stories of interesting people he meets. He’s pleased that the Biden Administration is investing in America’s train routes and that the Sunset Limited will soon run daily.

As the sun sets over Houston, I am served a surprisingly tasty three-course Italian meal in the dining car and wonder why most Americans choose to fly as much as they do. Time flies and before I know it I’m in San Antonio.

As the birthplace of the breakfast taco, I start my visit to San Antonio in the quiet neighbourhood cafe, Kapej.

The rain shower provides a steady drum beat on the wooden porch, while mockingbirds and cardinals take part in a singing competition.

My tacos are filled with bacon and scrambled eggs alongside a fiery ranchero sauce and cafe de olla, a Mexican spiced coffee. It feels like I’ve arrived into a new country, not the state next door, but being only 200km from Mexico, this shouldn’t be a surprise.

What is a surprise is that San Antonio is the US’ seventh largest city . Its colonial history stretches back to the Spanish Missions established in 1718 and today holds accolades including Unesco’s ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’.

To orientate myself, I walk along the 25km river walk that weaves through the city and its history. It’s refreshing to be at the heart of an American city surrounded by lush vegetation designed to attract both people and wildlife.

While cyclists and kayakers glide by, a nonchalant turtle bathes on a rock. A twin cypress tree marks the spot where Mexican snipers are thought to have waited for Texan cowboys attracted to the river for water. Today, it marks the start of the ‘River Bend’ where tourist boats pass a buzzing restaurant scene.

I’m keen to try the famous guacamole at Boudro’s that’s prepared in front of customers’ eyes. Just as I’m on the cusp of ordering, my waiter Richard describes other specialities and I’m converted to the blackened Texan prime rib. I’m not disappointed, it’s tender and juicy, with Cajun spices that complement the rich beefy flavour, and perfectly matched with a light-bodied Texan red wine.

Continuing along the river walk, I amble by artisan shops in historic La Villita, towards the 229m-high Tower of the Americas which pays tribute to the “Confluence of Civilisations” that built America. In San Antonio, this confluence of Native American and Mexican food, combined with wheat and livestock imported by Spanish missionaries, formed Tex-Mex.

I visit Poblano’s in Downtown, an informal eatery that’s popular with locals. Over crispy tacos, cheesy enchiladas and nachos, served with a spicy salsa that I’m warned to try before pouring, I become captivated by stories of the legendary “Chili Queens”.

During the Wild West days, a group of women became a beloved feature of the city’s nightlife in the Plaza de Armas. They set up night-time stalls and served chilli con carne, along with other specialities, attracting visitors, locals and soldiers, and helping grow Tex-Mex’s popularity.

The following day, I follow the walk northwards towards the Pearl, a former German brewery site, to enjoy its weekend farmers’ market and restaurants. I discover how places such as Botika, an Asian-Peruvian restaurant, push boundaries, while still rooting themselves in Texas through dishes such as short rib with yakisoba noodles.

Yet, at La Gloria, a Mexican street food restaurant, its mission is to preserve traditional food. Colourful skeletons welcome me onto a vibrant terrace overlooking the river.

I enjoy contrasting flavours of delicate raw fish and green tomatoes in the ceviche verde, against rich spices of mole sauce smothering the enchiladas. It’s little wonder that La Gloria is renowned for its authenticity and the best margaritas in town.

As I leave the Pearl during golden hour, I am distracted by a soulful beat emanating from deep inside the Jazz TX Club, transporting me back to the streets of New Orleans.

A one week adventure from hearty Cajun to spicy Tex-Mex, courtesy of the Sunset Limited. Having followed my tastebuds, instead of my guidebook, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how history and culture intertwines to create two remarkable cuisines.

Getting there

Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland to Houston five times a week with one-hour connecting flights to New Orleans and San Antonio.

Amtrak’s Sunset Limited train journey runs direct trains three times a week from NZ$117 one way.

Staying there

Double rooms at the historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans start at NZ$500 per night and the Thompson Riverwalk in San Antonio at NZ$700 per night.

neworleans.com

visitsanantonio.com

Yvette was a guest of New Orleans & Company and Visit San Antonio

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