New Orleans by Month: Best Times to Visit for Events & Weather

New Orleans pulsates with a unique rhythm, each month offering a distinctive blend of cultural festivities, lively events, and shifting weather patterns. From the revelry of Mardi Gras to the soulful melodies of Jazz Fest, this city captivates visitors with its infectious energy and rich heritage.

In This Article

TL;DR

New Orleans experiences distinct seasonal variations, providing a variety of activities and events year-round.
Spring and fall are particularly appealing times to visit, with mild temperatures and numerous outdoor celebrations.
Iconic festivals like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and COOLinary New Orleans draw visitors from across the globe.

January: A Quiet Charm

As the city recovers from the holiday festivities, January in New Orleans offers a respite from the crowds, allowing visitors to experience the city’s unique charm at a more leisurely pace. The cooler temperatures, averaging around 60°F (15°C), provide a comfortable setting for exploring the historic French Quarter and indulging in the city’s renowned cuisine.

One of the most significant events in January is the Twelfth Night celebration, marking the beginning of the Carnival season. On January 6th, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parade winds through the French Quarter, featuring medieval-themed processions and the first king cake of the season.

February: Carnival and Mardi Gras

February in New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras, the city’s most iconic and lively celebration. The streets come alive with colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and the infectious rhythms of brass bands. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (12-18°C), making it an ideal time to participate in the festivities.

As the culmination of the Carnival season, Mardi Gras Day is a spectacle like no other, with parades, parties, and revelry spilling onto the streets. Visitors should book accommodations well in advance and plan their parade-viewing spots early to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

March: Spring Festivities

As spring blooms in New Orleans, the city comes alive with a vibrant array of festivals and outdoor activities. The mild temperatures, averaging around 70°F (21°C), provide the perfect backdrop for events like the French Quarter Festival, a celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage through music, food, and art.

St. Patrick’s Day is another highlight, with parades and festivities honoring the city’s Irish heritage. Visitors can also indulge in the start of crawfish season, a beloved local delicacy, and explore the city’s lush gardens and parks.

April: Jazz and Heritage

April in New Orleans is synonymous with the world-renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, affectionately known as Jazz Fest. This two-weekend extravaganza showcases the city’s rich musical legacy, featuring performances from jazz, blues, and zydeco artists, as well as a variety of culinary offerings.

With average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24-28°C), April is an ideal time for outdoor events and activities. First-time visitors to Jazz Fest should plan their schedules carefully, arrive early, and be prepared for crowds and long lines.

May: Cultural Celebrations

As the city transitions into summer, May in New Orleans offers a unique blend of cultural celebrations and outdoor festivities. The Bayou Boogaloo, a neighborhood festival in the Bayou St. John area, celebrates the city’s eclectic spirit with live music, food, and art.

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is another highlight, showcasing the city’s culinary prowess through tastings, demonstrations, and seminars. With average temperatures in the mid-80s°F (29°C), visitors can enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene and explore its diverse neighborhoods.

June: Summer Begins

June marks the onset of New Orleans’ hot and humid summer, with average temperatures reaching the high 80s°F (31°C). Despite the heat, the city remains lively with celebrations like Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQ+ community with parades, parties, and events throughout the French Quarter.

The Creole Tomato Festival is another beloved event, celebrating the arrival of the coveted Creole tomato and showcasing the city’s culinary heritage. Visitors can seek respite from the heat by exploring indoor attractions, such as museums and air-conditioned restaurants.

July: Festive Fourth and Sizzling Heat

July in New Orleans is marked by the city’s Fourth of July celebrations, with fireworks displays along the Mississippi River and festive events throughout the city. The Essence Music Festival, a celebration of Black culture and music, also takes place during this month, attracting visitors from around the world.

With temperatures soaring into the 90s°F (32-37°C) and high humidity, visitors should plan for indoor activities during the day and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and riverfront festivities in the evening.

August: Culinary Delights

As the summer heat reaches its peak, August in New Orleans offers a respite for foodies with the COOLinary New Orleans event. This city-wide celebration features special prix-fixe menus and dining deals at some of the city’s most renowned restaurants, allowing visitors to indulge in the city’s culinary delights without breaking the bank.

With average temperatures in the low 90s°F (32-35°C), visitors can seek refuge in air-conditioned museums, galleries, and indoor attractions, or explore the city’s famous eateries and sample local dishes like gumbo, po’boys, and beignets.

September: Artistic Expressions

September in New Orleans marks the transition from summer to fall, with temperatures gradually becoming more comfortable. This month is a prime time for art enthusiasts, with events like the White Linen Night, where galleries in the Arts District open their doors for a night of art, music, and revelry.

Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant art scene, attend gallery openings, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural fabric that defines New Orleans. The weather, with average temperatures in the mid-80s°F (29°C), provides an ideal setting for outdoor exploration and cultural activities.

October: Halloween and Harvest

As fall settles in, October in New Orleans offers a unique blend of spooky celebrations and harvest festivities. The city embraces its haunted history with events like the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a multi-day festival featuring live music, art installations, and a celebration of the city’s voodoo culture.

With average temperatures in the mid-70s°F (24°C), October is an ideal time for family-friendly activities, such as haunted tours, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals. Visitors can also indulge in the city’s culinary offerings, with events like the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival celebrating the iconic New Orleans sandwich.

November: A Time of Thanksgiving

November in New Orleans is a time for giving thanks and celebrating the city’s rich culinary heritage. Local Thanksgiving traditions include indulging in classic dishes like turducken (a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken) and attending events like the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival.

With average temperatures in the mid-60s°F (18°C), visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and historic sites. This month also offers a chance to experience the city’s vibrant music scene and savor the flavors of New Orleans before the holiday season begins.

December: Holiday Season and Celebrations

As the year draws to a close, December in New Orleans is a magical time filled with festive celebrations and holiday cheer. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, decorations, and the sounds of carolers and live music performances.

Visitors can experience the unique “Christmas New Orleans Style” by attending holiday markets, enjoying festive concerts, and indulging in seasonal treats like beignets and hot chocolate. With average temperatures in the low 60s°F (16°C), visitors can comfortably explore the city’s holiday attractions and soak in the joyous atmosphere.