Weather in New Orleans

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in New Orleans. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help plan your trip.

New Orleans, located in the state of Louisiana, USA, features a humid subtropical climate. This means the city is known for its long, hot, and humid summers, as well as short and mild winters. The weather here can be quite changeable, especially regarding precipitation, so it is always useful to be prepared for possible changes.

The summer months, from June to August, are characterised by high temperatures, often exceeding 30°C, and high humidity. This period also sees the highest number of rainy days, although the total millimetres might not be very large, indicating frequent but perhaps not overly prolonged rains or showers. Winters, from December to February, in New Orleans are usually mild, with average temperatures around 12-16°C, and frosts happen rarely.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for visiting New Orleans. During these transitional seasons, temperatures are pleasant, varying from moderately warm to warm, and the number of rainy days decreases compared to summer. This is a wonderful time for walking around the city and exploring its numerous outdoor attractions.

The temperature patterns in New Orleans are characterised by significant seasonal changes, with a fairly wide annual temperature range. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is about 12.7°C, and minimum night temperatures can drop on average to 9.2°C, while daytime highs reach approximately 16.1°C. Conversely, the heat peaks in July and August. In August, the average temperature reaches 28.6°C, with daytime highs often rising to 31.1°C, and night lows remaining at the level of 26.2°C, making it the hottest month of the year.

The summer months in New Orleans, from June to August, bring consistently hot weather. Average daily temperatures during this period fluctuate from 27.8°C in June to 28.6°C in August. Daytime highs regularly exceed 30°C, and nights remain very warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25-26°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are relatively small, averaging about 4-5°C. This means the heat persists even at night, which, combined with the high humidity characteristic of the region, creates a sensation of sultry weather.

Winter in New Orleans, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by its mildness. Average monthly temperatures vary from 12.7°C in January to 15.9°C in February. Night temperatures in the coldest period (January) drop on average to 9.2°C, and daytime ones can reach 16-19°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are somewhat more pronounced than in summer and can be about 6-7°C. This means mornings and evenings can be quite cool, while daytime hours remain relatively warm and comfortable. Severe frosts are not characteristic for New Orleans.

New Orleans experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation distribution throughout the year. Although rain is possible in any month, the summer months, especially June, July, and August, stand out as the wettest period. At this time, both the total amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days increase, indicating the onset of the rainy season.

According to the provided data, the highest amount of precipitation falls in August, when an average of 7 mm is recorded. July and June also receive a significant amount of moisture — 6 mm each respectively. In terms of frequency of rainy days, July is the clear leader: in this month, it rains on average 23 days. August follows with 21 rainy days, and in June there are about 17. Given the hot weather during this period, precipitation likely falls in the form of frequent rains, which can be intense but short-lived, which is characteristic of a subtropical climate.

The driest period in New Orleans, based on the data, can be considered late autumn. November stands out as the month with the fewest rainy days – only 8. Regarding the amount of precipitation, the lowest figures (3 mm each) are observed in January, October, and November. In other months, such as February, March, April, May, and December, the amount of precipitation is about 4 mm, and the number of rainy days ranges from 10 to 12, indicating a more even distribution of precipitation outside the peak summer season and the dry autumn.

When planning a trip to New Orleans, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. In summer (June-August), it is hot and humid here, with average temperatures around 28°C and frequent rains, especially in July and August. Therefore, be sure to bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget a compact umbrella or a light raincoat, as downpours can be sudden, even if often short-lived.

Winter in New Orleans (December-February) is mild, with average temperatures of 12-16°C. You will find jeans, sweaters, and a light jacket or coat useful, especially for evening walks when the temperature can drop to 9-12°C. The layering principle will be very handy here. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant times to visit, with comfortable temperatures from 18°C to 25°C. In these seasons, it is also worth dressing in layers: a T-shirt, a light jumper or cardigan, and perhaps a windbreaker in case of cool weather or rain, which is still possible, though less frequent than in summer.

Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as New Orleans is perfect for long walks. Given the number of rainy days, especially in summer, it might be worth thinking about waterproof shoes or having a spare pair. A small backpack or shoulder bag will be useful for day excursions to carry water, sunscreen, an umbrella, and other small items.