Weather in New Orleans
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Rainfall is high throughout the year, and even more so during the summer, so make sure you pack your umbrella... you'll need it!
The humidity can be oppressive, so if you're planning a summer trip you may be better off taking refuge indoors with aircon during the day, and doing most of your exploring in the early mornings and evenings when it's cooler.
What is the climate of New Orleans?
New Orleans has a subtropical climate thanks to its proximity to large bodies of water. In fact, it's the most humid city in the USA. This means the air will likely feel dense and muggy, especially in the summer when the average humidity is a sweat-inducing 76%.
Sizzling temperatures and humidity create a perfect storm (literally) for hurricanes between June and November, though they are rare. Rainstorms, on the other hand, are fairly common and can cause flooding across the city.
Winters are mild compared to some of the neighbouring states, with average temperatures of 7°C to 19°C. However, the humidity and wind chill can make the air feel cooler so ensure you have a sweater and a jacket.
New Orleans is a year-round destination, but February, March, April and October offer the best weather to maximise your time in this vibrant city. These months also typically see smaller crowds.
Does it ever snow in New Orleans?
Over the decades, there have been reports of snowfall every 10 years or so but overall it's very rare to see snow in New Orleans. During winter, average lows hover at 7°C and there are only a handful of days where temperature will drop below freezing.
Average temperatures in New Orleans
Month | Average high | Average low |
January | 18°C | 7°C |
February | 19°C | 9°C |
March | 23°C | 12°C |
April | 26°C | 16°C |
May | 29°C | 20°C |
June | 32°C | 23°C |
July | 33°C | 24°C |
August | 33°C | 25°C |
September | 31°C | 22°C |
October | 27°C | 17°C |
November | 22°C | 12°C |
December | 18°C | 8°C |