Just about anytime of the year except summer is a good time to visit New Orleans. It can be extremely hot and humid during July and August, and this can make a visit to this city unpleasant for some people. The fall season can also have the same hot and humid climate. The weather is cool and comfortable in the spring from February to May, the best time to visit New Orleans. Many people like to visit New Orleans in February because they want to enjoy Mardi Gras. December and January are also good times to visit New Orleans - there are few crowds and room rates are at their lowest.


New Orleans Weather & Temperature by Month

New Orleans Weather & Temperature by Month

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January is the coldest month in Louisiana and it’s also the month that gets the least amount of sunshine in the year. 151 hours of sunshine can be expected while the average high temperature and average low temperature ranges between 62°F (17°C) and 45°F (7°C). The start of the year also brings the start of a brand new Mardi Gras season.

In February, Louisiana has its third coldest month in the year and the last of its “winter” months. The average high temperature rises just a tad to 65°F (19°C) while the average low temperature also makes a small increase to 48°F (9°C).

March marks the beginning of New Orlean’s spring season and the last month of Mardi Gras. Temperatures remain cool and delightful with an average high temperature of 72°F (22°C). Low temperatures are 53°F (12°C).

New Orleans Weather by April: Temperatures continue to rise in April as spring wears on. The average high temperature leaps to 78°F (26°C), while the average low temperatures also make quite the jump to 68°F (20°C).

In June, New Orleans experience the second to the hottest month out of the year as summer makes an abrupt arrival. Average high temperatures shoot up to 89°F (32°C), yet an average precipitation rate of 8 inches (201 mm) can be expected. This makes June the rainiest month of the year. It’s also the month that receives the most hours of sunshine at 273 hours.

July sees another increase in temperatures as the summer months arrive in New Orleans. The average high temperature is a punishing 91°F (33°C) while the average low temperature is 75°F (24°C), making this month the hottest month of the year.

In August, however, temperatures remain exactly the same thus tying August with July as the two hottest months of the entire year.

New Orleans Weather by September: Some respite from the heat comes in September, as the temperatures start to decrease. The average high temperature and average low temperature will range between 87°F (31°C) and 72°F (22°C). September is generally considered to be the start of the fall season in New Orleans.

October brings a significant drop in temperature with 80°F (27°C) as the average high temperature. It’s also the driest month out of the entire year with a relatively low precipitation rate of 4 inches (90 mm).

In November, temperatures cool further for the last month of autumn. Average high temperatures will peak at 72°F (22°C) and average low temperatures will drop to 53°F (12°C) at the most.

December is the second coldest month out of the year in New Orleans with an average high temperature of 64°F (18°C). Chilly nights can be expected as the average low temperature drops to 47°F (8°C).

The great thing about Louisiana, and New Orleans in particular, is that it’s always a good time to visit. However, if you’re looking to save a bit more cash, the best time to visit is during the off season between the months of June to September. Temperature wise, the best time to visit is between February to May as the weather is mild and easy to manage. Mardi Gras season lasts from January to March, while those who want to enjoy the festivals in Louisiana should come by during the last week of April and the first week of May.


Getting to New Orleans

Getting to New Orleans

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The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the main airport for New Orleans. It is located about 15 west in the city of Kenner. Flights are domestic; international flights connect through other cities. Amtrak serves the city and passengers are treated to very nice scenery along the way. The train station in New Orleans is the Union Passenger Terminal in the downtown area. Arriving by car can be an interesting experience: from some routes visitors can enjoy views of the swamps. There are several interstates and highways that can be used including I-10, I-55, U.S.90, and U.S. 61.


Getting from the New Orleans Airport

Getting from the New Orleans Airport

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There are several ways to get from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport into the downtown area. Numerous car rental agencies are conveniently located a short walk from the baggage claim area of the main terminal. There are several buses including a public bus called the 202-Airport Express that runs from the airport into New Orleans. The official Airport Shuttle New Orleans will take visitors from the airport directly to their hotels. Taxis wait for passengers just outside of the baggage claim area. A-Airport Limousine is a luxurious way to arrive in the city: the kiosks are located in the baggage claim area.


Getting Around New Orleans by Streetcars & buses

Getting Around New Orleans by Streetcars & buses

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One of the most popular ways to get around New Orleans is on its streetcars. These are not only a form of transportation, but also an attraction since Tennessee Williams wrote his famous play, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” set in New Orleans.

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority runs the system which includes the fun streetcars and buses.

Most of the streetcars run in the center of the city while the buses have more extensive routes.

There are three streetcar lines: the St. Charles, Canal Street, and the Riverfront.

Each one starts downtown but they all take visitors to different parts of the cities. There are single fares as well as passes.


Getting Around New Orleans by bike, taxi, on foot, car

Getting Around New Orleans by bike, taxi, on foot, car

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Riding a bicycle is another popular way to see New Orleans. There are several bicycle rental companies, and they can help you plan your itinerary. Buses are equipped with bicycle racks: this helps if you want to explore areas outside of the downtown area of New Orleans. Because the center of the city is so compact and full of attractions, visiting New Orleans on foot is also a good option. There are several taxi companies, and these can come in handy when you want to visit an attraction that is otherwise difficult to get to. Using a car is not the best way to see the city because of its narrow street and parking restrictions.


New Orleans Restaurants

New Orleans Restaurants

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New Orleans is famous all over the world because of its incredible food: it is home to some of the great chefs of the world. It might come as a surprise, but there are some 300 more restaurants in New Orleans now than before Hurricane Katrina. Some restaurants are housed in centuries-old historic buildings while others are simple “po’ boy shops. There are trendy bistros and you can even find tasty steam-table food at gas stations! Favorite food includes sweet Gulf oysters and other kinds of seafood; cajun food and creole food; and ethnic restaurants such as African, Chinese, Cuban, French, Indian, and many more.


Shopping in New Orleans

Shopping in New Orleans

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New Orleans offers a wide variety of places to shop: from antique stores, art galleries, and boutique shops to major department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue. On popular Bourbon Street there are many souvenir shops, while Royal Street is known for its antique shops. Some of the boutique shops offer unusual items from all over the world, while others specialize in locally made handicrafts. There are several other popular areas, including Magazine Street, the Shops at Canal Place, the French Market, and many more. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is an upscale outlet center in the downtown area of the city.


New Orleans Neighborhoods

New Orleans Neighborhoods

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New Orleans is somewhat of a small city that sits on both sides of the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana. It is made up of a variety of diverse and interesting neighborhoods waiting to be explored. The French Quarter is probably the most familiar of the city’s neighborhoods. In addition to Bourbon Street, visitors can see St. Louis Cathedral that sits on Jackson Square then have coffee at the world-famous Cafe du Monde. Faubourg Marigny is known for its Creole-style cottages and bed and breakfasts. Lower Canal Street is home to the Riverwalk Marketplace and the Audubon Nature Park. Other neighborhoods include the Garden District, Mid-City, Uptown, and more.


Getting Married in New Orleans

Getting Married in New Orleans

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Some people refer to New Orleans as the “Paris of the South.” It is a popular place to hold a wedding because of its unique character, historic buildings, ancient oak trees, beautiful gardens, and much more. The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is available to help visitors to plan their wedding. Some of the hotels are the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, the Hotel Mazarin and La Louisiane Bar and Catering Venue, and the New Orleans Marriott. There are many old plantation houses that make excellent venues for weddings: Nottoway Plantation and Resort and Southern Oaks Plantation are just two examples. You can even get married on the Mississippi River: the Steamboat Natchez is an authentic steamboat.


Where to Stay in New Orleans

Where to Stay in New Orleans

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Because it is a popular city to visit, New Orleans offers many different kinds of accommodations. There are five star luxury properties such as the Windsor Court Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, the Roosevelt New Orleans, and many more. One of a kind boutique hotels can easily be found along the historic streets of the city. There is a lot of history here since New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. The French Quarter is probably the best area of the city for visitors to find accommodations. Many of the attractions are located here or a quick streetcar ride away, and the atmosphere in the French Quarter is very special. The Garden District is also a good choice with many hotels and restaurants.


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