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.
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. Verified Resource: National Weather Service