This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with hot, sticky summers and short, mild winters. The city averages about 1,616 mm (63.6 inches) of rain a year, one of the highest totals for a major U.S. city, and most of it falls in brief afternoon downpours between June and September. It sits between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain at roughly sea level, so humidity stays high year round. This New Orleans weather by month guide gives you the actual temperatures and rainfall so you can pack the right clothes.
New Orleans Weather by Month: At a Glance
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 129 mm |
| February | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 118 mm |
| March | 23°C / 73°F | 12°C / 54°F | 121 mm |
| April | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 130 mm |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 124 mm |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 74°F | 166 mm |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 168 mm |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 171 mm |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 148 mm |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 63°F | 100 mm |
| November | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 53°F | 111 mm |
| December | 18°C / 65°F | 8°C / 47°F | 131 mm |
These are 1991 to 2020 NOAA climate normals for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Summer readings of 33°C (91°F) feel closer to 38°C (100°F) once humidity is factored in, which is why locals do most outdoor errands before 11am in July and August. For the dates that strike the best balance of warmth and dry weather, see our best time to visit New Orleans guide.
New Orleans Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is the dry season by New Orleans standards. January averages 17°C (63°F) by day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with 129 mm of rain. Frost is rare but possible, and the record low at the airport is -11.7°C (11°F), set in January 1985. Pack a light jacket for evenings; you will not need more than a sweater most days. This is when hotel rates are at their lowest, before the Mardi Gras price surge that starts in February.
New Orleans Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March warms to 23°C (73°F) and by May the daytime high hits 30°C (86°F) with 20°C (68°F) lows. Rainfall holds steady around 121 to 130 mm a month, usually as short afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain. This is the most popular window to visit, driven by the events and festivals calendar, so book lodging three to four months ahead for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest dates.
New Orleans Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot and wet. July and August both average 33°C (91°F) highs and 24°C (75°F) lows, with 168 to 171 mm of rain each month and afternoon storms four to five days a week. June 1 marks the start of Atlantic hurricane season, which runs to November 30. You can expect daily pop-up thunderstorms that clear in 30 to 45 minutes, so carry a compact umbrella rather than canceling plans; our New Orleans travel tips cover what else to bring.
New Orleans Weather by Month: Fall (September to November)
September stays warm at 31°C (88°F) and is the peak of hurricane season, with 148 mm of rain. October cools to 27°C (81°F) and is noticeably drier at 100 mm, making it one of the best months to be outdoors for the things to do in New Orleans. November drops to 22°C (72°F) by day and 12°C (53°F) at night with 111 mm of rain.
New Orleans Weather by Month: Humidity, Sunshine and Hurricane Season
Relative humidity averages 75 percent in the morning and stays near 60 percent in the afternoon, so there is no truly dry-feeling month. June gets the most sunshine at about 10 hours a day, while December gets about 5.5. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking from late August to early October, and the low-lying New Orleans neighborhoods south of the river are the first to face street flooding. Monitor the National Hurricane Center and follow evacuation orders if one is issued for the city.
