Best Time To Visit New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in America. The city is full of rich history, culture, and lively nightlife – so much to do!

But finding the best time to visit New Orleans can be tricky.

There’s Mardi Gras season (which isn’t actually when you think it is) and Jazz Fest as well as many other festivals throughout the year that make planning your trip more complicated than it needs to be.

We created this guide to help you plan your trip with ease. It’ll give you an overview of what to see and do during each month, including some insider tips for locals on how they spend their time during those months too!

So whether you’re looking for something new or want to try something old again, we’ve got all sorts of things going on here in NOLA year round!

Looking for a place to book? We’ve rounded up the best places to stay in New Orleans!

When Is the Best Time to Go to New Orleans?

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit New Orleans, the decision is up to you.

Undoubtedly, this city is one of the most erratic, energetic, beautiful cities in the South. With so many to experience and new things to discover, you’ll just have to plan your outing around your interests!

Peak and Off-Season

The Peak Season will always be in the spring. The entire Mardi Gras season, or Carnival, lasts for quite sometime before the actual Mardi Gras Day.

Overall, this season has the best weather and is considered one of the best periods to visit New Orleans. Summers, on the other hand, can be extremely hot.

Summer in New Orleans is considered the city’s off-season because it is extremely long and hot. Even if these months are difficult, you will be fine. Simply take it slowly and drink plenty of water, especially if you’re constantly outside because the sun can and will dehydrate you quickly!

Nonetheless, while July and August are hot, this is the time to find the best low-cost hotel deals. Because the off-season means fewer tourists, lodgings, and hotels must attract budget-conscious visitors. Regardless of the heat, you’ll surely love the deals.

What to Expect by Season

Here’s comprehensive information on what to expect in New Orleans during the different seasons.

Summer

Summer in New Orleans is not for the faint-hearted. Trust me. You should be prepared for extremely hot days. However, if you prefer to avoid large numbers of visitors while saving a few dollars, this may be the ideal time for you!

July and August are the hottest months, and the temperature is usually around 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Its only advantage is that it is less crowded because summer is the off-season; additionally, hotels and airfare will be less expensive to entice you!

Fall

This is not exactly the peak season and not exactly the off-season. Hence, the fall season in New Orleans is also an ideal time to visit.

While temperatures have retreated just like from the 80s and mid-70s, you need to focus on the weather.

Late August and September are when the hurricane season begins, which keeps going from June to November. While typhoons can be anticipated ahead of time, an abrupt development can still mess up excursion plans.

However, the low temperatures and numerous events can make fall perhaps the best time to visit New Orleans!

Winter

Let’s say you’re not a fan of the summer sun. New Orleans is also a great place to come in the winter! The winter months of late November through January provide the city with a respite before the frenzied celebrations of spring.

The cost of a trip to New Orleans during the winter is also affordable. There will be few visitors to the area. As a result, you can anticipate getting lower accommodation and flight prices.

Consider visiting over the holidays if you don’t already have a home base in the city, as the city is decked out in lights during this time.

Spring

New Orleans is a great place to visit in spring, according to many visitors and locals alike. Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz, and the Heritage Festival occur in the low 70s to mid-80s.

Due to the enormous number of travelers, expect to see a significant increase in hotel and airfare costs. The sooner you book, the more likely you are to get a room and save money.

The city’s best-known attractions will be closed for Mardi Gras in the spring, so be aware of this. If you prefer to roam, you should plan an expedition that doesn’t resonate with New Orleans’ major events.

What to expect month by month?

Here’s what you can expect month by month in New Orleans.

January

You may check out the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. It is a playoff university football game that happens annually. 

However, if you’re not fond of sports, you can check out the nearby watch party, and enjoy yourself along with other locals and tourists.

On Joan of Arc’s birthday, January 6, you can see the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc marches, which take place downtown every year.

The strolling includes a gothic parade through the French Quarter, ending with the first Mardi Gras cake of the season!

February

February is Black History Month, and there is no better way to kick off the festivities than attending mass or paying a visit to the St. Augustine Church. This was primarily a place of worship for Treme’s African American community.

Then, stop by one of the numerous Black-owned restaurants in the area!

Additionally, you should pay attention to the three-day fiesta at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, which honors the Lunar New Year, Tet, and Vietnamese culture.

Everyone can attend live performances, sample delectable Vietnamese cuisine, participate in games, watch fireworks and dragon dances.

March

In the spring, beginning in March, the seasonal fizz shops reopen their retail facades and stands! Locals are incredibly loyal to their favorite stands, which are community establishments.

You can also attend the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, a yearly tradition reminiscent of 1920s speakeasies. You can attend meetings on Bourbon History and awesome wine tasting, whiskey pairing meals, and vaudeville shows!

Don’t miss out on BUKU or the BUKU Music + Art Project. A live performance of EDM, hip-bounce, and independent stone artists joins an underground/local party atmosphere.

During this Mardi Gras celebration, prominent performers such as Tyler the Creator, Glass Animals, and Megan Thee Stallion may be present.

April

April is considered the best month to visit New Orleans, owing to the sheer number of celebrations! To begin, go to the Freret Street Festival on the first Saturday of April.

This is the ideal way to enjoy spring in New Orleans, praising the nearby organizations, live music, and amazing food of the city’s Uptown neighborhood!

The French Quarter Festival is held in one of New Orleans’ most beloved neighborhoods. From Woldenberg Park to Jackson Square, you can listen to live music, eat delicious food, and learn about the city’s culture!

May

Because of the weather, many people visit New Orleans in May. Take a look at the Bayou Boogaloo, the proceeds of which are reinvested in the Bayou Saint John community! Have a good time for the whole family, nearby food, and art merchants!

On May 10, National Shrimp Day is observed, and the nearby cafés in New Orleans serve the best shrimp. At Cinco de Mayo, you can also get a frozen margarita from a nearby establishment such as Casa Borrega!

If you’re looking for a family outing, Mom will undoubtedly appreciate being treated to free meals in New Orleans over Mother’s Day.

June

New Orleans’ food is well known so that you can anticipate incredible things from the city’s yearly Oyster Festival. You may have it chargrilled, seared, and crude while listening to live music and perusing their crafts and artwork.

June additionally proclaims one of the most incredible Pride marches in the U.S., as New Orleans has been cast as the most inviting city! 

Then, prepare your craving toward the end of June for Black Restaurant Week! You can taste the food of probably the best Black-owned eateries in the city, highlighting exceptional menus and deals!

July

Witness the annual ESSENCE Fest, one of New Orleans’ biggest celebrations that takes place every July. Enjoy a three-day festival of music, health, beauty, food, and culture, with star visitors like Prince and Mary J. Blige.

August

Since the Big Easy is home to many well-known locals, it is best to visit New Orleans during Satchmo Summerfest, which commemorates the life of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong.

During the first few days of August, the three-day festival features many live concerts, local food, and courses about the legendary trumpeter.

You can also attend Southern Decadence, New Orleans’ largest LGBTQ event. This festival lasts six days and takes place throughout the French Quarter.

If you’re a woman over 50, you’ll love the gatherings, marches, and alluring ensembles!

September

If you’re a foodie, September is the best month to visit New Orleans! Not only does the month bring a cooler climate, but it also brings Restaurant Week, which runs from September 9 to September 15.

During these days, you can save 25% off the regular price at restaurants that offer Prix-fixe menus!

Although St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in March, New Orleans hosts an Irish Festival in September. This Irish culture festival includes arts, crafts, dance, music, and food in two phases and a carnival!

October

Oktoberfest will be held in the Deutsches Haus in New Orleans throughout October. Sauerbraten, cabbage, Bavarian pretzels, brews, and beer are all part of the festivities to highlight the German presence and culture in Crescent City.

Even though Memphis is well-known for its blues and BBQ, the Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival offers all of that and more. You may enjoy live metal bands, blues, and gospel musicians at over 20 local businesses that specialize in BBQ.

On Halloween, the Voodoo Arts + Music Experience offers a variety of tasty culinary and music options!

November

The Bayou Bacchanal, which occurs in Crescent City in November, is a great place to experience the Caribbean culture. In addition to the march, Canal Street will be filled with food and music from several Caribbean countries!

Then it’s time for the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival! It’s a kid-friendly area with 35 unique shops every year!

December

During the Christmas season in New Orleans, there is a frenzy of events that are eagerly anticipated. The season kicks out with the Krewe of Jingle’s March! It doesn’t stop there; Santa and Mrs. Claus appear, as do Mr. Bingle and Rudolph.

Enjoy a romantic stroll in the park at dusk while illuminated decorations honor the park’s historic oak trees. While the famed Christmas Eve Bonfires, which illuminate Santa’s reindeer’s path, are held on the Mississippi River levees.

New Orleans: Perfect Place For Year-Round Experience!

There’s no best time to visit New Orleans, whether it’s peak season or off-season. Nevertheless, whatever season you decide to visit the Big Easy, don’t attempt to fit everything on one visit. 

This one-of-a-kind city requires multiple visits! Certainly, the Crescent City will fill your heart with amazing memories, lift your soul and take you to places you had never imagined before. What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to this city today!

Looking for tours?

Avoid the crowds & book a private tour!

And Don’t Forget!

• Bring comfortable shoes if you plan on walking around or hiking.
• Stay healthy. Pack your best activewear and stay on top of your daily workout!
• Take care of your skin with only the best skincare products.
• Need a new luggage, backpack, or travel bag? Here’s our top recommendation!
• Find the best airport parking options before your trip. Compare parking lots, rates, info and reviews on AirportParking.com.

---

Support the Team!

If we helped you plan your travels in any way and you want to support us, here are several companies we’re affiliated with. We receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you click on the links below so feel free to click away! 🙂