New Orleans Tours & Trips

Weather in New Orleans 

New Orleans weather can range from the mid 40s to low 90s depending on the time of year. From June into September highs are in the 80s to low 90s.

Average humidity year round is 73% with not much variation, so if you’re visiting during the summer, be prepared. Skies will also be cloudy with July being the rainiest. More than 6 inches fall over an average of 15 days.

June and August can also be rainy with over 5 inches falling during those months. You’ll find it most pleasant in March, April, May, and October with less rainfall and temperatures in the 70s to low 80s. 

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to New Orleans depends on what draws you to NOLA. If you’re going for Mardi Gras, festivities start January 6th, the Twelfth Night and Feast of Epiphany. Celebrations continue, culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. 

So when is Fat Tuesday? Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday, a day of holy prayer and fasting. Fat Tuesday can be any Tuesday between February 3rd and March 9th depending on when Easter falls. So be sure to check the Tuesday Fat Tuesday falls on before you plan your trip. And plan well in advance, up to a year in advance if possible. For fewer crowds and a bit less spend, go during carnival which starts January 6th but avoid Fat Tuesday and the weekend that leads up to it. 

If you aren’t going for Mardi Gras, visit New Orleans in March after Fat Tuesday (if it falls in March), April, May, October, and November for fewer crowds and the most comfortable weather conditions. The Jazz & Heritage Festival occurs after Mardi Gras so check that date as well if you’d like to avoid crowds as its date changes each year, too. Finally, the hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th with the riskiest time falling between mid-August and October. 

Go in July, August or September if you are budget conscious but be prepared for heat. 

Is New Orleans safe? 

Generally, New Orleans is not considered to be one of the safer cities in the US. Violent crime and property crime is above average. Murder rates have come down in recent years but they remain about 8 times higher according to the Louisiana State University School of Public Health.

Why is crime so high in New Orleans? Historic and institutional practices as well as policies have created many inequalities. Gentrification of some neighborhoods has compounded the inequalities which creates a bad environment for crime. 

Despite its reputation for crime, New Orleans was in the top five 2019 US destinations according to a well known annual publication. Historically, in fact, it’s been a top destination. And so, do go, but be smart: don’t travel with valuables, avoid poorly lit streets, keep your wits about you, and walk with purpose especially if traveling solo.