New Orleans, LA Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with very hot summers and mild winters near the Gulf.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
New Orleans Climate Overview
Very hot, humid summers with daily thunderstorms. Mild winters rarely see frost.
Vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Flash flooding common in heavy rain.
New Orleans Weather by Season
spring
Spring is beautiful — warm, sunny, and with Mardi Gras crowds filling the French Quarter in February or early March. Highs in the 70s-80s°F with low humidity and wildflowers.
summer
Summers are oppressive — highs in the low 90s°F, dewpoints near 75°F, and daily afternoon thunderstorms. The heat index regularly tops 105°F.
fall
Fall stays warm and humid into October, with hurricane risk peaking in August-September. November finally brings cooler, drier weather.
winter
Winters are mild with highs in the mid-60s°F and lows in the 40s°F. Hard freezes are rare but can damage the region's sensitive vegetation.
New Orleans Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 63° | 66° | 72° | 78° | 85° | 89° | 91° | 91° | 87° | 80° | 71° | 64° |
| Low °F | 45° | 48° | 54° | 60° | 68° | 73° | 75° | 75° | 72° | 62° | 53° | 47° |
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
Late October through early April. Mild temperatures, low humidity, minimal rain, and outside hurricane season. February (Mardi Gras) and March (Jazz Fest in early April) are peak tourist months.
Severe Weather Risks
- Hurricanes
- Storm surge
- Flash flooding
- Tornadoes
- Tropical storms
Weather Facts About New Orleans
- >New Orleans sits at or below sea level in many neighborhoods, making flood control infrastructure critical.
- >Hurricane Katrina (2005) caused catastrophic flooding when the levees failed — the deadliest hurricane in modern US history.
- >Average annual rainfall exceeds 62 inches — more than Miami and nearly double Seattle.
New Orleans Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
Late October through April. Pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and outside hurricane season. February (Mardi Gras) and early April (Jazz Fest) are especially popular but book accommodations well in advance.
How humid is New Orleans in summer?
Extremely humid. July and August dewpoints push past 75°F, making the heat index climb past 105°F on most afternoons. Daily thunderstorms provide brief cooling but add more moisture.
When is hurricane season in New Orleans?
June 1 through November 30, with peak risk in August and September. New Orleans is one of the most hurricane-vulnerable major US cities due to its below-sea-level location.
Does it ever snow in New Orleans?
Very rarely — maybe once every decade or so, and usually just flurries. The December 2017 snowfall was a notable exception when the city saw several inches.