Best Time To Visit New Orleans | Time, Months, Season Guide
Best time to visit New Orleans: What is the ideal time to visit New Orleans, despite the fact that there are undoubtedly a thousand reasons to do so?
The answer depends on you, but it’s probably one of the South’s most quirky, lively, and colourful cities! With so much to see and do, you should tailor your vacation to your own interests!
Friendly locals, outstanding live music, some of the greatest cuisine in the South, and attractions that will last a lifetime can all be found in New Orleans.
Here, there’s always something fun to do! What’s the ideal time of year to visit New Orleans?
What Time Of Year Is Ideal To Visit New Orleans?
If you want to go to Mardi Gras will largely determine your response to this question! Visit in the early spring, from February to May, when the celebrations are in full stride if you want to make the most of the festivities.
This is the ideal weekend vacation location! The real Mardi Gras Day generally occurs at the very end of February or the very beginning of March if you wish to go.
Remember that hotel prices at this time of year are quite high. Plan to make bookings for your accommodation and flights at least a year in advance.
The greatest time to visit New Orleans for your money will be during the summer months if you don’t mind the heat and want to stay on a budget.
Plan your trip during July, August, or September to take advantage of the most significant discounts.
New Orleans Has Both High And Low Seasons
For the Big Easy, spring will always be the high season. A few weeks before Mardi Gras Day itself, the whole Carnival season is in full swing.
Most people agree that spring is the greatest season to visit New Orleans since it generally offers the nicest weather. The summers may be oppressively hot.
This is often New Orleans’ slow season because of the city’s protracted, humid, and hot summers.
Even if the summer is challenging, you can still get by. Just go slowly and drink plenty of water, particularly if you also drink throughout the day. The sun may and can rapidly dry you!
Even though it’s hot during these months, this is when you may get the greatest hotel prices.
Airlines and hotels strive to entice passengers on a budget since the low season results in fewer tourists. You’ll look gorgeous, but you’ll also enjoy the discounts!
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Going To New Orleans In The Summer
New Orleans summers are tough for the weak of the heart. You must be ready for really hot days, we assure you.
Yet, if you want to avoid enormous crowds while also saving some money, now could be the greatest time for you to visit New Orleans!
The warmest months will be in July and August. 91 degrees Fahrenheit is the average temperature, although June and September aren’t much colder.
As summer is considered to be the off-season, there will be fewer tourists. To entice you, hotels and airlines will be discounted as well!
Going To New Orleans In The Winter
One of our favourite seasons to visit New Orleans is winter. Even spring can be stifling, which is why we’re not huge lovers of the summer heat.
The city had time to drop down to 60 degrees between late November and early January before the commencement of the spring celebrations.
A winter getaway to New Orleans will also be inexpensive. There won’t be as many visitors in town, which means significant financial savings for you.
Anticipate discovering affordable accommodation and flight costs. Try to come in December during Christmastime when the city is decked if you have nowhere to go during the holidays!
Autumn Trip To New Orleans
Autumn in New Orleans is a curious beast, not quite the peak season and not quite the low season.
Even if the temperature has dropped back into the 80s and mid-70s, the weather should still be taken into consideration.
The peak of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, is in late August and early September.
Even if storms may be foreseen, a sudden creation might nonetheless ruin vacation plans.
Even still, autumn remains one of the greatest seasons to visit New Orleans due to the lower temperatures and the abundance of cultural activities.
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A Spring Time Trip To New Orleans
Oh, the Big Easy in the springtime. Nothing else compares to that. Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival are two of the biggest festivities, and they are both accompanied by comfortably warm weather in the low 70s to mid-80s.
The ideal season to visit New Orleans is in the spring, according to a lot of visitors and residents alike.
Remember that these events draw a lot of tourists, which results in much higher accommodation and flight costs.
You must make your reservations in advance if you want to ensure your presence and save money.
To only reserve a room at all? You should make your reservations at least a year in advance!
Furthermore, keep in mind that many of the city’s most well-known sites will be closed for Mardi Gras if you come in the spring.
Try to schedule your vacation so that it doesn’t clash with the largest events of the year if sightseeing is a top priority.
Month-By-Month New Orleans
Do not worry if you are still unable to choose when to go. To help you choose the ideal time to visit the Big Easy, we’ve broken down all the activities there month by month.
Yet every month is the greatest time to visit New Orleans because of all the events and festivals that take place there.
New Orleans In January
Visit the Sugar Bowl, the yearly college football championship game, on January 1. If you can’t make it to the Dome for the game, you may still attend a neighbourhood watch party at a sports bar downtown!
From inside, you’ll witness fans swarming downtown. You may witness the annual Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc marches downtown on January 6, Joan of Arc’s birthday.
The first king cake of the Mardi Gras season is served at the conclusion of the walking parade, which features a procession through the French Quarter with a mediaeval theme!
The start of the Mardi Gras season is officially marked by Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night, which falls on January 6! Up to Fat Tuesday, the first king cake of the season will be served at gatherings and municipal offices.
When it’s time to visit New Orleans, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, who signals the beginning of the Carnival Countdown, may be seen on the St. Charles Streetcar.
This is one of our favourite activities, so you should include it on your weekend itinerary in New Orleans.
New Orleans In February
There is no better way to kick off your celebration of Black History Month in February than by going to church or stopping by St. Augustine Church.
Traditionally, the black people of Treme used this as a place of worship. After that, go to one of the several Black-owned eateries nearby!
Keep an eye out for the three-day Tet and Vietnamese cultural festival at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church.
Everyone is invited to take in delicious Vietnamese cuisine, live music, fun activities, dragon dances, and fireworks!
New Orleans In March
Beginning in March, seasonal snowball stands and businesses reopen. Locals are fiercely devoted to the favoured stands that have become pillars of the community.
While visiting establishments like Hansen’s and Plum Street Snowballs, bring cash and sample the many varieties they offer!
A yearly custom-evoking speakeasy from the 1920s is the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, which you should definitely check out.
You may go to grand tastings, bourbon-matching dinners, burlesque performances, and discussions on subjects like Bourbon History!
Of course, the BUKU Music + Art Project must not be overlooked. EDM, hip-hop, and indie rock performers come together for a music festival in a club or house party setting.
The greatest time to visit New Orleans is during this event at Mardi Gras World, where previous artists have included Tyler the Creator, Glass Animals, and Megan Thee Stallion.
New Orleans In April
Because of the abundance of festivities, April is regarded as the finest month to visit New Orleans. On the first Saturday in April, first, visit the Freret Street Festival.
This event in Uptown honours neighbourhood businesses, live music, and famous dishes, and it’s the ideal way to welcome spring in New Orleans.
The French Quarter Festival is held in one of New Orleans’ most adored areas. You can experience local culture, delicious cuisine, and great music from Woldenberg Park to Jackson Square! One of the best places to stay in New Orleans, in my opinion.
Then attend Jazz Fest, also known as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Only Mardi Gras can rival this celebration for its ability to draw large people from across the globe.
Over 14 stages, live music will be performed over the course of two weekends.
New Orleans In May
Many people believe that May is the ideal month to visit New Orleans simply because of the weather.
The Bayou Boogaloo is another option, and all earnings go back into the neighbourhood of Bayou Saint John! Enjoy family-friendly activities, regional cuisine, and artisan sellers!
National Shrimp Day is celebrated on May 10 and the seafood in New Orleans is at its finest there.
On May 5, you may also have a frozen margarita at a nearby restaurant like Casa Borrega! Mom would undoubtedly enjoy being surprised with a Mother’s Day weekend brunch in New Orleans if you’re searching for a family getaway!
New Orleans In June
You may anticipate amazing things from the annual Oyster Festival in New Orleans since the city’s food is well-known.
While listening to live music and perusing the arts and crafts booths, savour them chargrilled, fried, or raw! Given that New Orleans has been named one of the friendliest cities, June also marks the beginning of one of the greatest Pride parades in the United States!
Prepare your appetite for Black Restaurant Week at the end of June. You may visit and dine at some of the top Black-owned restaurants in the area, many of which offer unique menus and discounts!
Due to the extreme heat, this is also a fantastic time of year to come if you want to check out some of the greatest beaches close to New Orleans!
New Orleans In July
Gather your friends and family to watch the fireworks in celebration of Independence Day, which is celebrated in July.
Crescent Park, Algiers Point, and Jackson Square provide the greatest views. Check out some of New Orleans’ greatest locations or host your own barbecue!
Then attend the essence Fest, one of the largest events in the Big Easy, every year! Celebrate Black music, health, cuisine, beauty, and culture over the course of three days with panel discussions and celebrity attendees! Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, and Prince were previous performers!
Visit the Arts + Warehouse District for the yearly Running of the Bulls to honour the Spanish influence that permeates all of New Orleans! You’ll flee from New Orleans Roller Derby Ladies rather than real bulls!
New Orleans In August
The finest time to visit New Orleans is during Satchmo Summerfest, a celebration of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s life since the Big Easy is home to many well-known people.
The three-day event takes place during the first weekend in August and features a variety of live performances, regional cuisine, and lectures on the great trumpeter.
The biggest Gay festival in New Orleans is Southern Decadence, so go there next.
Six days are devoted to the festival, which extends beyond the French Quarter. Partying, parades and glitzy costumes are popular Labor Day weekend activities!
When it’s time for the Red Dress Run, put on your finest red dress. Every second Saturday of the month, the Big Easy hosts this cherished event when participants run and stroll to assist neighbourhood organisations.
New Orleans In September
For foodies, September is the ideal month to go to New Orleans! The month not only offers cooler temperatures but also Restaurant Week, which runs from September 9 to 15.
Restaurants with prix-fixe meals provide their normal rates at a 25% discount! While Irish Fest takes place in New Orleans in September, St. Patrick’s Day is observed there in March.
This Irish cultural festival features arts, dancing, music, cuisine, and crafts on two stages and fairgrounds!
In addition, the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society hosts Happy Birthday, Mr Faulkner, a birthday celebration and literary festival, every year from September 24-27, in honour of William Faulkner.
New Orleans In October
Visit the New Orleans Deutsche Haus for Oktoberfest during the month of October! Enjoy staples like
- Sauerbraten
- Sauerkraut
- Bavarian
- Pretzels
and of course, beer as a tribute to the German presence and culture in the Crescent City.
The annual Crescent City Blues + BBQ Festival is unmatched by Memphis’ reputation for blues and barbecue.
Enjoy a line-up of live gospel, brass, and blues bands, as well as more than 20 regional barbecue vendors.
During the Voodoo Arts + Music Experience throughout the Halloween weekend, you may sample more cuisine and musical genres!
With more than 200 films from almost 120 nations, the New Orleans Film Festival gives New Orleans the right to call itself the Hollywood of the South.
Together with special events, discussions, and parties, see the films over the week-long celebration!
You may also attend the Mac n Cheese Fest, Beignet Festival, Gentilly Fest, Treme Autumn Fest, Praise Fest NOLA, and many more events. The most haunted hotels in New Orleans should definitely be visited!
New Orleans In November
Attending the Bayou Bacchanal during the first weekend in November, perhaps the greatest time to visit New Orleans is an option.
When the march closes along Canal Street in the Crescent City, you may enjoy cuisine and music from many Caribbean countries!
To prepare for the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, start to feel hungry. A paradise with 35 different vendors is turned into Oak Street every year!
Choosing the Big Easy’s top maker is all up to you! If you want to experience the New Orleans trinity of brass bands, beads, and gumbo, attend the Treme Creole Gumbo Fest.
New Orleans In December
With all of the Christmas activities, the holidays are the greatest time to go to New Orleans! Beginning the season is the Krewe of Jingle procession! In addition to Mr Bingle, Rudolph, and Mrs Claus, all make an appearance.
For the remainder of the month, take pleasure in Celebration in the Oaks. You may wander romantically in the evenings in City Park as the old oak trees are lit up with winter lights.
The Christmas Eve Bonfires, which light the path for Santa and his reindeer, are then held along the levees along the Mississippi River.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always a festival to enjoy in New Orleans! The Big Easy will fill your tummy, elevate your spirits, and give you a song in your heart even if you don’t really want to attend Mardi Gras. What is the ideal time to visit New Orleans? every time!
