Best Time to Visit New Orleans

When is the best time to visit New Orleans? Are you interested in a large-scale nationally-known party? Then February would be your month, as Mardi Gras takes place during this time. But some consider late autumn to be the best time to visit New Orleans. Louisiana’s mild autumn weather is ideal for sightseeing. It is not peak tourist season, so hotels, restaurants, and other venues will be less crowded and less expensive. Some big festivals are held during other months, but New Orleans has no shortage of festivities.

January
Average temperatures: 43-62 degrees (F)
Airfare: Moderate
The annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic is held in the Superdome.

February
Average temperatures:  46-65 degrees (F)
Airfare: Higher
Mardi Gras Festival – one of the popular reasons for someone to visit New Orleans

March
Average temperatures:  53-72 degrees (F)
Airfare: Higher
New Orleans hosts St. Patrick’s Day festivals and the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival.

April
Average temperatures:  58-78 degrees (F)
Airfare: Higher
Spring break and the French Quarter Festival are popular April events.

May
Average temperatures:  66-85 degrees (F)
Airfare: Moderate
May brings the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience.

June
Average temperatures:  72-89 degrees (F)
Airfare: High
A peak summer month, June is not the best time to visit New Orleans. This month hosts the Vieux-to-Do Creole Tomato, Seafood Festival.

July
Average temperatures:  74-91 degrees (F)
Airfare: High
July hosts the Go Fourth on the River celebrations.

August
Average temperatures:  74-91 degrees (F)
Airfare: High
Satchmo Summerfest is a popular event that occurs in early August.

September
Average temperatures:   70-87 degrees (F)
Airfare: Moderate
This is a cost-effective month to travel, so it’s considered the best time to visit New Orleans. Southern Decadence and Ponderosa Stomp occur in late September.

October
Average temperatures:  60-79 degrees (F)
Airfare: Low
The ever-popular Gumbo Festival is one popular event.

November
Average temperatures:  52-71 degrees (F)
Airfare: Moderate
With the exception of Thanksgiving, November is a good month to travel by air. The first week in November hosts the Swamp Festival.

December
Average temperatures:  46-65 degrees (F)
Airfare: Moderate
Celebration in the Oaks and a spectacular New Year’s Eve countdown finish the year.

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