These Are the Best Times to Visit New Orleans

Let’s be honest. There’s no bad time to visit New Orleans—just some seasons that provide a better experience. This eclectic city draws in travelers from all over the world with its famously delicious food, music heritage, and rich history that dates back over 300 years. It’s easy to explore its charming neighborhoods on foot or via its well-connected streetcar system made famous in novels and films, and in New Orleans, you’re never too far from the sound of a trumpet blasting a jazzy tune. It’s a great place to spend a few days or a lifetime. 

The Big Easy has a calendar chock-full of annual events, from its world-famous famous Mardi Gras to sporting events like the Sugar Bowl to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, just to name a very few. So, if you’re planning on visiting the city anytime soon, you may want to make a few considerations before hitting that “book” button. 

• High season: February through May
• Shoulder season: September through January
• Low season: June through August

Here’s everything you need to know about the best times to visit New Orleans.

Best Times to Visit Overall

Generally speaking, fall and spring offer the best weather, but spring is packed with exciting events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It’s still possible to make a less crowded, springtime visit to the Big Easy work, but be sure to check if any festivals are taking place during your preferred dates. Summer, when the mercury climbs and the humidity feels soup-like, is considered to be New Orleans’ low season, and you may find deals on flights and hotels during this time (just be sure to stay well-hydrated during your visit). For the best of both worlds, consider coming during shoulder season, which roughly takes place from September through January.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Winter is a lovely time to visit New Orleans, when the city is decorated in full holiday regalia and the crowds are sparse. However, keep in mind that the Sugar Bowl is usually held around New Year’s Day and sees legions of sports fans descending on French Quarter hotels and Bourbon Street bars. The weather is pretty mild during the winter and usually hovers around the mid-40s at its lowest—perfect for spending your days wandering shops like the beloved Faulkner House Books and Fifi’s Custom Wigs, specializing in Mardi Gras hairpieces.

Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

For the best weather, spring and fall are the best times to visit New Orleans, but you should still prepare for the occasional afternoon rainstorm. Spring temperatures usually hover between the 50s and 70s, while fall ranges from the 60s to 80s. During these months, you can comfortably enjoy walking tours of the city’s historic, above-ground cemeteries, wander through scenic areas like the Garden District, and enjoy an alfresco meal on Magazine Street. Get outside to public green spaces like City Park, where you can wander the sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art or rent a bike to explore on two wheels—you can even take a gondola ride on the lake.

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

The most affordable times to visit New Orleans are also some of its most unpleasant, weather-wise. August is a particularly cheap time to book hotels and flights to the city, mostly because the temperature is hot. And if you can travel during the week (rather than the weekend), you can score even better deals.

Foodies on a budget should consider visiting around early August to mid-September, when dozens of restaurants around the city offer discounted prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner during Coolinary New Orleans; past participants include Big Easy heavy hitters like Shaya and Compère Lapin. But you don’t need to visit the city a certain time to get a good, affordable meal—there’s a po’ boy and gumbo joint around every corner.

Best Time to Visit for Mardi Gras

Visitors love to live it up during Mardi Gras, the city’s most famous annual event, but planning a trip around Fat Tuesday can come with a hefty premium if you don’t book your hotel or flight early enough. 

We’ll let you in on a little-known, not-so-secret: Mardi Gras festivities actually begin in late February, and during this time, plenty of colorful, local parades are held, like the Krewe of Muses and the Krewe of Barkus, known for its canine revelers. For even smaller crowds, consider attending parades in areas that neighbor New Orleans, like the towns along the Northshore in St. Tammany Parish, located just across Lake Pontchartrain, about an hour from the French Quarter.

Best Time to Visit for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Don’t let the name fool you. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, held every year in the spring over two weekends, covers just about every musical genre out there and also highlights chefs and local artists around the state. Typically, you’ll find the Thursday shows to be the least crowded, but who wants to go for only one day? 

If you don’t have festival tickets or are short on time, never fear. The city comes alive (even more so than usual) with musical performances in bars, cafes, and other venues that charge a small fee or sometimes, no cover at all. Maple Leaf Bar has hosted live performances since 1974, and The Spotted Cat Music Club is a favorite in the Marigny neighborhood. And don’t forget the golden rule: remember to tip your favorite artists! 

Worst Times to Visit

Big events in New Orleans can bring huge crowds and high prices—not exactly ideal circumstances for a first-time visitor. So, if you’re interested during a peak travel time, plan well in advance and expect to pay an elevated rate for both flights and hotels. 

Summer is not for the faint of heart, and the heat and humidity can be downright oppressive. If you’re set on traveling during this time, pick a hotel with a pool to cool down in when the sun is at its peak. Summer is also a good time to explore the indoor attractions New Orleans has to offer, such as Mardi Gras World, The National WW II Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. 

Hurricane season, which runs roughly from the beginning of June to the end of November, brings its unique concerns and challenges, with a heavy chance of rain and intense storms. While it’s unlikely that a major hurricane will affect your trip, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Consider investing in travel insurance before your trip or even visiting an alternative destination during this period.