New Orleans, LA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of New Orleans
Located in Louisiana, United States, New Orleans experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 88°F (31°C) in August and dip to about 61°F (16°C) in January, with around 68.7 inches (1746 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 61°F (16°C)
- Record high: 102°F (39°C) · Record low: 22°F (-5°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (20 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 78°F (26°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 61°F (16°C) and lows around 48°F (9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 102°F (39°C) and dropped as low as 22°F (-5°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 8.9 inches (225 mm) of rain over 20 days, while November is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.3 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61° | 48° | 12 | 4.5 in | 7.5 h/day | 76% |
| February | 66° | 53° | 11 | 4.2 in | 8.0 h/day | 78% |
| March | 72° | 59° | 12 | 5.1 in | 9.0 h/day | 77% |
| April | 76° | 63° | 12 | 4.8 in | 9.8 h/day | 74% |
| May | 83° | 71° | 14 | 5.4 in | 11.1 h/day | 76% |
| June | 87° | 76° | 18 | 7.8 in | 11.3 h/day | 79% |
| July | 88° | 78° | 21 | 8.0 in | 10.7 h/day | 82% |
| August | 88° | 78° | 20 | 8.9 in | 10.0 h/day | 80% |
| September | 85° | 75° | 15 | 6.6 in | 10.2 h/day | 79% |
| October | 79° | 67° | 8 | 4.1 in | 9.6 h/day | 75% |
| November | 70° | 58° | 10 | 3.7 in | 8.1 h/day | 76% |
| December | 65° | 53° | 12 | 5.6 in | 7.1 h/day | 80% |
New Orleans month by month
New Orleans weather in January
January brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 12 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in New Orleans.
New Orleans weather in February
February brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 53°F (11°C), about 11 wet days.
New Orleans weather in March
March brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 12 wet days.
New Orleans weather in April
April brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 12 wet days.
New Orleans weather in May
May brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 71°F (21°C), about 14 wet days.
New Orleans weather in June
June brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 18 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in New Orleans.
New Orleans weather in July
July brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 21 wet days.
New Orleans weather in August
August brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 20 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month of the year in New Orleans.
New Orleans weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 15 wet days.
New Orleans weather in October
October brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 8 wet days.
New Orleans weather in November
November brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 10 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in New Orleans.
New Orleans weather in December
December brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 12 wet days.
Seasons in New Orleans
Spring (March through May)
Spring in New Orleans is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 64°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in New Orleans is hot, with daytime highs averaging 88°F (31°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 59 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in New Orleans is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 66°F (19°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in New Orleans is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 64°F (18°C) and nights around 51°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in New Orleans?
Is New Orleans hot in summer?
Is New Orleans cold in winter?
How many rainy days does New Orleans get in a year?
Best time to visit New Orleans
The best time to visit New Orleans is generally January to April and October to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for New Orleans with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 78°F (26°C).
New Orleans temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.