When to visit New Orleans without the crowds
New Orleans (Louisiana, United States) is calmest in July, August, September, October and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in March and April. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with August, September and October: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Dec, Jan & Jun
When everyone heads home
The week after Jazz Fest, mid-May.
Tip
July and August are hot and humid, but French Quarter hotels cost half.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 · moderate | 16 °C (61 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 3/5 · moderate | 19 °C (67 °F) | Mardi Gras (Feb/Mar, varies), Presidents Day |
| March | 4/5 · busy | 22 °C (71 °F) | |
| April | 4/5 · busy | 24 °C (76 °F) | Jazz Fest (late Apr–May) |
| May | 3/5 · moderate | 28 °C (82 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 3/5 · moderate | 31 °C (87 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 2/5 · calm | 31 °C (88 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 31 °C (88 °F) | |
| September | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 30 °C (86 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 26 °C (79 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 21 °C (70 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 18 °C (64 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct): watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Jean Lafitte Park (French Quarter), 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit New Orleans without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually August (crowds 1/5). In August the average high is 31 °C (88 °F). All the calm months: July, August, September, October and December.
When is New Orleans most crowded?
The busiest season is March and April. The week after Jazz Fest, mid-May.
What is the weather like in New Orleans?
Average highs range from 16 °C (61 °F) in January to 31 °C (88 °F) in August, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to New Orleans?
Peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct): watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
What festivals are there in New Orleans?
The main ones: Mardi Gras (Feb/Mar, varies) (February); Jazz Fest (late Apr–May) (April).