Best Time to Visit New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans natives will adamantly tell you that the best time to visit their lively city is anytime! While it’s true that there’s always something going on in The Big Easy, most travelers will determine their travels to New Orleans based on a few different factors, usually weather, outdoor activities, and events/festivals.

The most popular time of the year to visit New Orleans, of course, is during Mardi Gras. This is generally sometime in February, depending on the Christian calendar for the year and on what date Lent begins. Truly one of the most fabulous parties in the world, the carnival-like atmosphere of Mardi Gras attracts literally hundreds of thousands of guests, many of whom participate in a good deal of raucous behavior. There are parties galore and plenty of other things to do. However, it isn’t the best time of the year for families to visit as the event does indeed have a bawdy character and much of what occurs is inappropriate for children. Nonetheless, if you do plan to visit during Mardi Gras, you’ll need to plan way ahead so that you can secure accommodations at a decent rate. Don’t expect to score a bargain, especially if you wait until the last minute.

If you’re hoping to escape the cold elsewhere in the U.S. or beyond, winter is a good time to visit New Orleans. The low temperatures average about 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high a very comfortable 60 to 70 degrees. While you probably won’t be lying on the beach during this time of the year, it is ideal for sightseeing or even playing golf. Hotel rates are fairly reasonable during the winter months, especially in January and February, when you might be able to find some post-Christmas package deals at lodging establishments in the city.

The seasons of spring and fall are certainly an ideal time to visit and, again, hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations may offer “shoulder season” rates that can be quite enticing. With temperatures ranging from the high 50s to the high 70s, there are all sorts of activities that can be enjoyed during this time, ranging from boating and fishing to golf and other land sports to browsing the city’s many museums and family-oriented attractions. The humidity can be a bit high at times, but fall and spring are generally the most comfortable time to visit.

If you don’t mind the heat, you can find great airfare and hotel rates if you head to New Orleans during the summer. Be aware, however, that because it lies in a humid subtropical climate, The Big Easy is very hot and sticky in the summer months and often simply too much for those unaccustomed to humidity to handle. Furthermore, it is prone to heavy rain during July and August and this is also the time of year when hurricanes can form.

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