The climate of New Orleans
New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA, is situated in a humid subtropical zone, denoted as Cfa in the Köppen climate classification. The location's climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, a commonality with cities in the said climate zone. The geographic positioning of New Orleans significantly influences the weather patterns throughout the year, providing the city with ample rainfall across all seasons.
Distinct variations can be noted in the weather parameters year-round. High temperatures in New Orleans range from 60.4°F (15.8°C) in
January to a peak of 89.4°F (31.9°C) in both
July and
August. Meanwhile, low temperatures exhibit a similar trend, registering at 48.6°F (9.2°C) in January and peaking at 79.5°F (26.4°C) in August. The city experiences a relatively high humidity level year-round, averaging between 72% to 77% in all twelve months.
Rainfall in New Orleans varies considerably across the year. The driest month is
March, with an average precipitation of 0.43" (11mm), while the wettest month is July, receiving up to 1.57" (40mm) of rain on average. Additionally, the city enjoys long daylight hours throughout the year, peaking at 14.1 hours in
June before decreasing to 10.2 hours in
December. The city's wind speed ranges from 6.6mph (10.6km/h) to 9.8mph (15.8km/h), with the strongest gusts being experienced in December at 14.5mph (23.3km/h).
The best time to visit New Orleans
To experience the best weather in
New Orleans, many travelers find the cooler months of
November through
April to be ideal. During this time, average high temperatures range between 60.4°F (15.8°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C) while low temperatures vary from 48.6°F (9.2°C) to 71.2°F (21.8°C), providing comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, rainfall is relatively low compared to other parts of the year, with November being particularly dry, receiving an average of just 0.63" (16mm) of rain.
The worst time to visit New Orleans
The worst time to visit
New Orleans is often considered to be during the hottest and most humid months, from
June to
September. During this period, the average temperature during the day can exceed 86.5°F (30.3°C), peaking at an uncomfortable 89.4°F (31.9°C) in
July and
August. These months also receive the highest rainfall, with July and August accumulatively receiving up to 3.03" (77mm) of rain.
Spring weather in New Orleans
Spring in
New Orleans encompasses the months of
March,
April, and
May. During this season, the city sees an increase in temperature, with average highs progressing from 70.7°F (21.5°C) in March to 82.9°F (28.3°C) by May. Overnight lows, however, remain comfortable, ranging from 58.3°F (14.6°C) to 71.2°F (21.8°C). This period also experiences a gradual increase in rainfall, starting with 0.43" (11mm) in March and ending with 0.75" (19mm) in May.
Summer weather in New Orleans
The summer months from
June to
August in
New Orleans are hot and humid. High temperatures average between 88.3°F (31.3°C) to 89.4°F (31.9°C), while low temperatures remain warm, spanning from 77.7°F (25.4°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C). Rainfall is also at its peak during this season, reaching up to 1.57" (40mm) in
July.
Autumn weather in New Orleans
Autumn in
New Orleans witnesses a marked shift in weather conditions from
September to
November. High temperatures begin at 86.5°F (30.3°C) and cool down to 68.9°F (20.5°C), while low temperatures decrease from 76.3°F (24.6°C) to 57.4°F (14.1°C). Rainfall decreases over the course of the season, starting at 0.47" (12mm) in September and reducing to 0.63" (16mm) by November.
Winter weather in New Orleans
December through
February marks the winter season in
New Orleans. During this period, high temperatures average from 63.5°F (17.5°C) to 64.6°F (18.1°C), while low temperatures drop to as low as 48.6°F (9.2°C) in
January. Despite being the coldest months of the year, winters are relatively mild compared to other regions. Rainfall measures at 0.79" (20mm) in December, increasing slightly to 0.55" (14mm) in February.
Weather in January
The New Year in
New Orleans,
Louisiana, greets its residents with relatively mild temperatures. It's known for varying weather patterns that couples cool wind gusts reaching speeds of 14.7mph (23.7km/h) with slightly humid air boasting 74% relative humidity.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
New Orleans comes with its own set of weather conditions, distinctively different from the preceding month. The city goes through slightly increased rainfall with moistened conditions facilitated by humidity levels of around 77%.
Weather in February » Weather in March
New Orleans transitions into the spring season during
March, offering a departure from the slightly more humid climate of the previous month. Mild temperature rises are evident alongside a reduction in humidity levels. Predictable wind patterns create a harmonious blend with the pleasant weather characterized by a soft sunlight pouring in for around 7.9 hours per day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
New Orleans manifests itself with warmer days and longer sunlight. The hustle-bustle of city life enjoys the nurturing warmth of 9.9 hours of average daily sunshine, painting lively pictures of the thriving city. April weather enters a transition phase from mild subtropical climate to more summer-like conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, highlighting the onset of summer, breaks away the spring equilibrium by bringing a hot streak to
New Orleans. The city experiences a substantial increase in average temperature highs and lows noted at 82.9°F (28.3°C) and 71.2°F (21.8°C) respectively.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
New Orleans signifies the full onset of the sweltering summer heat. While the city copes with relative humidity around 72%, the abundance of daylight hours enhances its vibrant lifestyle. The weather drawings on average more rainfall than in the previous month, preparing a moist platform for
July's weather, known to be the wettest in the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The summer peaks in the city of
New Orleans during the hot and humid month of
July. Showers provide an intermittent relief from the city's heat, with rainfall reaching its yearly peak at 1.57" (40mm). July is a unique month, characterized by the city bracing itself against high temperature and rainfall.
Weather in July »Weather in August
New Orleans promises a weather consistency in
August as it retains the vibes of the prior summer month. Similar to
July, August sustains high humidity levels, prevalent heat and noteworthy rainfall, marking it as an extension of July's weather peak.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
New Orleans rings the curtain down on summer, ushering in the beginnings of mild autumn weather. The temperature undergoes a slight drop from the summer zenith, making the city's climate more bearable. Although precipitation drops compared to
August, the September skies remain relatively clear, offering generous sunlight.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
New Orleans offers a stark contrast from the previous humid month, presenting an agreeable, gentle climate. The cooler winds complement the moderate temperature to provide quintessential autumn weather. Daylight hours contract further, in tune with the advent of less sultry conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
New Orleans builds the climatic bridge towards winter. The city witnesses a tangible decrease in temperature and daylight hours, crafting a cooler feel around the city. As November steps forward towards the end, the more wintry
December, its weather forms an inviting prelude to the year’s end.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year in
New Orleans by offering a fresh, cool ambiance. Compared to
November, this month records a palpable drop in the average temperature, painting a wintery canvas across the city. Lowest temperatures hover around 52.5°F (11.4°C), setting a unique December characteristic for the entire year.
Weather in December »