The Best Time To Visit New Orleans: You Don’t Want To Get Stuck In A Hurricane
With the Jazz songs filling the air and a strong foundation built with eclectic cultures, New Orleans refuses to give in to the terrorist attacks on New Year’s Day.
Tourism and other businesses that depend on tourists have been showing persistence.
Still, tourism is the city’s lifeline, and how the city would fare in terms of tourism was a major concern after the terrorist attacks.
However, it’s great that after a few hours of unusual silence in the French Quarter, the city returned to its usual self again.
It was hard to expect a footfall of over 57,000 at the annual Sugar Bowl semifinal that took place on the day after the terrorist attack.
So, it’s the spirit and resilience that make New Orleans special. Furthermore, New Orleans has been a prominent tourism spot for a long time, welcoming visitors from various cultures.
In 2024, the number of international travelers to the city reached 490,000.
But what makes New Orleans such a popular tourism hub? What is the best time to visit New Orleans and why?
Let’s find out all the answers in this Dream and Travel Guide.
When Is The Best Time To Visit New Orleans?
March to May is the best time to visit New Orleans. Vibrant festivals, mild weather conditions, and a lively atmosphere make the months the ideal time to visit New Orleans.
During these months, New Orleans hosts major festivals such as Mardi Gras, the French Quarter Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
October to November is another great season to plan a trip to New Orleans.
Cooler temperatures in these months will allow you to explore the historic sites. Furthemore, it is the season of the Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans.
Also, the crowd is smaller in New Orleans during October and November. Also, the hotels and resorts are also less expensive during these months.
Do you need more information about what is the best month to visit New Orleans? Have a look at the table below.
| Month | Highest Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Lowest Temperature | Days of Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| February | 18 | 10 | 5 |
| March | 22 | 14 | 5 |
| April | 25 | 16 | 5 |
| May | 30 | 20 | 6 |
| June | 32 | 23 | 11 |
| July | 34 | 24 | 12 |
| August | 35 | 26 | 11 |
| September | 31 | 22 | 8 |
| October | 28 | 19 | 5 |
| November | 23 | 12 | 6 |
| December | 20 | 9 | 5 |
What Is The Cheapest Month To Go To New Orleans?
June, July, August, and September are the cheapest months to visit New Orleans. However, these four months are also the hottest, and there is high humidity in the air.
Moreover, there are also high risks of hurricanes in these months.
So, instead of planning a trip in these months, you can schedule a visit to New Orleans during October and November.
The temperature conditions in these months remain pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 9 and 28 degrees Celsius and an average rainfall of 5 days. Also, the hotel prices during these months are lower than those in June to September.
What Is Hurricane Season In New Orleans?
Officially, from 1st June to 30th November is the hurricane season in New Orleans.
This year, the hurricane season will be “above average,” and there are anticipations of around 12 hurricanes.
With the challenges of the hurricane season looking bigger in New Orleans this year, the Grassroots group has started making all the preparations from late April. The group is primarily working on fighting the extreme consequences of power outages
What Is New Orleans Known For? Find Out What’s Unique
As the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans has music in the air. So, it is a popular tourist attraction among students and youngsters.
Further, the festive and resilient spirit of the city is palpable if you plan a visit during the springtime or in the fall.
You can take a walk around Frenchmen Street to see live music performances. Furthermore, New Orleans’s food has an eclectic influence, including Native American, Spanish, African, and French.
Also, the Cajun and Creole cuisines here are the ultimate delight for a connoisseur.
Moreover, New Orleans is known for its complex history and landmarks such as the historic neighborhood of the Garden District and the National WWII Museum.
Also, the Creole, French, and Spanish architecture of the French Quarter and the vibrant nightlife of Bourbon Street are the major attractions in New Orleans.
Having said that, there are some unique features of New Orleans that make the city one-of-a-kind.
1. Red Bean Mondays
When the entire world feels down with Monday Blues, New Orleans observes Red Bean Mondays.
Visit the Crescent City, and you will find restaurants and households serving red bean delicacies. Further, smoked sausage, pork chop, and fried chicken go well with this signature red bean dish.
2. Neutral Ground
Did you think of these neutral grounds as traffic dividers? You are wrong.
These are ideal for taking selfies and photos. Furthermore, during the Mardi Gras celebration, these neutral grounds turn into the spot for second-line scouting, streetcar hopping, and many more.
3. Sno-Balls Or Snow Cones, New Orleans Style
It’s time to have the ultimate summer treat in New Orleans. Have the snowballs with generous condensed milk or any syrup of your choice as the topping.
4. The New Orleans: The Best Hosts You Can Have
People in New Orleans make every visit to the city a memorable experience. The streetcar conductors, performers, and hospitality workers welcome every visitor with open arms.
And as they say, almost every New Orleanian is a master storyteller, and each one of them has something different to share.
5. Ghost Tour And Now Annabelle Visits New Orleans
Ghost tours are one of the biggest attractions in New Orleans. “The Phantom Walking Tours” in the French Quarter is a one-of-a-kind experience.
You can take the Ghost and Vampire Tours or the Cemetery Tours and feel the eerie vibe. So, if you are looking for a dark tourism spot in the USA, New Orleans can easily feature on your list.
And guess what! Annabelle is in New Orleans. This infamous doll and the prime character of the Conjuring movie scene, Annabelle, has arrived in New Orleans on 13th May.
It is her first visit to the Crescent City, and her entry to the French Quarter has been recorded by Ryan Daniel Buell, a paranormal detective, and the video is going viral on TikTok.
“The energy is definitely different here,” was the caption of the post.
So, if you are in love with ghost tours and supernatural experiences, it is the best time to visit New Orleans.
What Are The Best Places To Visit In New Orleans? Know The Top Attractions
There are many places to visit in New Orleans. Here, we have picked our favorite ones based on the kind of experience we love.
- The French Quarter
- The Historic New Orleans Collection
- Museum Of Death, New Orleans
- Louis Armstrong Park
- Jackson Square
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park And Preserve
- Jackson Square
- The National WWII Museum
What Is Famous To Eat In New Orleans? Take A Gastronomic Tour
It is the best time to visit New Orleans to enjoy a culinary tour. TimeOut has just named New Orleans the best among the “Best Cities for Food” in the world.
The Spanish, African, Vietnamese, Frech, and Native American food culture and the Cajun and Creole cuisines have shaped the food landscape of the city.
Furthermore, Antoine’s, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, and other iconic food landmarks in the city are serving the best local delicacies with international twists.
For example, you will find the use of Acamaya from Mexico and Saffron from India in many local dishes these days.
Moreover, be it the Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, or any other festival, Creole tomatoes, beignets, oysters, and boiled crawfish will offer you the ultimate gastronomic delight.
You must also try jambalaya, po’boys, muffuletta, red beans and rice, and gumbo in New Orleans.
Also, New Orleans promotes its food culture through various food tours, such as:
- French Quarter Food Tours
- Cocktail and Food Tours
- Lower Garden District Food Tours
- Underground Donut and Beignet Tour
Is New Orleans Good For Tourists? Traveling Safe
Is it the best time to visit New Orleans? My friend asking this question was primarily concerned about the safety of the city.
The terrorist attack on New Year’s Day, and now the news of seven inmates escaping from the New Orleans jail surfacing like fire, like many tourists, she was also worried about their safety.
However, New Orleans is good and safe for tourists. The city has already successfully hosted the 2025 version of Mardi Gras and Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Moreover, the Super Bowl Event, which coincided with the terrorist attack, was the first resilient step toward the city’s recovery.
Also, the city is serious about crime-fighting, and the data shows commitment. New Orleans & Company (the official marketing and sales organization for the city’s tourism) has confirmed the following information.
- The violent crime records in New Orleans in 2025 are 26% lower than in 2024.
- The murder rate is down by 33% this year, and simple robbery cases have gone down by 35%.
- Further, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is ensuring extensive and additional patrolling in the busy city areas.
- Enhanced Blue Light Patrol with with off-duty NOPD officers has helped NOPD to maintain its presence in many parts of the city.
- Moreover, enhanced traffic enforcement in the city has ensured driver safety and has helped in reducing violent crimes.
- Also, the Downtown Development District (DDD) has created the Public Safety Ranger Program. The rangers now patrol the area from 6 AM to 10 PM on foot or by bicycle.
You can even take the help of the SafeWalk escorts in the DDD boundary. You can call or text at 504-415-1730 to check the availability of the escorts.
So, you can enjoy a safe stay in New Orleans if you plan a trip now. In fact, New Orleans is one of the best destinations in the US for solo travel.
What Is The #1 Attraction In New Orleans? Mardi Gras And Tourism In New Orleans
Mardi Gras is the #1 attraction in New Orleans because it has set a benchmark in the global travel industry by alluring international tourists across the globe.
With more travellers looking for a meaningful experience and developing a more experimental approach during traveling, Mardi Gras grabs all the attention with street parties, live jazz music, masquerade balls, and more!
Furthermore, it is important for the local economy, with the local hotels and accommodations having full houses during the festival. Further, many other local businesses depend on the visitors’ spending during this festival.
On average, the festival generates around $1 billion in annual earnings for the city. Close to 1.5 million visitors attend this festival yearly.
Therefore, the century-old tradition has also emerged as the powerhouse for the city’s tourism industry.
It is no wonder that tourism boards, airlines, and hotels are investing in tourism centred around Mardi Gras.
Best Time To Visit New Orleans: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the best time to visit New Orleans.
The choice here depends on the kind of experience you want. The French Quarter, of course, is the heart of the city and has many nearby attractions.
However, Downtown offers a quieter experience and has easy access to the French Quarter and Streetcar Lines, taking you to various parts of the city.
Yes, travelling from March to May, peak season, can be a little expensive. However, the expenses will be moderate if you plan a visit during the fall season and plan a stay in the Downtown Area.
Also, New Orleans offers many free attractions, such as exploring Jackson Square or the French Quarter. You can make the most of these activities.
Yes, with city patrolling from the New Orleans Police Department being stricter, it is safe to walk around Downtown New Orleans.
Further, Downtown now has the Public Safety Rangers deployed by the Downtown Development District (DDD) on duty from 6 AM to 10 PM.
SafeWalk escorts are also available to help you if you call or text them at 504-415-1730 at least twenty minutes before.
