Weather overview
Новый Орлеан enjoys a humid subtropical climate, meaning mild winters and warm, often humid, summers. The city’s weather shifts gradually, with January and February offering the coolest days, while July and August bring the most heat. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, though late summer tends to be the wettest period.
Visitors to Новом Орлеане will find that the city’s charm isn’t tied to a single season. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Even in winter, the city rarely sees frost, making it a year-round destination for those who prefer warmth over cold.
Temperature
In Новом Орлеане, temperatures rarely dip below 7.9 °C even in the coolest months of January and December. By March, the air warms up noticeably, with daytime highs reaching 24 °C, while nights remain mild. The hottest months—July and August—see averages around 29 °C, with peaks often climbing to 33–34 °C.
The transition between seasons is smooth, with April and May offering pleasant warmth (21–30 °C) before the summer heat sets in. By October, temperatures start to ease, dropping from 28 °C in early October to a cooler 22.5 °C by late November. Even in winter, daytime highs hover around 17–19 °C, making Новый Орлеан one of the warmer U.S. cities in colder months.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.9 | 17.5 |
| February | 11.6 | 21.3 |
| March | 14.5 | 24 |
| April | 17.1 | 26.2 |
| May | 21.4 | 30.1 |
| June | 24.6 | 32.9 |
| July | 25.3 | 33.6 |
| August | 25.3 | 33.7 |
| September | 23.6 | 31.9 |
| October | 19 | 28.1 |
| November | 13.2 | 22.5 |
| December | 10.5 | 19.5 |
Precipitation
Новый Орлеан receives rain throughout the year, but the pattern shifts with the seasons. The driest months are October and November, with around 90 mm of rainfall each. From June to August, precipitation increases, peaking in July at 207.7 mm. These summer months often bring brief, heavy downpours rather than prolonged rain.
While Новый Орлеан doesn’t have a true dry season, the period from October to November is noticeably drier. By December, rainfall picks up again, averaging 144.3 mm. Travelers should be prepared for occasional showers regardless of the season, though they rarely disrupt plans for long.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 108.7 |
| February | 101.9 |
| March | 108.2 |
| April | 168.4 |
| May | 184.2 |
| June | 188.9 |
| July | 207.7 |
| August | 198.3 |
| September | 123.8 |
| October | 89.9 |
| November | 89 |
| December | 144.3 |
What to pack
For a trip to Новому Орлеану in January or February, pack layers for mild days (12–17 °C) and cooler evenings (7–11 °C). Light jackets or sweaters are useful, but heavy winter gear isn’t necessary. By March, you can switch to lighter clothing, though a light rain jacket is a good idea for spring showers.
From May to September, Новый Орлеан calls for breathable fabrics to handle the heat and humidity. Loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants can help with sun protection, while a compact umbrella or raincoat is handy for sudden summer downpours. In October and November, the weather cools slightly, so a mix of short- and long-sleeve options works well.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 3.9 |
| February | 4 |
| March | 4.1 |
| April | 4.1 |
| May | 3.5 |
| June | 3 |
| July | 2.5 |
| August | 2.7 |
| September | 2.8 |
| October | 3.4 |
| November | 3.3 |
| December | 3.4 |