Weather and climate in New Orleans (Louisiana)

The climate of New Orleans, the main city of Louisiana, is subtropical, with mild winters (though characterized by short cold waves) and long, hot and humid summers, during which there are quite frequent thunderstorms.
The city is located in the southern United States, near the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in the wet and marshy area of the Mississippi delta, and on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, a salt lake about 4 meters (13 feet) deep.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 12.4 °C (54.3 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 28.9 °C (84 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Precipitation amounts to 1,610 millimeters (63.4 inches) per year: it is therefore abundant. It ranges from 95 mm (3.7 in) in the driest month (October) to 195 mm (7.7 in) in the wettest (June). Here is the average precipitation.

The winter, from December to February, is mild.
The sun shines quite often, although there are periods characterized by clouds, rain and wind.
Normally the days are mild, but at night it is often cold, and the temperature can approach the freezing point.
There may be warm periods even in the middle of winter, when the temperature can reach or exceed 25 °C (77 °F).
However, there may also be short cold spells, in which the temperature drops below freezing, usually down to -5/-6 °C (21/23 °F), while during the day it remains about 5/6 °C (41/43 °F).
The record is -11.5 °C (11 °F), recorded in December 1989, with a maximum of 0 °C. In January 1963 and January 1985, the temperature dropped to -10 °C (14 °F), with a maximum of -1 °C (30 °F).
Snow in New Orleans is very rare, however, from time to time there may be a snowfall with a few centimeters of accumulation. On the New Year's Eve in 1963, 11 cm (4.5 inches) of snow fell. On December 22, 1989, 2 to 5 cm (1-2 in) fell depending on the area of the city. On Christmas Eve 2004, 2 centimeters (0.7 in) of snow fell. The last time a light white blanket formed was in December 2008.
Sometimes the dangerous phenomenon of freezing rain can also occur.

The summer, from June to September, is hot and muggy. Due to high humidity the heat is sweltering, even though the breeze blows from the sea. The combination of humidity and temperature can produce a perceived temperature of 40 °C (104 °F) and above.
On the hottest days of the year, the temperature usually reaches 37/38 °C (99/100 °F). The record is 39 °C (102 °F), recorded in August 1980.
The sun often shines, but the sky is not always clear, as cloud coverings can form, which can give rise to thunderstorms.
Between late summer and early autumn, New Orleans can be affected by hurricanes or tropical storms. Hurricane season runs from June to November, although the period in which they are most likely is from August to October. Due to its position at sea level (and in some areas even below) and surrounded by water, the city is particularly at risk. Indeed, New Orleans was catastrophically hit by Hurricane Katrina in late August 2005, when the levees were broken by the waters that flooded the city.

Spring and autumn, from March to May and from early October to late November, are generally warm to hot seasons, with infrequent rains (but when it rains, the rains can be abundant).
Sometimes there can be some bursts of cold air, especially in March and November, which generally bring a bit of cold especially at night.
In April and October it can exceed 30 °C (86 °F), while in May there is already often summer-like heat.



On average, there are around 2,650 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea temperature ranges between 18 °C (64 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). The sea is warm enough for swimming from May to October or November, while in winter it is cold. Here are the average sea temperatures.

To swim in Lake Pontchartrain it is necessary to follow the safety instructions, moreover, it is good to avoid swimming if it rained until three days before, because the lake could receive impure waters from the mainland.

Best Time

To visit New Orleans you can choose the period from mid-March to mid-April.

New Orleans - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 12.4 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 7.8 °C (46.1 °F) and a maximum of 16.9 °C (62.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1.5 °C (29.5 °F). However, it dropped to -6.7 °C (19.9 °F) in January 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). However, it reached 27.8 °C (82 °F) in January 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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February is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 9.8 °C (49.7 °F) and a maximum of 19.1 °C (66.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (33.5 °F). However, it dropped to -8.9 °C (16 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). However, it reached 28.9 °C (84 °F) in February 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 105 mm (4.1 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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March is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 17.7 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 12.9 °C (55.3 °F) and a maximum of 22.4 °C (72.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38 °F). However, it dropped to -1.7 °C (28.9 °F) in March 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (83 °F). However, it reached 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) in March 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 110 mm (4.3 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 59% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19 °C (66 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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April is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21.2 °C (70 °F), with a minimum of 16.5 °C (61.7 °F) and a maximum of 25.8 °C (78.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8.5 °C (47 °F). However, it dropped to 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in April 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 32.8 °C (91 °F) in April 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 135 mm (5.3 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (71 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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May is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 25.1 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.6 °C (69 °F) and a maximum of 29.6 °C (85.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57 °F). However, it dropped to 7.8 °C (46 °F) in May 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in May 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 145 mm (5.7 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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June is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.0 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 23.7 °C (74.7 °F) and a maximum of 32.2 °C (90 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 19.5 °C (67 °F). However, it dropped to 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) in June 1993.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95.5 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in June 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 195 mm (7.7 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 0 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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July, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.9 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 24.7 °C (76.5 °F) and a maximum of 33 °C (91.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it dropped to 18.3 °C (64.9 °F) in July 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (96.5 °F). However, it reached 37.8 °C (100 °F) in July 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 170 mm (6.7 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 28.9 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 24.8 °C (76.6 °F) and a maximum of 32.9 °C (91.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 21.5 °C (71 °F). However, it dropped to 16.7 °C (62.1 °F) in August 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (96.5 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in August 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 175 mm (6.9 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 30 °C (85.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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September is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 27.1 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 23.1 °C (73.5 °F) and a maximum of 31.2 °C (88.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (63 °F). However, it dropped to 12.2 °C (54 °F) in September 1994.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 37.8 °C (100 °F) in September 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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October is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 22.5 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 17.9 °C (64.3 °F) and a maximum of 27 °C (80.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9 °C (48 °F). However, it dropped to 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in October 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32 °C (90 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in October 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 69% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25.5 °C (78 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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November is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.9 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 12.1 °C (53.7 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.2 °C (28 °F) in November 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84 °F). However, it reached 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) in November 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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December is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.7 °C (57 °F), with a minimum of 9.1 °C (48.4 °F) and a maximum of 18.2 °C (64.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (32.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3.9 °C (25 °F) in December 2004.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (80.5 °F). However, it reached 28.9 °C (84 °F) in December 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 120 mm (4.7 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 20 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.