Packing Guide
New Orleans Packing List — What to Pack for Every Season
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate where summer heat index values regularly exceed 105°F and even winter rarely demands more than a medium-weight jacket. The city averages 10–14 precipitation days per month during summer, with afternoon thunderstorms that can drop several inches of rain in under an hour — and the low-lying French Quarter streets flood in even moderate downpours. Cobblestone streets throughout the French Quarter and Marigny make heeled footwear impractical year-round. Year-round, breathable natural fabrics are the default, a packable rain jacket belongs in every bag, and flat-soled shoes with decent grip are the only sensible footwear for navigating Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, and the Garden District's uneven sidewalks.
By Season
45–66°F
Winter (December–February)
New Orleans winters are mild by national standards — highs of 63–66°F and lows of 45–48°F — but the high humidity makes 50°F feel colder than it does in drier climates. December and February average 9 precipitation days each, and January sees 10. This is Mardi Gras season (carnival kicks off January 6), and evening parades along St. Charles Avenue require a warm layer. Pack medium-weight layers you can peel off during sunny afternoons and add back after sunset.
- Medium-weight jacket or layerable fleece
- Comfortable flat-soled walking shoes
- Packable rain jacket
- Breathable long-sleeve tops for layering
55–85°F
Spring (March–May)
Spring is New Orleans at its best — Jazz Fest in late April and early May, French Quarter Fest in April, and comfortable temperatures from 73°F in March climbing to 85°F by May. Humidity starts building in May as the subtropical wet season approaches. Rain stays steady at 9–10 precipitation days per month. Evenings remain pleasant through April (55–61°F lows) before warming significantly in May. Pack light layers for March, transition to summer-weight clothes by May.
- Light cotton or linen dresses and tops
- Flat sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- Packable rain jacket
- SPF 50 sunscreen and sunglasses
74–91°F
Summer (June–August)
New Orleans summer is brutally hot and humid — 90–91°F highs that never cool below 74–76°F at night, with 12–14 precipitation days per month and afternoon thunderstorms that arrive fast and flood the French Quarter's low-lying streets. June through November is hurricane season. The combination of 91°F heat and near-constant humidity pushes the real-feel temperature well past 100°F. Pack the lightest, most breathable natural-fiber clothes you own, waterproof footwear for flooded streets, and a packable rain jacket for the daily afternoon storms.
- Breathable linen or cotton everything
- Waterproof ankle boots or water-resistant sandals
- Packable rain jacket
- Wide-brim hat and SPF 50 sunscreen
54–88°F
Fall (September–November)
September is still full summer in New Orleans — 88°F highs, 73°F lows, and 11 rain days — and remains in hurricane season. October brings the first meaningful relief at 80°F highs and only 7 precipitation days, making it one of the city's most pleasant months. By November, temperatures settle to a comfortable 72°F high and 54°F low with 8 rain days. Pack summer clothes for September, transition to light layers by late October, and bring a medium-weight jacket for November evenings on Frenchmen Street.
- Breathable tops for September heat
- Light cardigan or jacket for November evenings
- Comfortable flat walking shoes
- Packable rain jacket (September–October especially)
Monthly Packing Lists
Click any month for a detailed, weather-specific packing list.
General Packing Tips for New Orleans
- 1.French Quarter cobblestone streets and the Marigny's uneven sidewalks make heeled footwear genuinely hazardous — especially after rain when the stones become slick. Flat-soled shoes with good grip are the only practical choice for a city where you'll walk 5–8 miles per day between the Garden District, Magazine Street, and the Warehouse District.
- 2.New Orleans is below sea level in many neighborhoods, and even moderate rainstorms can put 4–6 inches of standing water on Bourbon Street and low-lying French Quarter blocks. Waterproof or water-resistant footwear during the wet season (May–October) will save you from wading through flooded intersections.
- 3.The city's humid subtropical climate means sweat doesn't evaporate efficiently — synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against the skin. Choose natural fibers like linen and cotton, especially from May through September when humidity regularly exceeds 80%.