Will I need a jacket in New Orleans in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 47°F, so plan on a light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings.

Is December rainy in New Orleans?

Expect roughly 9 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

What to Pack for New Orleans in December — 2026 Packing List

0 of 12 packed

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Medium-weight jacket or coatEssential
December evenings in New Orleans drop to 47°F, and the Gulf humidity amplifies the chill — walking the Celebration in the Oaks light displays in City Park or the evening Reveillon dinner walk through the French Quarter requires a jacket warm enough for damp, 47°F air.
Layerable long-sleeve tops and sweatersEssential
December's 18°F daily temperature swing from 65°F to 47°F makes layering critical in New Orleans — a sweater over a long-sleeve top handles both a sunny afternoon browsing the antique shops on Royal Street and a chilly evening ride on the St. Charles streetcar.
Jeans or warm casual pantsEssential
Full-length pants are essential for December's 47°F evenings in New Orleans — jeans paired with boots are the city's winter uniform for everything from po'boys at Parkway Bakery to cocktails at the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel.
Comfortable flat walking shoes or bootsEssential
December's cooler temperatures make boots practical and comfortable in New Orleans — the French Quarter's cobblestone streets on Royal and Chartres remain slippery in the rain, and flat-soled boots with grip handle both the terrain and the 47–65°F temperature range.
Packable rain jacket or umbrellaEssential
With 9 rain days, December in New Orleans is consistently damp — a compact umbrella or rain jacket is essential gear for holiday shopping on Magazine Street, browsing the French Market, or walking between Reveillon dinner venues.

Clothing

Medium-weight jacket or coatEssential
December evenings in New Orleans drop to 47°F, and the Gulf humidity amplifies the chill — walking the Celebration in the Oaks light displays in City Park or the evening Reveillon dinner walk through the French Quarter requires a jacket warm enough for damp, 47°F air.
Layerable long-sleeve tops and sweatersEssential
December's 18°F daily temperature swing from 65°F to 47°F makes layering critical in New Orleans — a sweater over a long-sleeve top handles both a sunny afternoon browsing the antique shops on Royal Street and a chilly evening ride on the St. Charles streetcar.
Jeans or warm casual pantsEssential
Full-length pants are essential for December's 47°F evenings in New Orleans — jeans paired with boots are the city's winter uniform for everything from po'boys at Parkway Bakery to cocktails at the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel.
Smart-casual outfit for Reveillon dinnersRecommended
Reveillon dinners are a New Orleans holiday tradition — restaurants like Antoine's, Galatoire's, and Arnaud's offer prix-fixe menus through December and enforce dress codes. Pack at least one polished outfit with flat dress shoes for these iconic dining experiences.
Festive holiday top or dressOptional
New Orleans embraces the holiday season with caroling in Jackson Square, Christmas concerts at St. Louis Cathedral, and decorated bars throughout the Quarter — a festive outfit participates in the city's joyful holiday energy.

Footwear

Comfortable flat walking shoes or bootsEssential
December's cooler temperatures make boots practical and comfortable in New Orleans — the French Quarter's cobblestone streets on Royal and Chartres remain slippery in the rain, and flat-soled boots with grip handle both the terrain and the 47–65°F temperature range.
Water-resistant ankle bootsRecommended
December's 9 rain days flood the French Quarter's low-lying blocks — water-resistant boots keep feet dry during the December rains while looking polished enough for Reveillon dinner reservations and holiday events.
Flat dress shoes for diningOptional
Reveillon dinners and holiday parties at New Orleans' fine dining restaurants require polished footwear — but the walk from parking through the Quarter's uneven sidewalks means flat or very-low-heeled dress shoes are the practical compromise.

Accessories

Warm scarf and glovesRecommended
December's 47°F lows feel colder in New Orleans' damp Gulf air — a warm scarf and light gloves are welcome during evening walks through the Celebration in the Oaks displays in City Park, where you'll be outdoors for 1–2 hours in the dark.
Packable rain jacket or umbrellaEssential
With 9 rain days, December in New Orleans is consistently damp — a compact umbrella or rain jacket is essential gear for holiday shopping on Magazine Street, browsing the French Market, or walking between Reveillon dinner venues.
Crossbody bagRecommended
The French Quarter's holiday crowds, Jackson Square's caroling events, and Celebration in the Oaks draw large gatherings — a secure crossbody bag keeps valuables safe while your hands are free for hot chocolate and beignets from Café Du Monde.
SunglassesOptional
December's clear days in New Orleans feature low-angle winter sun that hits your eyes directly during walks along the open Riverwalk and through the Garden District — UV protection remains relevant even in winter.

Local tips for New Orleans in December

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park runs from late November through early January and features over a million lights — the walking paths through the live oaks and around the lagoons are gorgeous but fully outdoors in 47°F December air. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for the 1–2 hour walk.

Reveillon dinners are unique to New Orleans — this Creole tradition of elaborate multi-course holiday meals runs throughout December at restaurants like Antoine's (the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the US), Galatoire's, and Arnaud's. Reservations fill weeks in advance, and most enforce a smart-casual to business-casual dress code.

New Year's Eve in New Orleans centers on Jackson Square's countdown and the Fleur-de-Lis drop, with celebrations spilling across the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street. Dress in warm layers — you'll be standing outdoors from 10 PM to well past midnight in 47°F temperatures, and the crowd heat only helps so much.

Want the full picture? 12 outfit lookbooks for New Orleans in Winter, plus restaurant + day-trip dress codes →

FAQ — New Orleans in December

Yes — average lows hit about 47°F, so plan on a light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings.
Expect roughly 9 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
Celebration in the Oaks in City Park runs from late November through early January and features over a million lights — the walking paths through the live oaks and around the lagoons are gorgeous but fully outdoors in 47°F December air. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for the 1–2 hour walk.
Reveillon dinners are unique to New Orleans — this Creole tradition of elaborate multi-course holiday meals runs throughout December at restaurants like Antoine's (the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the US), Galatoire's, and Arnaud's. Reservations fill weeks in advance, and most enforce a smart-casual to business-casual dress code.
Reveillon dinners are unique to New Orleans — this Creole tradition of elaborate multi-course holiday meals runs throughout December at restaurants like Antoine's (the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the US), Galatoire's, and Arnaud's. Reservations fill weeks in advance, and most enforce a smart-casual to business-casual dress code.

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December Packing List for New Orleans — What to Wear & Bring