Is March rainy in New Orleans?

Expect roughly 10 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

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

0 of 12 packed

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Light cotton or linen topsEssential
March afternoons in New Orleans hit 73°F with rising humidity — walking the 13-block French Quarter from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue or browsing the art galleries on Royal Street calls for breathable natural fibers that handle the warmth without trapping moisture.
Light jacket or cardiganEssential
March evenings in New Orleans drop to 55°F, and the damp Gulf air makes that feel cooler — a light jacket or cardigan is essential for live music venues on Frenchmen Street where you'll move between warm, packed bars and cool outdoor patios throughout the evening.
Comfortable flat walking shoesEssential
The French Quarter's cobblestone streets — particularly Royal Street, Chartres Street, and Pirates Alley near St. Louis Cathedral — are uneven and slippery after March's frequent rain. Flat-soled shoes with rubber grip are essential for the 5–8 miles of daily walking most visitors cover.
Packable rain jacketEssential
March's 10 precipitation days in New Orleans make rain gear non-negotiable — afternoon storms can arrive with little warning while you're walking the Garden District's oak-lined St. Charles Avenue, and a rain jacket is far more practical than an umbrella in wind-driven Gulf storms.
SPF 50 sunscreenEssential
New Orleans sits at 30°N latitude and March UV levels are already significant — outdoor time at Jackson Square, the Riverwalk, or Audubon Park means meaningful sun exposure even on partly cloudy days.

Clothing

Light cotton or linen topsEssential
March afternoons in New Orleans hit 73°F with rising humidity — walking the 13-block French Quarter from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue or browsing the art galleries on Royal Street calls for breathable natural fibers that handle the warmth without trapping moisture.
Casual dresses or skirtsRecommended
New Orleans' March warmth at 73°F makes it ideal for lightweight dresses — the city's outdoor dining culture along Decatur Street, Chartres Street, and in the Bywater neighborhood favors breezy silhouettes that transition from daytime exploring to evening cocktails.
Light jacket or cardiganEssential
March evenings in New Orleans drop to 55°F, and the damp Gulf air makes that feel cooler — a light jacket or cardigan is essential for live music venues on Frenchmen Street where you'll move between warm, packed bars and cool outdoor patios throughout the evening.
Comfortable shorts or cropped pantsRecommended
With 73°F highs, March is warm enough for shorts during afternoon walks through Audubon Park or along the Mississippi River levee trail — the city's casual dress culture means shorts are appropriate at most restaurants outside of fine dining.
Light long-sleeve layerRecommended
New Orleans' 10 rain days in March mean overcast mornings are common — a light long-sleeve top works as a standalone on cooler mornings at the French Market and layers under a rain jacket when afternoon storms arrive.

Footwear

Comfortable flat walking shoesEssential
The French Quarter's cobblestone streets — particularly Royal Street, Chartres Street, and Pirates Alley near St. Louis Cathedral — are uneven and slippery after March's frequent rain. Flat-soled shoes with rubber grip are essential for the 5–8 miles of daily walking most visitors cover.
Water-resistant sandals or shoesRecommended
With 10 rain days in March, New Orleans' low-lying streets around Bourbon Street and the lower French Quarter regularly accumulate standing water — water-resistant footwear prevents soggy feet during the inevitable afternoon storm.
Casual evening flatsOptional
Dinner at Cochon in the Warehouse District or drinks on Frenchmen Street still involves navigating cracked sidewalks and uneven pavement — stylish flats that can handle New Orleans' pedestrian infrastructure are the smart evening choice.

Accessories

Packable rain jacketEssential
March's 10 precipitation days in New Orleans make rain gear non-negotiable — afternoon storms can arrive with little warning while you're walking the Garden District's oak-lined St. Charles Avenue, and a rain jacket is far more practical than an umbrella in wind-driven Gulf storms.
SPF 50 sunscreenEssential
New Orleans sits at 30°N latitude and March UV levels are already significant — outdoor time at Jackson Square, the Riverwalk, or Audubon Park means meaningful sun exposure even on partly cloudy days.
SunglassesRecommended
March's mix of sunny and overcast days in New Orleans means the sun can be intense when it breaks through — walking along the open Mississippi River levee or through City Park's unshaded paths demands UV protection.
Crossbody bagRecommended
The French Quarter remains crowded in March with spring break visitors, and a secure crossbody bag keeps valuables safe while leaving hands free to carry beignets from Café Du Monde or browse the French Market's outdoor stalls.

Local tips for New Orleans in March

March often hosts the tail end of Carnival season or early spring festivals in New Orleans — check if French Quarter Fest or the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival falls in March this year, as these events fill the Quarter's streets and affect restaurant reservations and hotel prices.

The St. Charles streetcar and Canal Street streetcar are both practical and scenic transit — the St. Charles line runs from the CBD through the Garden District to Audubon Park, and the wooden streetcar seats and open windows mean dress in layers you can adjust as you move between air-conditioned venues and the warm outdoor air.

March is the start of crawfish season in New Orleans — outdoor crawfish boils at Bevi Seafood or backyard pop-ups mean sitting outside at picnic tables for 1–2 hours. Wear clothes you're comfortable getting messy in and shoes that can handle grass or gravel.

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

FAQ — New Orleans in March

Expect roughly 10 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
March is the start of crawfish season in New Orleans — outdoor crawfish boils at Bevi Seafood or backyard pop-ups mean sitting outside at picnic tables for 1–2 hours. Wear clothes you're comfortable getting messy in and shoes that can handle grass or gravel.
March often hosts the tail end of Carnival season or early spring festivals in New Orleans — check if French Quarter Fest or the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival falls in March this year, as these events fill the Quarter's streets and affect restaurant reservations and hotel prices.
The St. Charles streetcar and Canal Street streetcar are both practical and scenic transit — the St. Charles line runs from the CBD through the Garden District to Audubon Park, and the wooden streetcar seats and open windows mean dress in layers you can adjust as you move between air-conditioned venues and the warm outdoor air.

Style Guide

New Orleans Spring 2026 Packing Guide

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