Packing List
October Packing List for New Orleans — What to Wear & Bring
October is one of New Orleans' finest months — temperatures ease to a comfortable 80°F high and 63°F low, and precipitation drops to just 7 days, the year's lowest. The oppressive humidity finally breaks. Halloween in New Orleans is a major event, with the Krewe of Boo parade and elaborate costuming throughout the French Quarter and Marigny. This is ideal weather for all-day outdoor exploring, Garden District walking tours, and evening dining on patios. Pack light warm-weather clothes, a layer for 63°F evenings, and — if visiting for Halloween — your best costume.
Averages 63–80°F, ~7 days of rain
Clothing
October's 80°F highs in New Orleans are warm but no longer oppressive — the reduced humidity makes cotton and linen comfortable for full-day exploring through the French Quarter, Garden District walking tours past the historic mansions on St. Charles Avenue, and afternoon browsing on Magazine Street.
The 80°F/63°F temperature range gives you options — shorts work for warm October afternoons at Jackson Square and City Park, while jeans or light pants are better for the cooler evenings on Frenchmen Street and outdoor dining patios in the Marigny.
October evenings in New Orleans drop to 63°F — a meaningful change from summer's 76°F overnight lows. A light jacket is welcome for the St. Charles streetcar ride through the Garden District after dark or for sitting at Bacchanal Wine's outdoor patio in the Bywater.
October's pleasant weather makes outdoor restaurant patios ideal — dinner at Coquette on Magazine Street, Pêche in the Warehouse District, or the courtyard at Brennan's in the Quarter calls for a dress that's comfortable at 63–70°F with the slight evening breeze.
New Orleans takes Halloween seriously — the Krewe of Boo parade rolls through the Quarter in late October, and elaborate costumes fill Frenchmen Street, the Marigny, and Bourbon Street on Halloween night. If you're visiting the last week of October, a costume is practically required.
Footwear
October's cooler temperatures make all-day walking comfortable in New Orleans — the Garden District's 2-mile loop, Magazine Street's 6-mile stretch of boutiques, and the French Quarter's cobblestone streets all demand flat shoes with good grip and arch support for the 6–10 miles most visitors cover.
At 80°F, October is still warm enough for sandals during daytime in New Orleans — supportive sandals with rubber soles handle the French Quarter's uneven cobblestones while keeping feet cool during afternoon strolls along the Riverwalk.
October's cooler evenings at 63°F make ankle boots or polished flats practical for dinner in the Warehouse District or evening drinks at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar — just keep the heel low enough for the Marigny's cracked sidewalks.
Accessories
October's UV index in New Orleans is still moderate — the open spaces at City Park, Jackson Square, and the Riverwalk still warrant sun protection during the clear, sunny days that dominate with only 7 precipitation days this month.
With only 7 rain days, October is New Orleans' driest month — but the Gulf storms that do hit can be heavy. A compact rain jacket in your day bag is light insurance against the occasional downpour.
October's crowds return to New Orleans for Halloween and fall festival season — a secure crossbody bag keeps valuables safe during the Krewe of Boo parade and the packed Frenchmen Street nightlife while leaving hands free.
At 63°F, October evenings on the St. Charles streetcar or walking along the Mississippi River levee carry a pleasant chill after months of stifling heat — a light scarf adds warmth and style for the evening transition.
Local tips for New Orleans in October
- 1.Halloween in New Orleans rivals Mardi Gras for street-level energy — the Krewe of Boo parade rolls through the French Quarter in late October, and the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods host elaborate house parties and street celebrations on Halloween night. Costumes are not optional if you want to participate fully.
- 2.October is peak second line season in New Orleans — the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs roll through Tremé, Central City, and Uptown most Sundays with brass bands and dancing crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, and follow the music through the neighborhood streets.
- 3.Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (now Voodoo Fest) typically falls on the last weekend of October in City Park — the outdoor festival requires comfortable walking shoes for the park's grass-and-gravel paths, and the 63°F evening temperatures mean a light layer is essential for the headliner sets after dark.