What to Wear in New Orleans in August
August in New Orleans averages 91°F highs and 76°F lows with about 13 rainy days — the most humidity-intense month in one of America's most humid cities, where 90°F with 85% humidity feels closer to 105°F. French Quarter cobblestone streets flood during heavy rain, making waterproof ankle boots more practical than open sandals. Linen and moisture-wicking cotton are the only comfortable outdoor fabrics; the vibrant NOLA aesthetic expresses itself in breathable choices.
What to wear
top / Tank & Cami
tank top
breathable — lets heat escape in warm weather
bottom / Shorts
denim shorts
breathable fabric for high-heat days
lightweight linen pants for more coverage
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
lightweight
Based on typical August conditions in New Orleans. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
August in New Orleans is the most demanding month weather-wise — 91°F with humidity that regularly pushes the feels-like temperature past 105°F, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and a French Quarter that can have standing water on Bourbon Street within 30 minutes of a heavy rain event. Evenings stay above 76°F and remain humid even late into the night. The outdoor festival culture continues through August but concentrates in the cooler evening hours. New Orleans's vibrant, expressive aesthetic doesn't need to sacrifice comfort to maintain its signature style in August. Linen maxi dresses in bold prints, loose cotton separates in the French Quarter's festive color palette, and breathable fabrics that move in the humid air work beautifully. The French Quarter's cobblestone streets that are hazardous in heels become genuinely slippery after rain — flat shoes are practical and appropriate. A packable rain jacket handles the 13 rainy days; the French Quarter floods faster than most visitors expect, and waterproof footwear prevents ruined plans during heavy summer storms.
Curated Looks
No outfits found for this style. Try a different filter.
Packing List
What to Pack for New Orleans in August →
Other Months in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in New Orleans in August?+
New Orleans in August averages 91°F with humidity that makes it feel closer to 105°F. Linen and moisture-wicking cotton are the only genuinely comfortable outdoor fabrics — synthetic blends become intolerable outdoors quickly. A packable rain jacket for 13 rainy days, waterproof footwear for French Quarter flooding, and a light layer for air-conditioned venues are the essential additions.
How hot and humid is New Orleans in August?+
New Orleans is among the most humidity-intense major US cities, and August is the peak. At 91°F with 80–90% humidity, the feels-like temperature regularly reaches 105–110°F. Brief outdoor exposure in non-breathable fabrics is genuinely uncomfortable. The city's outdoor culture adapts by shifting to morning and evening activity, with indoor air-conditioned destinations for midday hours.
Does the French Quarter flood in August?+
Yes — New Orleans's drainage system can't always keep pace with intense summer rain, and the French Quarter can have significant standing water on Bourbon Street within 30 minutes of a heavy storm. August's 13 rainy days include intense convective storms. Waterproof ankle boots provide meaningful protection when streets flood; open sandals leave your feet in storm water.
What shoes should I wear in New Orleans in August?+
Waterproof flat-soled shoes or ankle boots are the most practical choice for New Orleans in August. French Quarter cobblestone streets are uneven and become genuinely slippery after rain — heeled footwear is hazardous. Waterproof construction handles the flooding risk on Bourbon and Frenchmen Streets. For drier indoor evenings, the flat-soled requirement still holds on wet historic stone.
What should I pack for New Orleans in August?+
Pack linen and moisture-wicking cotton for New Orleans's August humidity. Waterproof flat shoes or ankle boots for French Quarter flooding, a packable rain jacket for 13 rainy days, and a light layer for aggressively air-conditioned restaurants round out the essentials. New Orleans's vibrant festival aesthetic expresses itself beautifully in bold linen prints and breathable separates that handle the heat gracefully.