We are thinking of visiting New Orleans in August 2003 as part of a world trip. How hot is it at this time of year? Would 3 or 4 days be enough to do it justice or would you need longer? What are the must sees? Any recommendations would really be appreciated.

All I can tell you is that New Orleans is SOOOOOO HOT that time of year. I live in North Louisiana and it's worse down in N.O. I personally think 3 or 4 days would probably be a nice amount of time. I don't think I'm the one to tell you the must sees--I haven't spent lots and lots of time there other than doing kid stuff like the Aquarium and the Zoo, which are fun. I like the antique stores and a trip down St.Charles on the trolley to see the houses. I've always wanted to take one of those cemetary tours, but haven't yet. Have fun--welcome to Louisiana.

We made the terrible mistake of going to New Orleans in July. It was so unbearably hot that the bottoms of our shoes melted. August would be just as bad, if not worse. Please do not even think of going to New Orleans during the summer. I would recommend going during autumn, winter or spring. We plan to return this winter, to fully enjoy ourselves.

A lot depends on your situation. If August is the only time you can go and you're not afraid of heat go for it. We went last August and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Do the outdoor things (like a walking tour)early in the day and in the evening. Most places are air-conditioned. Search for the lists of must dos, I really enjoyed cemetary tours, mardi gras museum, plantation tour and walking around the French Quarter (Cafe du Monde for coffee and tourist watching)

New Orleans is a great place, but I wouldn't go in the summer time. Although the temperature may only be 90°F, the humidity is very high, so the heat index will be at least 100°F if not higher. I was there in May for 6 days and the weather was very nice. We had a couple steamy days, but most days were very nice.

HOT & HUMID
but if it's the only time you can go then go. we did a full day tour which included the city, plantations and swamp tour. 3-4 days is enough especially if it's HOT.

Thanks for the advice. We'll look at doing it in September perhaps at the end of our travels. Would this be more bearable?

September is also pretty warm, but not at all like it is in August. That month would probably be a much wiser choice!

We went over Labor Day weekend one year,
Aug/Sept, and lost a lot of fluid!
Of course it was constantly being replenished, being the health nut that I am! ;-)

The heat/humidity was everything I heard it could be in NOLA at that time of year.!
We went with good friends that I have known since 3rd grade. His claim to fame was "never sweating" even tho he played all the major sports. Well, after a walk from Canal St over to Cafe Du Monde at 11:00 a.m., he was ready to go back to the hotel, shower and change.

All in all, 3-4 days would be fine IMO.
Most places, as mentioned above, are well air-conditioned.
A Plantation Tour/Zoo, etc may be a bit muggy but...seriously, drink a lot of water. They do know how to treat ya'll in the Big Easy.

We'll be there this Oct. so let the good times rollllll. If only the fine people we know from Ohio could be there the same time?
Kal

we went mid september and while it was hot, i didn't find it uncomfortable.

I was there in February... the tour guide said the temperature during the summer was like an oven. February was wonderful.

We just got back from New Orleans today. Had a wonderful time. Spent 4 days and only one was really hot and that day we took the steamboat Natchez which really cooled us off. Rained a little bit every early afternoon, however, it is muggy but not bad. Saw alot of postings for Acme but actually we found Felix's oyster house to be better! Don't worry about the heat and you really only need 3 days to see it. Have fun.

We were there for Hallowe'een one year, didn't realize it was H'een until we hit Bourbon St that evening & started seeing the costumes. It was great and weather was very pleasant... but I was there on business at about that time one year & we had to bail out quick as a hurricane was moving in.. boy did it RAIN !
Have a great trip.
p.