When is your favorite time of year to visit New Orleans?
 

My husband and I are talking about taking a short trip to New Orleans. I went with some friends one year in mid January and we had this cool crisp weather with sunshine. It was amazing. I don't want to visit when it gets too hot- by April?? I also don't want to go during Mardi Gras. So if you had a choice, would you go in January or mid-March. I have off Spring Break because I work for a school district so that is also an option.

Have been to NO numerous times (mostly on business - it's a big convention city) and the only ones that have been bearable have been December and January.

Went in mid-March once and it was fairly hot and incredibly sticky - like walking around in a sauna. And a trip in May was sheer hell.

Thanks nytraveler. Some of my co-workers went last March and got lots of rain. As I said, we had some amazing weather in January, but the sunshine could have been a fluke. Temperature wise, I am leaning toward January.

ttt

My favorite time to visit is for Quarter Fest in April. We've been numerous times, and it was mid 80's and very nice. I was there this year the first week of March, and it was too chilly for me. Needed long pants and a jacket.

I like to go just prior to Mardi Gras. You can still catch some parades, the weather is usually favorable & the crowds are small or just locals.

I love to go to NO in late October; usually it's not too hot. But I live on the Gulf Coast, so I'm accustomed to the weather.I also go the week before or after Christmas, and the French Quarter Festival in April is usually very nice.

I went last November and the weather was great!! It wasn't hot at all, the weather was very comfortable and we only got a half day of rain in the entire week we were there.

Early November.

Jean H -

I guess we all have different requirements - and it depends onwhat weather you;re used to. For us mid 80's and hunid is way above our comfort range. If we're going to be trekking around the streets all day aout 75 is our absolute max.

Lived in NOLA for 10 years and found that January was often chilly and damp (and we moved there from the Northeast). April, September and October were routinely the best. May often was fine too.

I definitely wouldn't go during spring break. Too many annoying college kids. Unless your spring break is at a different time. But if you don't go to Bourbon St. that much, then you might not see them.

When we went, it was mid-May and the weather was good. Out of 6 days, 3 were absolutely perfect - low humidity, sunny skies, warm but not hot. One day was chilly and a bit rainy, one day was a bit on the hot side, and another day was kind of muggy and a bit rainy.

nytraveler,

You're right. I love the tropics. My favorite temp is 85, I even like humidity. Guess that's why most of our vacations are in Central America.....

I was in New Orleans a few years ago in mid-January and it was FREEZING and damp. We had to go out and purchase heavy turtleneck sweaters & hats & gloves. If I were to go back again I'd go in the late fall instead.

We were there in early February and had to wear a thin jacket most of the time. I prefer that to the heat of the summer. Mid-March should be perfect!

I have been three times all trips were within one 6 months period. Strange I know but, I had a friend who had a contract position at a hospital there and what can I say but free rent :-)

I went in February for Mardi Gras which I loved. We stayed away from the French Quarter on Friday and Saturday though as it was a zoo (I really mean that literally too)! Was there again in April and then again in July. Never again would I go in July. The only thing we did in the afternoon was sit in the pool or go to movies.

Mardi Gras was fabulous and the weather was perfect in my opinion. Not pool weather but great jeans and t-shirt type weather.

April was warm and you could go to the pool but not too hot. So my pull would be for your March trip. Hope this helps.

April for Jazz Fest. The Quarter is a little more subdued than Mardi Gras - and I've never had a desire to be there during MG anyway.

1) Fall
2) March from your choices - but I'd be beware of spring break.

Having grown up in the area, I can tell you that the weather is not predictable enough to be able to count on it. Usually, April is a very pleasant month, but sometimes the temps might exceed your limit of 75 degrees. Rain is likely about 30 to 50 percent of the time, but there can be very dry spells in the spring. In recent years, some spring seasons have seen what was essentially a drought. Those were pleasant times for visitors, but the residents and farmers suffered.

But in January, although you won't see temperatures above your personal limit, the weather is going to be rainy about 30 to 50 percent of the time, and alternately cold (near freezing if not below) and mild (around 50 degrees). Since rain usually is associated with cold fronts, a typical week will see a day of rain, a day or two of pretty cold weather, and 2-3 days of mild weather.