TripVibzWorst times to visit New Orleans
The weeks, days and hours locals would tell you to avoid in New Orleans — and what to do instead.
Say it here and visitors will actually read it. One sentence is enough.
Add your takeNew Orleans month by month
Festivals, conventions, weather and price seasons that change what a visit is like. Researched by the TripVibz editors from official event and weather sources.
January
Winter lull — good. The coolest season, with highs in the 60s. Fewer tourists mean lower hotel rates, and it is the easiest time to avoid festival crowds.
February
Mardi Gras — busy. Fat Tuesday falls between early February and early March. The week before it is the most crowded of the year, and some attractions close.
March
Mardi Gras — busy. Fat Tuesday falls between early February and early March. The week before it is the most crowded of the year, and some attractions close.
April
French Quarter Festival — busy. Usually the second weekend of April. A free four-day music festival on stages across the French Quarter that draws large crowds.
Jazz Fest — busy. Two long weekends from late April into early May at the Fair Grounds Race Course, at the height of the city's spring festival season.
May
Jazz Fest — busy. Two long weekends from late April into early May at the Fair Grounds Race Course, at the height of the city's spring festival season.
June
Summer heat — avoid. The hottest and rainiest months, with highs in the low 90s and humidity that makes walking tours uncomfortable. Hotel deals are plentiful.
July
Essence Festival — busy. Fourth of July weekend. Concerts at the Caesars Superdome plus other programming around the city.
Summer heat — avoid. The hottest and rainiest months, with highs in the low 90s and humidity that makes walking tours uncomfortable. Hotel deals are plentiful.
August
Summer heat — avoid. The hottest and rainiest months, with highs in the low 90s and humidity that makes walking tours uncomfortable. Hotel deals are plentiful.
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Watch forecasts and consider trip insurance.
September
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Watch forecasts and consider trip insurance.
October
Hurricane season peak — avoid. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Watch forecasts and consider trip insurance.
December
Winter lull — good. The coolest season, with highs in the 60s. Fewer tourists mean lower hotel rates, and it is the easiest time to avoid festival crowds.