The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in New Orleans. Temperatures rise (29°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 29% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if October (8.6/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 2 out of 12 months in New Orleans. Compared to April: +4°C daytime, 5 pts more rainy days, +0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
20°
Daylight
13.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 38
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in New Orleans is October (8.6/10), 0.1 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · New Orleans
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · New Orleans
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · USA
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 31°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 16°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 47%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
CharlestonUnited StatesSavannahUnited States
NagasakiJapanOuter BanksUnited StatesMatsuyamaJapan
Location
Where is New Orleans ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
USATemperate oceanic climate with a 8.6 → 4.5 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
29.95°N · 90.07°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit New Orleans?
October is the best month with 27.0°C highs, 20.0°C lows, 7.8h of sunshine and 20.0% rainy days. The months of October & May offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does New Orleans get in October?
New Orleans averages 7.8 sunshine hours per day in October. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in New Orleans?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in New Orleans in October?
In October, overnight lows reach 20.0°C, while afternoon highs average 27.0°C.
Is New Orleans good in winter?
In winter (December-February), New Orleans scores 6.1/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains October with a score of 8.2/10.
When should you avoid New Orleans?
January is the most difficult month to visit New Orleans, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in New Orleans in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in New Orleans (very high), with about 13.5h of daylight. Protection essential.