New Orleans in August

In August, New Orleans averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 26°C (78°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (220 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

It's peak hurricane season in New Orleans during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

31°C
Avg high
26°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
220 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in New Orleans

2nd
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
13%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
13 h 14 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in New Orleans (2nd of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (25°C). August runs roughly the same as July (31°C) and cools 2°C in September (29°C).

August sunrise & sunset in New Orleans

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:27 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:41 PM
Day length
13 h 14 min

Times shown for New Orleans local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in New Orleans — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in New Orleans's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:27 AM – 6:07 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:07 AM – 7:07 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:01 PM – 8:01 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:01 PM – 8:41 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near New Orleans.

📅 When to book — New Orleans in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (Shoulder) and New Orleans's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — August in New Orleans

Shoulder

New Orleans is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — August in New Orleans

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.3
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

New Orleans in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 16°C / 61°F 9°C / 47°F 93 mm 15
February 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 52°F 115 mm 17
March 22°C / 71°F 14°C / 58°F 128 mm 18
April 25°C / 76°F 17°C / 63°F 123 mm 18
May 28°C / 83°F 21°C / 70°F 136 mm 20
June 30°C / 87°F 24°C / 76°F 195 mm 24
July 31°C / 88°F 25°C / 78°F 187 mm 26
August 31°C / 88°F 26°C / 78°F 220 mm 26
September 29°C / 85°F 24°C / 75°F 132 mm 21
October 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 66°F 111 mm 14
November 20°C / 69°F 14°C / 56°F 85 mm 12
December 18°C / 65°F 12°C / 53°F 139 mm 15

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New Orleans in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is New Orleans in August?

In August, New Orleans averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 26°C (78°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in August?

August is quite rainy in New Orleans, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit New Orleans?

August is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for New Orleans in August?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for New Orleans for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open New Orleans on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.