New Orleans in December
In December, New Orleans averages 18°C (65°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (139 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in New Orleans, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in New Orleans
December is one of the coolest months in New Orleans (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (25°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (20°C) and cools 2°C in January (16°C).
December sunrise & sunset in New Orleans
Times shown for New Orleans local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in New Orleans — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in New Orleans's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — New Orleans in December
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 December's tier (Peak season) and New Orleans's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in New Orleans
New Orleans is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in New Orleans
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New Orleans in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is New Orleans in December?
In December, New Orleans averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in December?
December is quite rainy in New Orleans, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit New Orleans?
December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for New Orleans in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for New Orleans for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.