New Orleans in January
In January, New Orleans averages 16°C (61°F) during the day and 9°C (47°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (93 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in New Orleans. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in New Orleans
January is one of the coolest months in New Orleans (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (25°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (18°C) and warms a further 3°C into February (19°C).
January sunrise & sunset in New Orleans
Times shown for New Orleans local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in New Orleans — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in New Orleans's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — New Orleans in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and New Orleans's popularity.
January 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 — January in New Orleans
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: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New Orleans in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is New Orleans in January?
In January, New Orleans averages a high of 16°C (61°F) and a low of 9°C (47°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in January?
January is quite rainy in New Orleans, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit New Orleans?
January is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for New Orleans in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for New Orleans for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.