New Orleans in March
In March, New Orleans averages 22°C (71°F) during the day and 14°C (58°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (128 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
March offers comfortable temperatures in New Orleans, with some rain to plan around.
How March compares to the rest of the year in New Orleans
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in New Orleans (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (25°C). March runs 3°C warmer than February (19°C) and warms a further 3°C into April (25°C).
March sunrise & sunset in New Orleans
Times shown for New Orleans local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in New Orleans — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in New Orleans's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — New Orleans in March
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 March's tier (Shoulder) and New Orleans's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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 — March 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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New Orleans in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is New Orleans in March?
In March, New Orleans averages a high of 22°C (71°F) and a low of 14°C (58°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in March?
March is quite rainy in New Orleans, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit New Orleans?
March 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 March?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for New Orleans for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.