New Orleans in May
In May, New Orleans averages 28°C (83°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (136 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in New Orleans, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in New Orleans
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in New Orleans (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (25°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (25°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (30°C).
May sunrise & sunset in New Orleans
Times shown for New Orleans local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in New Orleans — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in New Orleans's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — New Orleans in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and New Orleans's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New Orleans in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is New Orleans in May?
In May, New Orleans averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in May?
May is quite rainy in New Orleans, with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for New Orleans in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for New Orleans for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.