New Orleans in October
In October, New Orleans averages 26°C (78°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (111 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
It's peak hurricane season in New Orleans during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in New Orleans
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in New Orleans (6th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (25°C). October runs 4°C cooler than September (29°C) and cools 5°C in November (20°C).
October sunrise & sunset in New Orleans
Times shown for New Orleans local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in New Orleans — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in New Orleans's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — New Orleans in October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and New Orleans's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New Orleans in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is New Orleans in October?
In October, New Orleans averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in October?
October can be fairly wet in New Orleans, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit New Orleans?
October 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 October?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for New Orleans for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.