Packing list
What to Wear in New Orleans
New Orleans runs from 6 °C (43 °F) nights in January to 34 °C (92 °F) days in July, and August is the wettest month, with about 18 days of rain. For your own dates, trip length and group, use the packing list generator.
What to wear in New Orleans
By the average daytime high in New Orleans.
May–Oct: highs 83–92°F (28–34°C)
Light, breathable fabrics: linen or cotton tops, shorts or light skirts, sandals.
Mar–Apr: highs 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Short sleeves by day, a light long-sleeve or thin layer for air-conditioning and evenings.
Nov–Feb: highs 64–73°F (18–23°C)
Layers: long sleeves or a light sweater, and a light jacket for the evening.
What to pack for New Orleans
Counts are per person for a 7-day trip. Weather gear depends on the month, so it is in the table below the list; the download adds it, marked with the months that need it.
Documents & Money
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Wallet with ID and payment cards
LePass transit card
Clothing
Underwear ×8
Per person
Socks ×8
Per person
Everyday outfits (tops and bottoms) ×5
Per person
Comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable walking sandals
Lightweight linen clothing
Sleepwear
Light layer (sweater or hoodie)
Change of clothes in your carry-on
Flip-flops or shower sandals
Swimsuit
Compression socks
Light scarf or shawl for cold planes and buses
Tech & Accessories
Install local apps: LePass, Streetcar NOLA
Phone charger and cable
Power bank
Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling for flights)
Multi-port USB charger or short extension cord
Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar) in checked bags
Health & Safety
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletry bag (deodorant, shampoo, razor)
Prescription medication (with a copy of the prescription)
Glasses or contacts, solution and a spare pair (if you wear them)
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Basic meds: pain relief, antidiarrheal, antihistamine
Small first-aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Travel wet wipes
Earplugs
Sleep eye mask
Lip balm with SPF
Nail clippers and tweezers
Period products (if you need them)
Blister plasters and anti-chafe balm
Bite relief cream
Anti-humidity hair product
Motion-sickness tablets or bands
Face mask for the plane
Gear & Activity
Reusable water bottle
Daypack
Zip bags in a few sizes
Packable tote or shopping bag
Laundry bag for dirty clothes
Luggage lock
Mini sewing kit and safety pins
Small flashlight or headlamp
Extras
Swamp tour reservation
Live music venue tickets
Travel neck pillow
Book or e-reader
Download or print this list
Weather gear by month
A tick means at least one city on this route meets that weather in that month: 8 or more rainy days, nights at 8 °C (46 °F) or colder, or days at 24 °C (75 °F) or warmer.
| Month | Rain gear | Warm layers | Sun protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Feb | ✓ | · | · |
| Mar | · | · | ✓ |
| Apr | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| May | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Jun | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Jul | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Aug | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Sep | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Oct | · | · | ✓ |
| Nov | · | · | · |
| Dec | ✓ | · | · |
Rain gear
- Packable rain jacket or travel umbrella
Warm layers
- Warm insulated jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Thermal base layer
Sun protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
New Orleans weather by month
Average daily high and low, and rainy days per month. Source: Rain: contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; Temperatures: TerraClimate (Abatzoglou et al.), CC0.
New Orleans
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 64°F / 18°C | 43°F / 6°C | 9 |
| Feb | 69°F / 21°C | 48°F / 9°C | 9 |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 54°F / 12°C | 8 |
| Apr | 80°F / 27°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 |
| May | 87°F / 30°C | 67°F / 20°C | 9 |
| Jun | 91°F / 33°C | 73°F / 23°C | 14 |
| Jul | 92°F / 34°C | 75°F / 24°C | 17 |
| Aug | 92°F / 33°C | 75°F / 24°C | 18 |
| Sep | 90°F / 32°C | 72°F / 22°C | 10 |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 63°F / 17°C | 6 |
| Nov | 73°F / 23°C | 52°F / 11°C | 6 |
| Dec | 68°F / 20°C | 48°F / 9°C | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes in Apr–Sep, Dec–Feb: in those months at least one of the cities here averages 8 or more days with rain. Outside them a compact umbrella is enough.
In Jan, yes: nights average 8 °C (46 °F) or colder somewhere on this route, so pack an insulated jacket, hat and gloves.
Yes. Mosquitoes or other biting insects are a real nuisance or health risk here, so pack a DEET or picaridin repellent and bite cream.
LePass, Streetcar NOLA.
Next: the trip itself
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Timed activities, restaurant picks, a budget that adds up, and a map for every day. What you told us is already filled in. Free, no sign-up.
Plan my New Orleans trip →Sample New Orleans itineraries
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Weather: Rain: contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; Temperatures: TerraClimate (Abatzoglou et al.), CC0. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Updated 2026-09-30.