Month guide · New Orleans · United States
New Orleans in August
What August is really like in New Orleans: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ, CC0
Quick answer
August is a month many travellers avoid. Expect average highs of 33°C (91°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 13.2 hours of daylight. Oppressive heat and humidity at the start of peak hurricane season, but the lowest hotel prices of the year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 33°C (91°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 13.2 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Lowest
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in New Orleans: days average 33°C (91°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with July (33°C (91°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:28
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 19:42
- Daylight
- About 13.2 hours
Summer (June–August). Very hot and humid with daily thunderstorms and the start of hurricane season; prices drop and festivals such as Essence Fest fill some weekends.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 2 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 1 for hotel prices (highest in February). That makes August one of the better-value months to book.
Events in August
- Satchmo SummerFest celebrating Louis Armstrong (usually early August)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With intense heat, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Neighbourhood · Garden District
Garden District walk
The 19th-century mansions of the Garden District, built by wealthy American newcomers in Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian styles, stand in gardens of magnolias and live oaks between St.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
Historic site · Tremé
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Never draw marks on the tombs; despite the old legend, it is vandalism and damages the plaster.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Architecture
Park · Mid-City
City Park and NOMA Sculpture Garden
At about 1,300 acres, City Park is larger than New York's Central Park and holds one of the world's largest stands of mature live oaks.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Art
- Nature
Zoo · Uptown
Audubon Zoo
Ride the St. Charles streetcar to Audubon Park and walk through the park to the zoo; it takes about 20 minutes on foot.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 33°C, lows near 24°C and 14 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit New Orleans?
A month many travellers avoid, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, February–April and October–November are better overall. Compare every month.
New Orleans in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit New Orleans?
It is a month many travellers avoid. Oppressive heat and humidity at the start of peak hurricane season, but the lowest hotel prices of the year.
+How warm is New Orleans in August?
Average highs are around 33°C (91°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in August?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.