Month guide · New Orleans · United States
New Orleans in October
What October is really like in New Orleans: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit New Orleans. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 11.4 hours of daylight. The heat breaks and it is one of the driest, most pleasant months; Halloween is celebrated in costume across the city.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 11.4 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in New Orleans: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with September (31°C (88°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 22°C (72°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:02
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:30
- Daylight
- About 11.4 hours
Autumn (September–November). Hurricane risk and heat linger in September, then October and November turn dry and pleasant, with Halloween parades and a busy convention season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Krewe of Boo Halloween parade (usually mid-to-late October)
- Halloween in the French Quarter and Marigny (31 October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · French Quarter
St. Louis Cathedral
The white, triple-spired cathedral facing Jackson Square is among the oldest Catholic cathedrals in continuous use in the US.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Iconic
- After dark
Market · French Quarter
Café du Monde and the French Market
Table queues build by mid-morning; the takeaway window round the side usually moves faster. Avoid wearing black.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Iconic
- Kids
- Shopping
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Street · French Quarter
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street's 13 blocks through the French Quarter are the city's party strip, with neon-lit bars, cover bands, daiquiri counters and balcony crowds throwing beads.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Free
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Street · Faubourg Marigny
Frenchmen Street
Carry small bills for the band's tip bucket and a one-drink minimum, wander between clubs and stay where the music grabs you.
- Time needed
- An evening
- Cost
- Free
- After dark
- Free
- Iconic
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 17°C and 7 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit New Orleans?
One of the best months to visit New Orleans, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February–April and November. Compare every month.
New Orleans in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit New Orleans?
It is one of the best months to visit New Orleans. The heat breaks and it is one of the driest, most pleasant months; Halloween is celebrated in costume across the city.
+How warm is New Orleans in October?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in October?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.