What to Wear in New Orleans by Month & Activity (And Not!)
New Orleans is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the United States. With its rich history, amazing food, and lively music scene, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
When it comes to packing for your trip to the Big Easy, it can be tricky to know what to wear. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on what to wear in New Orleans by month and activity.
What to Wear in New Orleans by Month
What to Wear in New Orleans in January
January is one of the coolest months in New Orleans, with an average temperature of around 63°F. While it’s not exactly cold, you’ll definitely want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. During the day, you can usually get away with wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants or jeans. It’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as January can be a rainy month in New Orleans.
What to Wear in New Orleans in February
February is when Mardi Gras takes place in New Orleans, and it’s one of the busiest times of the year in the city. If you’re planning to attend any Mardi Gras events, you’ll want to dress up in festive colors and costumes. For the rest of the month, the weather is similar to January, with cool temperatures and occasional rain. Bring a light jacket or sweater and an umbrella, and you’ll be good to go.
What to Wear in New Orleans in March
March is when the weather starts to warm up in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 68°F. It’s a great time to visit the city, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than during Mardi Gras. You can usually get away with wearing a light jacket or sweater during the day, but you might want to switch to short sleeves in the afternoons. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat, as March can be a rainy month.
What to Wear in New Orleans in April
April is one of the most pleasant months to visit New Orleans, with warm temperatures and low humidity. The average temperature is around 74°F, so you can wear short sleeves and shorts during the day. It’s still a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings, though. April is also the month when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place, so if you’re planning to attend, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
What to Wear in New Orleans in May
May is when things start to heat up in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 80°F. You can definitely wear short sleeves and shorts during the day, but you’ll want to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. May is also a popular month for outdoor activities, so make sure you have comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting sweaty.
What to Wear in New Orleans in June
June is one of the hottest and most humid months in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 86°F. You’ll want to wear lightweight, breathable clothes that will keep you cool during the day. Make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
What to Wear in New Orleans in July
July is the hottest and most humid month in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 89°F. You’ll want to wear lightweight, breathable clothes that will keep you cool during the day. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. July is also a popular month for indoor activities, such as visiting museums and galleries, so bring a light jacket or sweater for the air-conditioned buildings.
What to Wear in New Orleans in August
August is still hot and humid in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 89°F. You’ll want to wear lightweight, breathable clothes that will keep you cool during the day. Make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. August is also hurricane season in New Orleans, so be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.
What to Wear in New Orleans in September
September is when the weather starts to cool down in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 82°F. You can still wear short sleeves and shorts during the day, but you might want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. September is also a popular month for outdoor festivals, such as the Louisiana Seafood Festival, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
What to Wear in New Orleans in October
October is one of the most pleasant months to visit New Orleans, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The average temperature is around 74°F, so you can wear short sleeves and shorts during the day, but you’ll want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. October is also when the New Orleans Film Festival takes place, so if you’re planning to attend, you’ll want to dress up a bit.
What to Wear in New Orleans in November
November is when the weather starts to cool down even more in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 65°F. You’ll want to bring a jacket or coat for the cooler days, but you can usually get away with wearing long sleeves and pants or jeans during the day. November is also when the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival takes place, so if you’re planning to attend, bring comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
What to Wear in New Orleans in December
December is one of the coolest months in New Orleans, with average temperatures around 58°F. You’ll want to bring a jacket or coat for the cooler days and evenings, and you can usually get away with wearing long sleeves and pants or jeans during the day. December is also when the city is decorated for the holidays, so dress up a bit if you’re planning to attend any holiday events.
What to Wear for Different Activities in New Orleans
Dining Out
New Orleans is known for its amazing food, and there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from. For most restaurants, you can dress casually, but it’s always a good idea to check the dress code before you go. For fine dining restaurants, you’ll want to dress up a bit more, but a nice dress or collared shirt should do the trick.
Jazz Clubs
New Orleans is also known for its amazing jazz music, and there are a lot of great jazz clubs to choose from. For most jazz clubs, you can dress casually, but it’s always a good idea to check the dress code before you go. Some jazz clubs, such as the Preservation Hall, have a no photography policy, so make sure to respect the rules.
Walking Tours
New Orleans is a great city to explore on foot, and there are a lot of great walking tours to choose from. For walking tours, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting sweaty. You’ll also want to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Outdoor Festivals
New Orleans is known for its amazing outdoor festivals, and there are a lot of them throughout the year. For outdoor festivals, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Some festivals, such as Mardi Gras, have specific dress codes or themes, so make sure to check before you go.
Swamp Tours
Swamp tours are a popular activity in New Orleans, and they can be a lot of fun. For swamp tours, you’ll want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet, as well as comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Sporting Events
New Orleans is home to some great sporting events, such as Saints football games and Pelicans basketball games. For sporting events, you can dress casually, but it’s always a good idea to wear clothes in team colors to show your support. You’ll also want to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking.
What Not to Wear in New Orleans
While New Orleans is a casual city, there are a few things that you should avoid wearing. First, it’s best to avoid wearing anything too revealing, as this can be seen as disrespectful in some areas. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing anything with offensive language or graphics, as this can also be seen as disrespectful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it always hot and humid in New Orleans?
No, the weather in New Orleans varies throughout the year. While summers are hot and humid, winters can be cool and mild.
Do I need to dress up for jazz clubs and restaurants in New Orleans?
For most jazz clubs and restaurants in New Orleans, you can dress casually. However, for fine dining restaurants and some jazz clubs, you may want to dress up a bit more.
What should I wear for outdoor festivals in New Orleans?
For outdoor festivals in New Orleans, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Can I wear flip flops in New Orleans?
While flip flops are comfortable, they may not be the best choice for all activities in New Orleans. It’s a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes for activities like walking tours and swamp tours.
Can I wear shorts in New Orleans in the winter?
While winters in New Orleans can be mild, it’s still a good idea to bring a jacket or coat for cooler days and evenings. You can usually wear shorts during the day, but you may want to bring pants or jeans for cooler days.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to wear in New Orleans, it’s important to keep in mind the weather, the activities you’ll be doing, and the cultural norms of the city. New Orleans is a casual city, but it’s always a good idea to dress appropriately for the occasion. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are always good things to have on hand.
Whether you’re exploring the French Quarter, dining at a fine restaurant, or taking a swamp tour, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the occasion. With this guide, you’ll be prepared for any activity or event that comes your way in New Orleans.
So pack your bags, put on your best pair of walking shoes, and get ready to explore the sights and sounds of one of America’s most unique cities.
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