Every “best time to visit New Orleans” guide says the same thing.
February through May. Great weather. Festival season. Go then.
That’s true. But it’s not the whole story — especially when you’re traveling with young kids. Because the best time for a solo traveler or a couple is not always the best time for a family.
Here’s the honest breakdown by season, from a family who went in May.
The Short Answer
Best overall for families with young kids: March, April, or early May
Best for budget: Summer or January
Best for mild weather and fewer crowds: October and November
Worth planning around: Mardi Gras (magical but chaotic) and Jazz Fest (incredible for families)
Think twice about: July and August — brutal heat with young kids
Spring: February Through May
The Weather
Spring temperatures in New Orleans range from 50°F to 85°F. March and April are the sweet spot — warm but not oppressive. By May it starts to feel hot and humid. We went in early May and it was manageable, but rained most of the time.
Pack light layers. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Comfortable walking shoes matter more than anything.
New Orleans in May was warm, humid, and the occasional full day of rain — pack accordingly and have a few indoor activities ready to go.
Mardi Gras — Late February or Early March
Carnival runs from January 6 until Fat Tuesday, with the big celebration saved for Mardi Gras. The date changes every year because it’s tied to Easter. Mardi Gras 2026 was February 17.
Is it worth doing with young kids? Yes — with the right expectations.
The parades are genuinely magical for children. Floats, marching bands, beads flying through the air. Our kids would have lost their minds.
The French Quarter gets wild at night, but the neighborhood parades during the day are completely family-friendly.
What to know: Book accommodations at least six months in advance if your goal is to experience Mardi Gras. Prices spike significantly. Some attractions close on Fat Tuesday. And the crowds are real — plan accordingly with strollers and young kids.
French Quarter Festival — April
One of the best family festivals in New Orleans. Free admission. Live music on multiple stages throughout the French Quarter. Local food vendors everywhere.
French Quarter Fest has a dedicated area that is wonderful for families. Kids hear real New Orleans music in the streets where it was born. Hard to beat that experience.
Jazz Fest — Late April and Early May
Jazz Fest happens over two weekends — the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May.
Jazz Fest features a dedicated Kids Tent. Live music, food, culture, and a city at its most alive. Prices go up. Book early. But for a music-loving family, this is a bucket list trip.
Our Verdict on Spring
The best season for a first family trip. Great weather, great energy, great food scene in full swing. Just book everything early and budget for peak pricing.
If you catch a parade during your visit, stop everything and enjoy it. That's just New Orleans.
Summer: June Through August
The Weather
Hot. Really hot. Temperatures average over 90°F in July and August, with intense humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and come out of nowhere.
With young kids, summer requires a different kind of planning. Morning activities. Midday break at the hotel pool or a cool museum. Back out in the late afternoon when it cools slightly.
Why Summer Can Work for Families
The crowds thin out significantly after Jazz Fest ends. Summer is one of the cheapest times to visit New Orleans. Hotel rates drop. Restaurants are easier to get into. The city slows down just enough to feel more relaxed.
If your kids are in school, summer is often the only window you have. It works. Just plan for the heat, stay hydrated, and lean into indoor activities — the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium, JAMNOLA, the Louisiana Children’s Museum — on the hottest afternoons.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with the most active months being August and September. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go — but get travel insurance, monitor forecasts, and have a flexible plan.
Our Verdict on Summer
Not the ideal first trip with young kids. But totally doable if you plan around the heat and take advantage of the lower prices.
Fall: September Through November
The Weather
Fall offers some of the best weather in New Orleans, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, fewer crowds, and a full calendar of events.
October is the sweet spot. Comfortable temperatures, beautiful skies, and the city feels alive again after the summer slowdown.
Why Fall is Underrated for Families
Most families overlook fall because there’s no marquee event like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. That’s exactly why it’s great.
You can get into restaurants without months of advance planning. Hotel prices are lower than spring. The city is still full of life — just without the massive festival crowds.
October brings a full calendar of local festivals including Art for Art’s Sake, Gentilly Fest, Tremé Fall Fest, and the Fried Chicken Fest. All family-friendly and all deeply local.
Halloween in New Orleans is also worth considering — the city goes all in on it.
Our Verdict on Fall
One of the best-kept secrets for family travel to New Orleans. Great weather, better prices, and a more relaxed experience. Highly recommend October especially.
Winter: December Through January
The Weather
Winter in New Orleans is mild — usually in the 60s — with a festive, cozy atmosphere. You’ll want a light jacket. Rain is possible. But it rarely feels like winter the way it does elsewhere.
Why Winter Works for Families
December in New Orleans is genuinely magical. Celebration in the Oaks — one of the city’s extravagant holiday lights festivals — offers a fun-filled experience for the whole family. City Park transforms into a wonderland of lights. Kids love it.
January offers a quieter, more local vibe and is a fantastic time for foodies — restaurant reservations at top-tier establishments are far easier to secure without the typical seasonal wait times.
Mardi Gras season technically starts January 6th. From January through Fat Tuesday, the city comes alive with music, parades, and parties — without the peak chaos of the actual Mardi Gras weekend.
Our Verdict on Winter
Underrated and underused by families. December is particularly special. January is the best month for foodies who want to eat at the best restaurants without planning six months ahead.
Month-by-Month Quick Guide for Families
Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Family Highlight |
January | Mild 60s | Low | Budget-friendly | Early Carnival, easy restaurant reservations |
February | Cool 60s-70s | Very High (Mardi Gras) | Peak | Mardi Gras parades |
March | Warm 70s | Moderate-High | High | Spring festivals, perfect weather |
April | Warm 75-80s | High (Jazz Fest) | Peak | French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest |
May | Hot 80s | Moderate | Moderate | Jazz Fest weekend, great food scene |
June | Hot/Humid | Low | Budget | Lower crowds, indoor activities |
July | Very Hot 90s+ | Low | Budget | Pool days, museums |
August | Very Hot 90s+ | Low | Budget | Hurricane season peak, indoor focus |
September | Hot/Humid | Low-Moderate | Budget | Hurricane season, city quiets down |
October | Perfect 70s-80s | Moderate | Moderate | Halloween, local fall festivals |
November | Mild 60s-70s | Low-Moderate | Moderate | Great weather, low key |
December | Mild 60s | Moderate | Moderate | Celebration in the Oaks, holiday magic |
Always check ahead for updated festival dates, hotel pricing, and current events before booking.