Late summer · Weather & things to do
New Orleans in August
New Orleans's warmest month brings highs averaging 87°F (31°C), lows of 80°F (26°C) and about 7.5 in (190 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 53/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 87°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 80°F (26°C)
- Rain
- 7.5 in (190 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 53/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 87°F (31°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
Even at night it stays warm, around 80°F (26°C).
Humidity averages 78%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.5 in (190 mm) across the month.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are March and November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from July (55 → 53/100).
- Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 87°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.5 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New Orleans in August
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Leah Chase's Tremé restaurant for gumbo and Creole fried chicken.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 7.5 in of rain.
Café du Monde
Open-air coffee stand serving beignets and chicory café au lait since 1862.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
Preservation Hall
Tiny hall dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz, sets nightly.
The Sazerac Bar
Art deco bar in the Roosevelt Hotel, home of the namesake cocktail.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter August days.
The National WWII Museum
Large museum with immersive exhibits on the Second World War.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 7.5 in of rain.
Nearby in August
- Mobile in August~132 mi · highs 88°F, 7.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Gulf Shores in August~143 mi · highs 85°F, 7.2 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Clarksdale in August~295 mi · highs 93°F, 3.4 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, drier
These averages also cover French Quarter & Riverfront and Garden District & Uptown.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
New Orleans in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit New Orleans?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 53/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are March and November. Expect highs of 87°F (31°C) and 7.5 in (190 mm) of rain. Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is New Orleans in August?
Average highs are 87°F (31°C) and average lows 80°F (26°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in August?
Yes: about 7.5 in (190 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 60.4 in (1533 mm).
What should I pack for New Orleans in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 87°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.5 in of rain on average).
More on New Orleans
Planning New Orleans in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.