Early winter · Weather & things to do
New Orleans in December
New Orleans cools off: highs slip to 62°F (17°C), from 69°F in November, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 5.0 in (128 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 77/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 5.0 in (128 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs near 62°F (17°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 50°F (10°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.0 in (128 mm) across the month.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are March and November.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 05 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 92/100 in November to 77/100.
- Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.0 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New Orleans in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Commander's Palace
Turquoise Garden District landmark for Creole fine dining and jazz brunch.
Why now December scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Jackson Square
Historic square framed by St. Louis Cathedral, street painters and brass bands.
The Sazerac Bar
Art deco bar in the Roosevelt Hotel, home of the namesake cocktail.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Small Frenchmen Street bar with nonstop live jazz and swing dancing.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 5.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Café du Monde
Open-air coffee stand serving beignets and chicory café au lait since 1862.
Nearby in December
- Mobile in December~132 mi · highs 63°F, 5.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Gulf Shores in December~143 mi · highs 65°F, 5.0 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Clarksdale in December~295 mi · highs 54°F, 5.5 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit New Orleans?
It's middling, scoring 77/100. The best months are March and November, at up to 92. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 5.0 in (128 mm) of rain. Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is New Orleans in December?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in December?
Yes: about 5.0 in (128 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 60.4 in (1533 mm).
What should I pack for New Orleans in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.0 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on New Orleans
Planning New Orleans in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.