Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
New Orleans in January
This is the coldest month in New Orleans: highs average 60°F (16°C) and lows 47°F (8°C), with about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain.
It scores 77/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 60°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (98 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What January feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 60°F (16°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 47°F (8°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.9 in (98 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March and November).
- Comfort holds steady from December (77 → 77/100).
- Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in New Orleans in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Small Frenchmen Street bar with nonstop live jazz and swing dancing.
Why now January scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Commander's Palace
Turquoise Garden District landmark for Creole fine dining and jazz brunch.
Why now Highs near 60°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
1920s green streetcar line past Garden District oaks and mansions.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Preservation Hall
Tiny hall dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz, sets nightly.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Leah Chase's Tremé restaurant for gumbo and Creole fried chicken.
Nearby in January
- Mobile in January~132 mi · highs 59°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Gulf Shores in January~143 mi · highs 62°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Clarksdale in January~295 mi · highs 51°F, 4.3 in rain · 5°C (9°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit New Orleans?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 77/100 against a best of 92 in March and November. Expect highs of 60°F (16°C) and 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain. Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is New Orleans in January?
Average highs are 60°F (16°C) and average lows 47°F (8°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in January?
Some: about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 60.4 in (1533 mm).
What should I pack for New Orleans in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on New Orleans
Planning New Orleans in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.