Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
New Orleans in October
New Orleans cools off: highs slip to 78°F (26°C), from 85°F in September, with lows of 66°F (19°C) and about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain.
It scores 84/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 78°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 66°F (19°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (104 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 37%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What October feels like
Highs settle around 78°F (26°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 66°F (19°C).
Humidity averages 78%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.1 in (104 mm).
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March and November).
- Last warm month for a while: November highs fall to 69°F.
- Comfort improves from 69/100 in September to 84/100.
- Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 78°F
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New Orleans in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Small Frenchmen Street bar with nonstop live jazz and swing dancing.
Why now October scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Leah Chase's Tremé restaurant for gumbo and Creole fried chicken.
Jackson Square
Historic square framed by St. Louis Cathedral, street painters and brass bands.
Commander's Palace
Turquoise Garden District landmark for Creole fine dining and jazz brunch.
Why now Highs near 78°F and 4.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
The Sazerac Bar
Art deco bar in the Roosevelt Hotel, home of the namesake cocktail.
Nearby in October
- Mobile in October~132 mi · highs 78°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Gulf Shores in October~143 mi · highs 78°F, 3.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Clarksdale in October~295 mi · highs 76°F, 4.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit New Orleans?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 84/100 against a best of 92 in March and November. Expect highs of 78°F (26°C) and 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain. Our New Orleans & Gulf Coast route recommends Feb – May, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is New Orleans in October?
Average highs are 78°F (26°C) and average lows 66°F (19°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in October?
Some: about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 60.4 in (1533 mm).
What should I pack for New Orleans in October?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 78°F), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on New Orleans
Planning New Orleans in October?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.