New Orleans weather in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 12 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, New Orleans settles into its kind, mild rhythm. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 19°C (65°F), cooling to 12°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 12 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for New Orleans in December
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for New Orleans in December
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in New Orleans
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in New Orleans. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit New Orleans
While December has its own character in New Orleans, the data-backed best months to visit New Orleans are November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for New OrleansOther places with a similar climate right now
New Orleans in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit New Orleans?
Is December a good time to visit New Orleans?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, New Orleans averages a high of 19°C (65°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F), with 140mm of rainfall across roughly 12 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in New Orleans in December?
What is the average temperature in New Orleans in December?
The average high temperature in New Orleans during December is 19°C (65°F), with an average low of 12°C (53°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does New Orleans have in December?
How many rainy days does New Orleans have in December?
New Orleans averages approximately 12 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 140mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for New Orleans in December?
What should I pack for New Orleans in December?
For New Orleans in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is New Orleans in December?
How crowded is New Orleans in December?
Tourist crowds in New Orleans during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.