New Orleans Weather in February 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 11 rainy days across the month, on average.
February shifts New Orleans into carnival tempo with 19.7C (67F) afternoons and 11.7C (53F) nights, 103mm of rain spread across 10.8 damp days, and 8.1 hours of sunshine warming the wrought-iron balconies by late morning. Camellias bloom in Audubon Park, azalea buds tighten in the Garden District, and the Mississippi runs high with upstream snowmelt against the levee at Woldenberg.
Mardi Gras Day falls on February 17, 2026, meaning the twelve-day parade sprint from Krewe du Vieux through Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, and Rex compresses into the middle of the month. Cajun crawfish boils return to backyards from Metairie to Chalmette as the first sacks arrive from Breaux Bridge at $4 to $6 per pound, and the truck parades of Elks and Crescent City follow Rex on Fat Tuesday morning.
Rainfall over the last decade has trended slightly wetter in February, up roughly 8mm on average, and the 2020 and 2023 seasons saw torrential downpours cancel the Krewe of Nyx and shorten Endymion. Temperatures track close to historic norms, and 2026 outlooks suggest a mild wet Fat Tuesday with frontal passage possible around February 15, so pack for parade catching in intermittent drizzle.
Travelers to New Orleans in 2026 should lock hotels along the St Charles parade route by November: Pontchartrain, Columns, and Grand View book out first, Airbnb minimum stays jump to four nights, and flights on Southwest into MSY double in price the Thursday before Fat Tuesday.
The Quarter is theater; locals live in Bywater, Marigny, or Uptown along the streetcar line. Cafe Du Monde is 24 hours but Cafe Beignet on Royal is less lines. Second lines happen Sundays from October through May and following one is the actual best free thing to do. Pronounce it N'awlins to lock in as tourist forever; locals just say New Orleans normally. Neutral ground means median strip and lagniappe means a little extra thrown in.
What to pack for New Orleans in February
February parades demand practical layers because you may stand outdoors for six hours in mixed weather. Rain and sun alternate hourly:
- Waterproof jacket in a color that stands out for group meetups
- Merino base layer under a long-sleeve costume tee
- Sturdy walking sneakers you can hose off after Bourbon Street
- Small crossbody bag to keep hands free for catching throws
- Purple, green, and gold accessories for photo etiquette
What to pack for New Orleans in February
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Where to stay in New Orleans
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Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to New Orleans?
Flights to New Orleans in February can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Ride ladders on St Charles for family parades, tour Mardi Gras World in Algiers, boil crawfish with a local guide, walk Frenchmen Street jazz clubs after midnight, and hunt for costume shops on Magazine Street.
February 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 February 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 an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for New OrleansOther places with a similar climate right now
New Orleans in February — FAQ
Q01Should I visit New Orleans in February?
Should I visit New Orleans in February?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In February, New Orleans averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F), with 103mm of rainfall across roughly 11 rainy days. Late March French Quarter Fest is free and better than Jazz Fest with 20 stages; jasmine blooms wrap Garden District ironwork before summer humidity settles.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in New Orleans during February?
What temperatures should I expect in New Orleans during February?
The average high temperature in New Orleans during February is 20°C (67°F), with an average low of 12°C (53°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January drops to 5C nights; heaters on Bourbon are absurd, oyster season peaks at Casamento's, and Mardi Gras krewes start rolling mid-month.
Q03Is February a rainy month in New Orleans?
Is February a rainy month in New Orleans?
New Orleans averages approximately 11 rainy days in February, with a total monthly rainfall of about 103mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. Afternoon summer storms flood streets in 20 minutes; Bourbon and Canal drain by design but Mid-City and Broadmoor sit for hours after downpours.
Q04How should I dress for New Orleans in February?
How should I dress for New Orleans in February?
For New Orleans in February, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A small hand fan and a hat with drawstring: humidity kills styling and afternoon squalls appear in 15 minutes flat.
Q05Is February a busy travel month for New Orleans?
Is February a busy travel month for New Orleans?
Tourist crowds in New Orleans during February are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Quarter is theater; locals live in Bywater, Marigny, or Uptown along the streetcar line. Cafe Du Monde is 24 hours but Cafe Beignet on Royal is less lines. Second lines happen Sundays from October through May and following one is the actual best free thing to do. Pronounce it N'awlins to lock in as tourist forever; locals just say New Orleans normally. Neutral ground means median strip and lagniappe means a little extra thrown in.