New Orleans weather in January
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, New Orleans settles into its quieter, cooler pace. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 17°C (62°F), cooling to 9°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 10 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 January
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for New Orleans in January
- →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
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in New Orleans across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→January 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 January 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 January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit New Orleans?
Is January a good time to visit New Orleans?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In January, New Orleans averages a high of 17°C (62°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F), with 111mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in New Orleans in January?
What is the average temperature in New Orleans in January?
The average high temperature in New Orleans during January is 17°C (62°F), with an average low of 9°C (48°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 January?
How many rainy days does New Orleans have in January?
New Orleans averages approximately 10 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 111mm. 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 January?
What should I pack for New Orleans in January?
For New Orleans in January, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, 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 January?
How crowded is New Orleans in January?
Tourist crowds in New Orleans during January are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.