New Orleans weather in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 14 rainy days across the month, on average.
In may, New Orleans settles into its warmer, more generous mood. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 28°C (83°F), cooling to 22°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 14 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
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 May
- •Breathable cotton or linen, and a broad-brimmed hat
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and polarised sunglasses
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for New Orleans in May
- →Quick-dry travel shirtAmazon · shop this
- →UPF sun hatAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · 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→May 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 May 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 May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In May, New Orleans averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 22°C (71°F), with 165mm of rainfall across roughly 14 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in New Orleans in May?
What is the average temperature in New Orleans in May?
The average high temperature in New Orleans during May is 28°C (83°F), with an average low of 22°C (71°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 May?
How many rainy days does New Orleans have in May?
New Orleans averages approximately 14 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 165mm. 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 May?
What should I pack for New Orleans in May?
For New Orleans in May, pack light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen), a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is New Orleans in May?
How crowded is New Orleans in May?
Tourist crowds in New Orleans during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.