New Orleans Weather in September 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 14 rainy days across the month, on average.
September edges New Orleans toward the first breathable evenings with 29.7C (85F) afternoons, 24C (75F) nights, 148mm of rain over 13.6 days, and 10.3 hours of sunshine as fronts begin sliding down from Texas late in the month. Cicadas start thinning by month end, mosquito counts drop slightly after the first cool snap, and mums replace summer petunias in Jackson Square planters.
Southern Decadence takes over the French Quarter Labor Day weekend September 3 to 7 with an estimated 300,000 attendees for six days of block parties centered at Bourbon and St Ann. Louisiana Seafood Festival runs the third weekend at the New Orleans Lakefront, and BUKU music festival plans a fall preview show at Mardi Gras World depending on hurricane forecasts.
Ten-year September data show a 0.7C temperature rise since 2016 and 25mm more rain, primarily driven by tropical activity remnants including Hurricane Francine in 2024 dropping 180mm on the metro. The 2026 season peaks around September 10, and forecasts point to elevated Atlantic activity with a possible Cape Verde storm threatening the Gulf Coast mid-month.
Travelers to New Orleans in 2026 during Southern Decadence should book Bourbon Street proximity by June: Royal Sonesta and Hotel Monteleone increase rates 300% for that weekend, private balcony bookings at 700 Bourbon go for $2500 nightly in 2026 pricing, and drag brunch reservations at Country Club and Broussard's require six-week lead.
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 September
September blends late summer humidity with the first cool evenings, and Southern Decadence rewards bold costume planning:
- Costume base layers plus bold accessories for the parade
- Breathable cotton tanks and shorts for daytime block parties
- Comfortable dance shoes with cushioned insoles
- Light hoodie for post-midnight temperature drops
- Sunscreen SPF 50 reapplied every two hours
What to pack for New Orleans in September
- →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→Estimated September trip to New Orleans
Shoulder-season pricing — a balance of price and conditions. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to New Orleans?
September sees 150mm of rain here — delays happen. Check if you're eligible for compensation. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Parade with Southern Decadence Sunday afternoon, brunch at Country Club Uptown, boat the Manchac Swamp before noon, eat seafood at Peche and GW Fins, and drink at Cane and Table.
September 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 September 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 September — FAQ
Q01Should I visit New Orleans in September?
Should I visit New Orleans in September?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In September, New Orleans averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F), with 150mm of rainfall across roughly 14 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 September?
What temperatures should I expect in New Orleans during September?
The average high temperature in New Orleans during September is 30°C (86°F), with an average low of 24°C (75°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Is September a rainy month in New Orleans?
Is September a rainy month in New Orleans?
New Orleans averages approximately 14 rainy days in September, with a total monthly rainfall of about 150mm. 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 September?
How should I dress for New Orleans in September?
For New Orleans in September, pack light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen), a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, 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 September a busy travel month for New Orleans?
Is September a busy travel month for New Orleans?
Tourist crowds in New Orleans during September are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. 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.