Verdict: Good month
New Orleans Weather in May
May runs warm in New Orleans, with daily highs around 29°C (84°F) and nights near 21°C (70°F). It's also the wet side of the calendar: rain falls on about 15 days, so build flexibility into plans. Overall, May is a solid month to visit New Orleans.
Average high
29°C / 84°F
Average low
21°C / 70°F
Rain days
~15
Precipitation
142 mm
What to pack for New Orleans in May
- Summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-con and evenings
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 15 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May against the rest of the year
Warmest in New Orleans: Aug (32°C / 90°F) · Coolest: Jan (17°C / 63°F) · Wettest: Jul (~24 rain days)
17°
9°
Jan
19°
11°
Feb
23°
15°
Mar
25°
17°
Apr
29°
21°
May
31°
24°
Jun
31°
25°
Jul
32°
26°
Aug
29°
23°
Sep
26°
19°
Oct
21°
15°
Nov
18°
12°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)