Key Takeaways
- Summer in New Orleans features fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices compared to peak February-to-May season.
- Major summer festivals include New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, Pastry World Cup, and Essence Festival.
- Museums, pools, cocktail bars, and nearby Gulf beaches provide multiple options to escape summer heat.
When you Google ‘Best time to visit New Orleans,’ you’ll likely get an answer that says ‘February to May.’ But if you’re not afraid of hot temperatures, summer proves to be an excellent time to explore Crescent City and all its offerings. In fact, there are plenty of exciting festivals happening, and there is no shortage of ways to beat the heat. Sipping fresh cocktails in the bustling French Quarter doesn’t sound too shabby, right?
Here’s why summer is the perfect time to plan your New Orleans getaway and what to do while you’re there.
Have Fun at Summer Fests
Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are cool, sure, but summer festivals in New Orleans have their own funk, too. Whether you’re planning your adventure in June, July, or August, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
For example, did you know the beginning of summer is when one of the city’s largest foodie festivals takes place? That’s right. The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (June 5-9, 2024) is the ‘it’ place to satisfy your inner gourmand. Likewise, if you’re hoping to learn secrets about the art of pastry making, you won’t want to miss the Pastry World Cup (from June 11-13). And this is just the beginning! Essence Festival is the pinnacle of summer festivals in New Orleans. This massive festival celebrating black culture is always held during the Fourth of July weekend, so there’s so much to do in the city at the same time as well. You can have a look at the full list of New Orleans events here.
Enjoy Fewer Crowds
Every year, New Orleans welcomes around 20 million visitors, and most of them head to Crescent City during peak season (from February to May). The advantage of visiting NOLA in summer is that you get to escape crowds! Forget about long queues or other tourists taking up your space. You can have New Orleans all to yourself!
Cool off With Delicious Cocktails
New Orleans is known to be the ultimate foodie destination. But the city’s cocktail scene is no less impressive. So whenever it feels like the heat is a bit too much, you can always cool it off with a delicious drink!
While you’ll find great bars all around the French Quarter and the city, our tip is to visit Cure, which has been listed as one of the “Best Cocktail Bars in the U.S.”
Explore NOLA’s Museums
When it’s hot outside, museums are the best place to be! Luckily, New Orleans has plenty of incredible options for all tastes and interests. If you’re looking to get your daily dose of art, head to the New Orleans Museum of Art, which always has exciting exhibits on offer. History buffs will certainly have a great time at the WWII Museum, one of the best museums in the country. And if you’re a jazz fan, you can’t miss the New Orleans Jazz Museum!
Swim in Style
What better way to refresh on a sticky afternoon than to have a dip in a refreshing pool? Many fabulous hotels in New Orleans welcome the public to their pools for a small fee. So whether you’re craving a chill afternoon or a fun-filled pool party (with delicious snacks, of course), you’re sure to find a place that offers just that. Not to mention – the hotels often have the best city views! But if you’re looking for a low-key gem to sip on your drinks, we recommend The Country Club. Day passes are only $20, and the 21+ requirement makes for the perfect pool day vibes on a summer day in New Orleans.
You Can Always Hit the Beach
On those blazing hot days, there’s nothing quite as lovely as hitting the beach. Luckily, if you’re near NOLA, there are plenty of beaches just a short drive away! This means you can soak up the fabulous Gulf beach vibes during the day and still return in time for some night action in Crescent City.
So where should you go to have a fun day in the sun? Our favorites in Mississippi are Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian, which offer stunning, pristine white sand beaches with a quaint small-town feel.
Where to Stay in New Orleans in the Summer?
If you’ve decided on having a New Orleans summer adventure, you’ll have to find comfortable accommodation. The good news about visiting in the quiet season is that you’ll have many more options to choose from. At Book NOLA, we have a selection of the best New Orleans vacation rentals that allow you to experience the city in the most authentic way.
Book a stay at the Lower Garden District and discover the stunning antebellum mansions and lush gardens the city is so recognized for. Opt for Uptown, and you’ll get to experience the everyday life of New Orleans locals! Not your cup of tea? No worries. There are plenty of other vacation rentals in New Orleans to choose from. Have a look at our full list of vacation rentals in New Orleans here, and don’t forget to follow our blog for more tips and tricks on exploring NOLA!
We can’t wait to see you here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the average temperatures in New Orleans during the summer months?
In New Orleans, summer months (June through August) typically feature hot and humid weather, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to mid-90s°F.
Is summer a good time to visit New Orleans?
Summer is an excellent time to visit for travelers who want to avoid large crowds and secure the lowest possible rates on luxury accommodations. While the weather is humid, the city compensates with a slower, more authentic pace, shorter wait times at famous restaurants, and a calendar full of unique indoor cultural events that allow you to explore the Crescent City comfortably.
Can you recommend any specific local dishes or restaurants to try in New Orleans during the summer?
Summer in New Orleans is a great time to try local seafood dishes, such as boiled crawfish, shrimp po’boys, and oysters, which are plentiful and fresh. Additionally, visiting local sno-ball stands for a classic New Orleans treat to beat the heat is highly recommended.
What are the best summer festivals in New Orleans?
The most prominent summer events are the Essence Festival, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, and Satchmo Summerfest. Unlike the chaotic spring festival season, these events often feature indoor components or specific themes, such as the Pastry World Cup, making them ideal for foodies and culture seekers who prefer a more specialized experience over massive street parades.
How do I stay cool while sightseeing in NOLA?
The most effective way to stay cool is by planning your outdoor excursions for the morning and spending the peak heat hours in climate-controlled museums like the NOMA or the WWII Museum. Additionally, many locals rely on sno-balls—a classic New Orleans shaved ice treat—and frequenting legendary cocktail bars like Cure to stay refreshed between stops.
What is the COOLinary event in New Orleans?
COOLinary is an annual summer dining celebration where the city’s top restaurants offer specially priced prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It occurs throughout August and is designed to showcase New Orleans’ world-class culinary scene at a fraction of the usual cost, making it the perfect time for a high-end food tour on a budget.
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