New Orleans, Louisiana is a popular American city with a deep history and international impact. While the city is known for its celebratory culture and unmistakable cityscape, it offers much more. There are many ways to appreciate the city throughout the year, but travelers will be pleasantly surprised to know more about the best time to visit New Orleans.
The spring time month of March is when travelers can enjoy some of the coolest events, enjoy a laid back atmosphere and immerse themselves in the local culture while they stay there.
March in New Orleans is warmly referred to as Festival Central since there is plenty to do. Learn more about why March is the best time to visit New Orleans and ways travelers can optimize their vacation time there.
Average Temperature This Time of Year
- The average temperature in New Orleans during March is around 54-73 Degrees F
March Weather in New Orleans
Springtime weather is a major factor in March being one of the best times to visit New Orleans. The weather is mild, so it is a great time to leisurely enjoy outdoor activities around the city. The real feel during this month depends on the time of the month. However, in general, March is a sunny and pleasant time to visit New Orleans.
Not having to endure rain to enjoy some of the most popular events of the season is another selling point for a March visit to the Big Easy. There is not a significant amount of rainfall, so most travelers should expect light and spotty showers. Since certain areas of New Orleans are very walkable, this is convenient and something to consider before visiting. A few popular outdoor activities include meeting up in public areas and walking with the local community.
Travel Tip:
- Average Temperature This Time of Year: 50-75 Degrees Fahrenheit.
- Travelers should carry a light jacket or mini umbrella in case sporadic, light showers fall.
Let the Good Times Roll at Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a time of celebration that occurs before Christian Lent. The celebration lasts until Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. This is significant due to the cultural and historical significance of the French in New Orleans. The holiday even derives from France since it has been celebrated there since the Middle Ages.
There are plenty of things to do at Mardi Gras. Attending parades and exploring the famous Bourbon Street are popular things to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. These activities are ideally enjoyed in March when the weather and fun both align. Especially since there is plenty of physical activity to consider.
While the famous celebration attracts a lot of attention, travelers may have to research before they travel to New Orleans in March. Technically, Mardi Gras only happens during March sometimes. The celebrations can occur between February 3rd and March 9th.
Although the celebration is more like a season of celebration as opposed to a single day, travelers should not miss out on the fun of visiting in March. However, for 2025, the carnival celebration happens in March while 2024’s celebration was during February. Travelers can reference the Mardi Gras schedule which is available online and provides accurate celebration days at least 36 years out.
Travel Tip:
- Travelers visiting New Orleans in March for Mardi Gras should bring comfortable walking shoes since many central areas are mostly walked. This is especially true during the celebratory season where it might be harder to get around via car.
Delicious Southern Cuisine
New Orleans is famous for a few culinary staples and even southern comfort food. Some top foods from New Orleans are beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish boils, and shrimp etouffee. There are many different popular restaurants in the city that travelers will enjoy. During this spring month, most travelers can enjoy outdoor seating at some of the most popular restaurants.
The city has such diverse culinary influences since many communities from the diaspora live there. Creole, Ethiopian, French, Caribbean, and Haitian restaurants are great options that travelers enjoy after a day of exploring the expansive city. Some Black-owned restaurants in the area that travelers can enjoy during their March visit include Lil Dizzy’s, Jewel of the South, and Vyonne’s.
Travel Tip:
- Some classic Mardi Gras foods that travelers should try during their March visit include jambalaya, shrimp etouffee, and red beans and rice.
Endless Music in the Birthplace of Jazz
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and a destination that is commonly considered a music hub. During March festivities, there is plenty of music and jubilation involved. Jazz is commonly played at popular events throughout the city. From background music in venues to full-out music events, travelers visiting New Orleans during March will enjoy the musical stylings of the city.
A popular March music event in New Orleans is the Mardi Gras Parade & Festival. This event is scheduled to happen on March 8th, 2025 but the date varies. At the event, travelers can enjoy some culturally significant music and dance their worries away. Also, the most popular jazz club in New Orleans is the Preservation Hall.
Travel Tip:
- There is rarely a lack of music events in New Orleans, especially around March and Mardi Gras. Whether travelers prefer the musical styles of street performers or want to frequent a sultry jazz club, there are options.
Celebrate Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is in March. While a girl’s trip to New Orleans is often associated with partying, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the significance of this holiday. Of course, there are still great spots for women who want to celebrate the liberation and accomplishments of their ancestors (and women in their own lives). A popular Black woman-owned spot in New Orleans that travelers can stop by to celebrate is the Nola Sips Snobar and Bistro.
For historic enlightenment, travelers can visit The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum. The museum has a special collection of historic women in New Orleans that travelers can tour during March. There are also historic walking tours that highlight influential women in New Orleans’ history. Travelers looking to do a deep dive into the local history and culture can even access Women’s History Month archives.
Travel Tip:
- There are many special exhibits, conferences, and webinars in New Orleans that travelers can enjoy during March for Women’s History Month.
New Orleans Museum of Art
The thriving creative industries in New Orleans go beyond music and food. Art is also a great reason to come to the city during March. The New Orleans Museum of Art is an incredibly popular site of remembrance for the artistic contributions of New Orleans natives.
There are widely anticipated showcases every spring, so March is a great time to catch the most interesting installations. For example, “Art in Bloom” was the name of a March 2024 event at the museum. The installation had exquisite floral designs, a luncheon, and a fashion show. There is no telling what types of exhibits will be present in future years, but the reflection of the surrounding nature is an exciting aspect of shows at NOMA.
Travel Tip:
- There are many renowned museums in New Orleans that travelers can visit and explore during March. The New Orleans Museum of Art is the oldest fine art museum in New Orleans, so travelers should be sure to get tickets ahead of time to get to know the local culture.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
New Orleans has a deep Irish heritage, so it is no surprise that the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are top-rated. Although the holiday technically started as a religious holiday, it is now a grand celebration of Irish culture.
During the weekend of the holiday, March 17, travelers can observe one of the biggest parades in the city. The exciting city-wide celebration of the holiday makes March one of the best times to visit New Orleans. The Irish Channel Parade is one of the biggest events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Big Easy. It attracts big crowds to the downtown area, so travelers can immerse themselves in New Orleans’ local culture.
Travel Tip:
- Pat O’Brien’s and Tracey’s on Magazine are two of the most popular places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the city. The ample places to celebrate the holiday make March the best time to visit New Orleans.
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week is a relatively new event that occurs in March. The annual event highlights the thriving entrepreneurial spirit of New Orleans. The event is not a conference but it has been referred to as the Mardi Gras of entrepreneurship.
NOEW is a festival that promotes entrepreneurship and brings together local businesses. The event aims to connect, educate, and inspire attendees. For business-minded travelers, this March event may help advance their organization or introduce them to other innovators.
Travel Tip:
- This event is held in Gallier Hall so travelers should stay in downtown New Orleans to be close to the venue.
There is so much to see and do in New Orleans during spring. However, for ideal weather, an exciting selection of events, and authentic Louisiana cooking, March offers the best time to visit New Orleans. This time of year is great for travelers who are hoping to experience the city’s top festivities.