United States, North America

New Orleans in March

Mardi Gras lands in early March in some years. Otherwise, some of the year's best weather, St. Patrick's parades, and Super Sunday for the Mardi Gras Indians.

BestWarm, highs near 72F (22C)

French Quarter New Orleans, United States — New OrleansPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit New Orleans. Mardi Gras lands in early March in some years. Otherwise, some of the year's best weather, St. Patrick's parades, and Super Sunday for the Mardi Gras Indians.

Weather: Warm, highs near 72F (22C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What March is like in New Orleans

March brings some of the best weather of the year. Highs are near 72F (22C), the air is fresh and patios fill up. In some years Mardi Gras lands in early March, which means peak crowds and prices for those days. Otherwise the city is busy but relaxed, with St. Patrick's parades and crawfish season getting into gear.

It suits nearly everyone: couples, food lovers, families and first-timers who want to walk the city in comfort. Prices run high, so book early. If you want the same weather with lower rates and fewer people, November is the smart alternative.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about New Orleans this month.

Super Sunday

The Mardi Gras Indians come out in their handmade suits for Super Sunday in March, one of the city's most remarkable traditions.

St. Patrick's parades

Neighborhood parades toss cabbages, potatoes and beads, and the Irish Channel celebration has a big local following.

Crawfish boils

Crawfish season is ramping up, and spring is when boiled crawfish are at their best.

Mardi Gras in some years

When Easter falls late, Fat Tuesday lands in early March. Check the date before you book.

What to pack for March

A light jacket for cool mornings
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny patio afternoons
A compact umbrella for spring showers

Our timing tip

Walk the French Quarter and grab beignets before 9am, when the streets are quiet and the light is soft.

Book New Orleans for March.

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Hotels in New Orleans
Opens a hotel search for New Orleans in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in New Orleans
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in New Orleans for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in March

Mardi Gras (Carnival season)

Parades build over the two to three weeks before Fat Tuesday, which falls between early February and early March

One of the biggest free parties in the country. Watch Uptown on St. Charles for the family-friendly version.

Things to do in New Orleans

Full guide

The National WWII Museum

Plan a full day; it is one of the best museums in the country. Weekday mornings are calmest.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The French Quarter and Jackson Square

Walk it early before the day-trippers arrive. Royal Street by day, Frenchmen Street by night, and Bourbon Street only if you want to.

Tickets and tours →

St. Charles streetcar and the Garden District

Ride the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world past the mansions to Audubon Park. Cheap, slow, perfect.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Frenchmen Street music

The locals' answer to Bourbon Street: three blocks of clubs with live bands from early evening on.

Tickets and tours →

City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art

Giant live oaks, the free sculpture garden, and beignets under the trees. Bigger than Central Park.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

The French Quarter visitor center runs ranger talks, and the Barataria Preserve boardwalk puts you in a real swamp a short drive away.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

For Mardi Gras, the two weekends before the final weekend offer full parades at lower rates and thinner crowds.
Stay in the Marigny, Bywater, or Garden District instead of the Quarter. You get quieter nights and are still a streetcar or short ride from the action.
Do the Quarter, Cafe du Monde, and Jackson Square before 9am. By late morning, cruise-ship and day-trip crowds arrive.
November and early December deliver spring-quality weather at off-season prices. It is the smart-money window.

Know before you go

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk from late August through September. A named storm can trigger closures or evacuations; buy refundable rates and insurance for late summer trips.
During the final days of Mardi Gras, parade routes close streets for hours and traffic across Uptown and downtown can gridlock. Many businesses close on Fat Tuesday itself.
Many old-line restaurants and some small museums close one or two days a week, often Monday or Tuesday. Check before you plan a special dinner.
Crawfish season runs roughly January through June, peaking in spring. Come in fall and the boils are mostly off the menu.