United States, North America
New Orleans in May
Jazz Fest's second weekend opens the month, then crowds thin as the humidity builds. Late May already feels like summer.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit New Orleans. Jazz Fest's second weekend opens the month, then crowds thin as the humidity builds. Late May already feels like summer.
- Weather
- Getting hot, highs near 85F (29C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What May is like in New Orleans
May starts with Jazz Fest's second weekend, then the city exhales. Highs climb to about 85F (29C) and the humidity builds, so late May already feels like summer. Crowds and prices are high early in the month and ease as the weeks go on. Crawfish are still in season.
Early May suits music fans who want Jazz Fest. Late May suits budget travelers who can handle heat and want good hotel deals before summer. If you want mild weather for long walks, come in March, April or November instead. Book early if your dates overlap the Jazz Fest weekend.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about New Orleans this month.
Jazz Fest, second weekend
The festival wraps up on the first weekend of May at the Fair Grounds, with a dozen stages running all day.
Last of the crawfish season
Crawfish boils are still going, and prices often come down as the season rolls on.
Quieter late-month streets
After Jazz Fest the Quarter thins out, and hotels start to drop their rates.
What to pack for May
- Breathable, light-colored clothes
- Sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
- A refillable water bottle
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
Our timing tip
Plan walking tours for the morning and evening, and save the afternoon heat for museums or a long lunch.
Book New Orleans for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in New OrleansOpens a hotel search for New Orleans in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in New OrleansWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in New OrleansTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in New Orleans for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
The last weekend of April and first weekend of May
Jazz, gospel, blues, and zydeco on a dozen stages at the Fair Grounds. Hotels book a year out.
Things to do in New Orleans
The National WWII Museum
Plan a full day; it is one of the best museums in the country. Weekday mornings are calmest.
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.
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.
Frenchmen Street music
The locals' answer to Bourbon Street: three blocks of clubs with live bands from early evening on.
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.
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.
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.
New Orleans in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
May is a good month to visit New Orleans. Jazz Fest's second weekend opens the month, then crowds thin as the humidity builds. Late May already feels like summer.
What is the weather like in New Orleans in May?
Getting hot, highs near 85F (29C).
Is New Orleans crowded in May?
New Orleans is busy in May, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in New Orleans in May?
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (the last weekend of april and first weekend of may).
Keep planning New Orleans.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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