United States, North America
New Orleans in October
Relief arrives, usually mid month. Halloween in the Quarter and Marigny is a big, costumed, adult affair.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit New Orleans. Relief arrives, usually mid month. Halloween in the Quarter and Marigny is a big, costumed, adult affair.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 80F (27C), drier
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in New Orleans
October is when relief arrives. The heat usually breaks around the middle of the month, highs settle near 80F (27C), and the air gets drier. Crowds pick back up but stay moderate, and prices are fair. Hurricane risk is lower than in September, though the season still runs to November 30.
Late October suits couples, food lovers and anyone who wants to walk the city in comfort. Halloween in the Quarter and the Marigny is a big costumed night for adults. Families with small kids should skip that night's scene and may prefer November, which is even calmer.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about New Orleans this month.
Halloween in the Marigny and Quarter
Costumes are taken very seriously here, and the late-October celebrations are a grown-up night out.
Patio weather returns
Once the heat breaks, courtyard dining and evening strolls along the river become a pleasure again.
City Park in fall
Walk under the giant live oaks, visit the free sculpture garden and have beignets under the trees.
What to pack for October
- A costume if you are there for Halloween
- Light layers for warm days and cooler nights
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Aim for the second half of October, when the heat has usually broken and hurricane risk is lower.
Book New Orleans for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in New OrleansOpens a hotel search for New Orleans in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Halloween in the Marigny and Quarter
Late October
Costumes are taken very seriously. A grown-up night 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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit New Orleans?
October is a good month to visit New Orleans. Relief arrives, usually mid month. Halloween in the Quarter and Marigny is a big, costumed, adult affair.
What is the weather like in New Orleans in October?
Warm, highs near 80F (27C), drier.
Is New Orleans crowded in October?
Crowds in New Orleans are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in New Orleans in October?
Halloween in the Marigny and Quarter (late october).
Keep planning New Orleans.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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