New Orleans Weather in December 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 12 rainy days across the month, on average.
December cools New Orleans into holiday mode with 18.6C (65F) afternoons, 11.8C (53F) nights, 140mm of rain over 12.1 days, and just 7.1 hours of sunshine as gray winter sky settles in. First frost usually appears around December 10 in the Garden District, poinsettias fill hotel lobbies, and steam rises from po-boy shop windows on Magazine Street at dinnertime.
Reveillon dinner menus revive Creole tradition at Antoine's, Arnaud's, Broussard's, and Muriel's throughout December with $65 four-course prix fixe offerings. Celebration in the Oaks lights up City Park nightly, Christmas Eve bonfires blaze along the Mississippi River levees in St James Parish, and NYE fireworks launch at midnight from twin barges near Woldenberg Park with the Sugar Bowl following January 1.
Ten-year December records show a slight cooling trend with more frequent Arctic air outbreaks, including the 2022 Christmas freeze that dropped temperatures to -8C and burst pipes citywide. Rainfall has climbed 25mm since 2016 as coastal storms track further inland, and 2026 outlooks suggest a wet cool December with a possible White Christmas event as La Nina strengthens Arctic pattern delivery.
Travelers to New Orleans in 2026 during Reveillon season should reserve Antoine's dining room a minimum of six weeks out: NYE fireworks viewing rooms at Jackson Brewery and Canal Place Hilton book by October 2026, streetcar service extends late for holiday shoppers, and Sugar Bowl travelers push January 1 hotel demand into December.
The Quarter is theater; locals live in Bywater, Marigny, or Uptown along the streetcar line. Cafe Du Monde is 24 hours but Cafe Beignet on Royal is less lines. Second lines happen Sundays from October through May and following one is the actual best free thing to do. Pronounce it N'awlins to lock in as tourist forever; locals just say New Orleans normally. Neutral ground means median strip and lagniappe means a little extra thrown in.
What to pack for New Orleans in December
December weather swings wide from mild afternoons to frosty dawns, and Reveillon dinners call for upgraded outfits:
- Wool overcoat and cashmere scarf for evening walks
- Business casual sport coat or dress for Reveillon dining
- Waterproof leather shoes for wet French Quarter streets
- Merino base layers for morning cemetery tours
- Insulated gloves and beanie for potential 0C nights
What to pack for New Orleans in December
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Where to stay in New Orleans
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in New Orleans across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to New Orleans
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to New Orleans?
Flights to New Orleans in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Book Reveillon at Antoine's or Arnaud's, walk Celebration in the Oaks City Park lights, watch NYE fireworks from Moon Walk, catch Sugar Bowl in the Superdome, and shop Magazine Street holiday markets.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in New Orleans. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit New Orleans
While December has its own character in New Orleans, the data-backed best months to visit New Orleans are November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for New OrleansOther places with a similar climate right now
New Orleans in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit New Orleans in December?
Should I visit New Orleans in December?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, New Orleans averages a high of 19°C (65°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F), with 140mm of rainfall across roughly 12 rainy days. Late March French Quarter Fest is free and better than Jazz Fest with 20 stages; jasmine blooms wrap Garden District ironwork before summer humidity settles.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in New Orleans during December?
What temperatures should I expect in New Orleans during December?
The average high temperature in New Orleans during December is 19°C (65°F), with an average low of 12°C (53°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January drops to 5C nights; heaters on Bourbon are absurd, oyster season peaks at Casamento's, and Mardi Gras krewes start rolling mid-month.
Q03Is December a rainy month in New Orleans?
Is December a rainy month in New Orleans?
New Orleans averages approximately 12 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 140mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. Afternoon summer storms flood streets in 20 minutes; Bourbon and Canal drain by design but Mid-City and Broadmoor sit for hours after downpours.
Q04How should I dress for New Orleans in December?
How should I dress for New Orleans in December?
For New Orleans in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A small hand fan and a hat with drawstring: humidity kills styling and afternoon squalls appear in 15 minutes flat.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for New Orleans?
Is December a busy travel month for New Orleans?
Tourist crowds in New Orleans during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Quarter is theater; locals live in Bywater, Marigny, or Uptown along the streetcar line. Cafe Du Monde is 24 hours but Cafe Beignet on Royal is less lines. Second lines happen Sundays from October through May and following one is the actual best free thing to do. Pronounce it N'awlins to lock in as tourist forever; locals just say New Orleans normally. Neutral ground means median strip and lagniappe means a little extra thrown in.