What April feels like in New Orleans
April is mid-spring in New Orleans. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay mild and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in New Orleans in April
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 10.5 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 10.1 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in April
In mid-April, sunrise is at about 6:35 am and sunset at about 7:27 pm (local time) — 12 h 52 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 56 min more daylight than in mid-March. Measured sunshine covers about 79% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, April comes out as the 6th coolest month in New Orleans. Against March, the average high is 3.2°C (5.8°F) higher, with 8 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into May. May averages a high of 28°C (82.4°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting New Orleans in April
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is New Orleans in April?
Expect around 24.6°C (76.3°F) in the afternoon and 17.4°C (63.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in April?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 105 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in New Orleans in April?
The numbers point to rain protection and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is April or May better for visiting New Orleans?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #8), rated Great against Good. May is warmer and has more rainy days.