What August feels like in New Orleans
In New Orleans, August brings late summer. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. Even after dark it stays hot and sultry. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in New Orleans in August
August is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 11 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. Across the year New Orleans averages about 10.1 mm per rainy day, so August is typical. August is New Orleans's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
In mid-August, sunrise is at about 6:27 am and sunset at about 7:43 pm (local time) — 13 h 16 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 39 min less daylight than mid-July. Measured sunshine covers about 78% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
August is the warmest month of the year in New Orleans. It is about as warm as July, with 21 mm more rain. September is cooler again. By September, typical highs are 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting New Orleans in August
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is New Orleans in August?
Afternoons average 31.1°C (88°F) and nights about 25.6°C (78.1°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in New Orleans in August?
It does: about 18 rainy days bring roughly 198 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in New Orleans in August?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is August or September better for visiting New Orleans?
September scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #11), rated Good against Fair. September is cooler and has fewer rainy days.