So you're planning a trip to NOLA in March? Smart choice. I remember my first March visit - packed a suitcase full of sweaters that never left the closet. Here's the real deal about March temperatures New Orleans style.
March is that sweet spot where winter's chill has bounced but summer's swampy humidity hasn't crashed the party yet. You'll get daytime highs usually sitting pretty between 70-75°F (21-24°C), while nights dip to around 55°F (13°C). Don't be fooled though - I've seen it hit 85°F one day and 50°F the next during the same week. That's New Orleans spring for you.
March Temperatures New Orleans: By The Numbers
Let's break down exactly what to expect weather-wise:
| Temperature Type | Average (°F) | Average (°C) | Record High/Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily High | 72°F | 22°C | 89°F (2012) / 32°F (1980) |
| Daily Low | 56°F | 13°C | 75°F (2017) / 25°F (1996) |
| Water Temperature | 65°F | 18°C | - |
| Feels Like Temp (Humidity) | 68-78°F | 20-26°C | - |
Rain? Yeah, expect about 5 inches across 9 rainy days typically. Last March, I got caught in a downpour on Royal Street without an umbrella - not my finest moment. Pro tip: always toss a compact umbrella in your day bag.
Week-by-Week Breakdown
March temperatures New Orleans style aren't consistent across the month:
- Early March: Chilliest part (60-70°F highs). Saw frost on car windshields near Lake Pontchartrain one March 5th
- Mid-March: Warming up nicely (68-75°F). Perfect festival weather
- Late March: Almost summer-like (72-80°F). Pool days become possible
What to Pack for New Orleans March Temperatures
Packing wrong can ruin your trip. Here's what actually works:
| Must-Pack Items | Why You Need It | Personal Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Light layers (cardigans, light jackets) | Mornings/evenings cool down fast | Wore same denim jacket daily last visit |
| Breathable fabrics (linen, cotton) | Handles humidity spikes | Polyester blend = sweat disaster |
| Comfortable walking shoes | You'll walk 5-10 miles daily | Blisters ruined my Day 2 last year |
| Compact umbrella & travel raincoat | Sudden rain showers | Got soaked waiting for streetcar |
| Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+) | Stronger sun than you'd expect | Forgot hat once - major regrets |
Skip the bulky coats and snow boots - I've seen tourists lugging these around looking miserable. Unless a freak cold snap hits (which does happen), you won't need them.
Best Activities for March Weather in New Orleans
March temperatures New Orleans offers are ideal for these experiences:
Outdoor Perfection
- French Quarter Walking Tours
Free Tours By Foot (400 Chartres St) - Pay-what-you-wish tours daily at 9:30am, 1pm, 4pm. Local tip: Their Garden District tour beats the French Quarter ones. - City Park Exploration
Open daily 6am-10pm. Must-sees:- Sculpture Garden (free admission)
- Botanical Gardens ($10 adults, 1 Palm Dr)
- Cafe du Monde (6am-8pm, beignets $4)
- Swamp Tours
Cajun Encounters (55345 Hwy 90, Slidell) - $28/person. Saw 12 gators last March! Book 8am tour before heat hits.
Indoor Options for Rainy Days
When those March showers hit (and they will):
- National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, 9am-5pm, $35 adult admission. Spent 5 hours here once - incredible but exhausting. - Pharmacy Museum
514 Chartres St, tours at 1pm daily ($10). Weirdly fascinating medical history. - Cooking Classes
New Orleans School of Cooking (524 St Louis St) - $36/person. Made gumbo that actually tasted good.
March Events Worth Planning Around
March temperatures New Orleans make these events magical:
| Event | Dates | Why It's Special | Weather Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick's Day Parades | Weekend before March 17 | French Quarter turns green | Wear waterproof shoes - streets get messy |
| Tennessee Williams Festival | Late March | Literary events + Stella shouting contest | Indoor venues provide AC breaks |
| BUKU Music + Art Project | Mid-March | Industrial waterfront venue | Layer clothes - cool river breeze at night |
Weather Challenges and Solutions
March temperatures New Orleans brings some quirks:
Will humidity ruin my hair?
Oh honey, yes. Even at March levels (avg 70-75% humidity), my normally straight hair becomes a frizz ball. Salon Du Monde (835 Conti St) does killer blowouts for $55 - worth every penny for event nights.
Can I swim in March?
Only if you're brave. Hotel pools hover around 70°F - chilly but doable on hot afternoons. Ocean water? Forget it - averages 65°F. Saw one tourist dive in at Grand Isle and immediately climb back out shivering.
Sunrise in March is around 6:15am - perfect for photography before crowds hit. Jackson Square at dawn with steam rising off the Mississippi? Pure magic.
Personal March Survival Tips
Having visited every March for 7 years:
- Hotel choice matters: Older buildings may lack good insulation. Avoid ground floor rooms facing alleyways - garbage truck noise at 5am is brutal.
- Footwear reality check: Cute shoes = pain. My go-tos: Allbirds for day, comfy boots for night. Cobblestones destroy flimsy soles.
- Hydration hack: Carry water constantly. Street vendors charge $4 for water - buy at Walgreens (700 Canal St) for $1.50.
- Rainy day secret: The Riverwalk outlets have covered paths along the river. Free scenery without getting wet.
March Temperature FAQs
Is March hotter than April in New Orleans?
Nope - March temperatures New Orleans are milder. April averages 5-8°F warmer with higher humidity. March is the transition month before summer kicks in.
Can I wear shorts during New Orleans March weather?
Absolutely during daytime, especially late March. But always bring pants for evenings - that Mississippi breeze gets crisp once sun drops.
Does it freeze in New Orleans in March?
Rare but possible - happened twice in past decade. Check forecast before packing. If freezing temps predicted, buy cheap gloves locally rather than packing bulky winter gear.
Is March rainy season in New Orleans?
Not peak season (that's summer) but expect 1-2 heavy downpours weekly. Quick-moving storms rarely last more than an hour though.
Local Insights on March Weather
My friend Antoine, a Garden District tour guide for 15 years, puts it best: "March is when we dust off our porch furniture and remember why we tolerate August here. Everything blooms, everyone smiles more, and we haven't started sweating through our shirts by 9am yet."
Bartender Chloe at Carousel Bar (214 Royal St) advises: "March tourists are smarter - they linger at sidewalk tables instead of rushing between air-conditioned spaces. Pro tip: Try a Pimm's Cup - it's the perfect refreshing March cocktail."
Final Reality Check
Look - March temperatures New Orleans offers are ideal for tourism, but nothing's perfect. You might encounter:
- Sudden temperature drops when fronts blow in
- Afternoon thunderstorms that flood streets
- Allergies from blooming plants (bring Claritin!)
- Crowded festivals with long lines
But here's the truth: I keep coming back every March because when you're sipping coffee at Cafe Du Monde as the morning fog lifts off the river, with temps around 65°F and jazz floating from somewhere... none of those small inconveniences matter. Pack smart, stay flexible, and you'll understand why we call March New Orleans' secret golden month.
Still have questions about March temperatures New Orleans style? Drop 'em in the comments - I check daily!
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