Lonely PlanetAug 13, 2026
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
Discover the best times to visit New Orleans, from Mardi Gras and spring parties to calmer trips in summer and fall and Halloween and Christmas fun.
21 things in this story
- Festival International de LouisianeFestivalCelebrates Francophone music and heritage.
- Elsewhere
- French QuarterSuburbNew Orleans, United StatesBy night, a place to visit.
- Celebration in the OaksFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesHoliday illuminations in City Park.
- Mississippi RiverPlaceNew Orleans, United StatesIt is the second-longest river in the United States, behind only the Missouri.
- Mardi GrasFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesCaps off an extended Carnival season.
- CarnivalFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesSeason lasts from Twelfth Night until Ash Wednesday.
- Phunny Phorty PhellowsPlaceNew Orleans, United StatesStreetcar procession that begins pre-Carnival season.
- ChewbacchusFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesA parade with a science fiction theme.
- king cakeRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesThe city's famous iced treat.
- French Quarter FestivalFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesA totally free event.
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage FestivalFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesAlso known as world-famous Jazz Fest.
- White Linen NightFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesTony, art-gallery-centered parties.
- Satchmo SummerfestFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesIt is held in early August in order to coincide with August 4, Armstrong's birthday.
- Southern DecadenceFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesEnergetic LGBTQ+ festival over Labor Day weekend.
- St Louis Cemetery No 1SightNew Orleans, United StatesFamous city cemetery.
- New Year’s EveFestivalNew Orleans, United StatesCentered on Fleur de Lis drop in Jackson Square.
- Jackson SquareParkNew Orleans, United States
- Dirty Linen NightFestivalNew Orleans, United States
- New Orleans Running of the BullsFestivalNew Orleans, United States
- Essence Music FestivalFestivalNew Orleans, United States
- Anne RicePlaceNew Orleans, United States