United States New Orleans Weather in September — Climate Guide
September in New Orleans is moderate
New Orleans Weather in September — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 23°
- Rainfall
- 150mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, New Orleans in September averages a high of 31°C and low of 23°C with 150mm of rain over about 9 days. Hot tail — light cotton, shorts, sandals. SPF 30-50. Light cardigan for evening (cooling trend). Costume gear for Southern Decadence weekend.
September is moderate for New Orleans.
September is hurricane season's peak risk month + Southern Decadence weekend (Labor Day weekend, one of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in the US, drawing 250,000+ visitors). The two competing factors create a paradox: hotel pricing spikes for Decadence weekend (+80-120%) then drops to year-low for the rest of the month.
Weather begins gradual improvement: 31°C highs vs 33°C August, humidity 79%, slightly fewer rainy days. Saints NFL season starts (home games at Caesars Superdome drive game-day spikes).
Travel score
Southern Decadence + hurricane peak + lowest non-festival pricing
September Weather at a Glance
September averages 88°F / 31°C highs and 73°F / 23°C lows with 9 rainy days and 150mm rainfall. Humidity 79% (slight relief). UV 7. Sunshine 8 hours. Hurricane risk peak (statistically Sep 10-Oct 10 highest historical strike probability). Daily thunderstorms continue.
September Travel Advice
Southern Decadence weekend (Labor Day Friday-Tuesday): book 3-4 months ahead, expect +80-120% premium. Hurricane insurance + cancellation coverage essential. Outside Decadence weekend, September is hotel value peak. Saints home game weekends (check schedule) add hotel spikes.
Flying In from Overseas
LGBTQ+ international inbound peaks Southern Decadence weekend. Direct flights from Toronto $250-400, London $450-700. European autumn shoulder. Korean + Japanese autumn travel beginning.
September Pricing Trends
Decadence weekend: French Quarter 4-star $400-800/night, Royal Sonesta (gay-friendly center) $500-1,000. Non-Decadence September: French Quarter 4-star $150-260, Garden District B&B $180-300, Ritz-Carlton $260-450.
New Orleans September Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
23°C
Rainy Days
9
150mm total
Sunshine
8h
Daily avg
Humidity
79%
humid
UV Index
7
High
Wind
11 km/h
Gusts 22
Sea Temp
0°C
not swimmable
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
September Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
22 μg/m³
PM10
42 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
34°C
Nighttime
24°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
11 km/h
Max gust 22 km/h
Activities Recommended for September
September Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Southern Decadence (LGBTQ+ festival)
- Saints NFL season opener
- Lowest non-Decadence pricing
- Slight humidity relief from August
Cons
- Hurricane season peak risk
- Decadence weekend hotels +80-120%
- Still 31°C + humid
- Saints home games drive hotel spikes
September Events & Festivals
- **Southern Decadence (early September Labor Day weekend — LGBTQ+ festival)**
- Hurricane peak season (Aug-Sep highest risk)
- Saints NFL season starts
New Orleans in September — Full Picture
September is hurricane season's peak risk month + Southern Decadence weekend (Labor Day weekend, one of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in the US, drawing 250,000+ visitors). The two competing factors create a paradox: hotel pricing spikes for Decadence weekend (+80-120%) then drops to year-low for the rest of the month.
Weather begins gradual improvement: 31°C highs vs 33°C August, humidity 79%, slightly fewer rainy days. Saints NFL season starts (home games at Caesars Superdome drive game-day spikes).
For non-Decadence visitors, September is exceptional value month with hotel pricing at near-August lows. Honeymoon couples seeking Commander's Palace + Brennan's + Antoine's reservations have the year's easiest access.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Hot tail — light cotton, shorts, sandals. SPF 30-50. Light cardigan for evening (cooling trend). Costume gear for Southern Decadence weekend.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
25.7°C
17°C
7.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
32.7°C
24.7°C
10.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
Current27°C
17.7°C
7.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
18°C
9°C
8.7/mo
New Orleans Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17° | 8° | 9d·130mm | 5h | 75% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| February (Best) | 19° | 10° | 8d·130mm | 6h | 75% | 4 | Very busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 22° | 13° | 8d·130mm | 7h | 73% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 26° | 17° | 7d·110mm | 8h | 73% | 7 | Busy | Peak |
| 29° | 21° | 7d·130mm | 9h | 75% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 24° | 10d·170mm | 9h | 80% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 33° | 25° | 11d·170mm | 9h | 81% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 33° | 25° | 11d·160mm | 8h | 81% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 23° | 9d·150mm | 8h | 79% | 7 | Quiet | Low season | |
| October (Best) | 28° | 18° | 6d·100mm | 8h | 73% | 6 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| November (Best) | 22° | 12° | 7d·110mm | 7h | 73% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 18° | 9° | 9d·130mm | 5h | 75% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
New Orleans September Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September a good time to visit New Orleans?
New Orleans in September is moderate. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in New Orleans in September?
New Orleans September averages a high of 31°C and a low of 23°C.
Does it rain much in New Orleans in September?
New Orleans September averages 150mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in New Orleans in September?
Hot tail — light cotton, shorts, sandals. SPF 30-50. Light cardigan for evening (cooling trend). Costume gear for Southern Decadence weekend.
What time are sunrise and sunset in New Orleans in September?
New Orleans September sunrise is 06:45 and sunset is 18:55, with 12h 10min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in New Orleans in September?
New Orleans September air quality (AQI) averages 55, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 22μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in New Orleans in September?
In September, New Orleans is great for Southern Decadence, Saints NFL home games, WWII Museum.
Is September peak season in New Orleans?
New Orleans September crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit New Orleans
View Other Months
Planning a September trip to New Orleans?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.