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The Weather in New Orleans in August

Updated: March 13, 2024

This post covers the August weather in New Orleans, including average temperatures, how much rain to expect, hurricane probabilities, and much more.

Let's get started!


AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN AUGUST

New Orleans in August tends to be hot and humid with daily daytime high temperatures consistently in the lower 90s F (32-33 C).

Late night and early morning low temperatures tend also to be on the warm side, averaging mostly in the mid to upper 70s F (25-26 C) with a few mornings dropping down into mid-70s (about 23 C).

Average Temperatures in August in New Orleans

HOW HOT DOES IT GET IN AUGUST IN NEW ORLEANS?

You can expect on average, about 23 days this month reaching at least 90 F (about 32 C) with a few afternoons reaching into the mid to upper 90s F (36-37 C).

On the other hand, the highest-ever temperature recorded in New Orleans during August was 102 F (38.9 C) while the coldest ever was 60 F (15.6 C).


HOW MUCH RAIN DOES NEW ORLEANS GET IN AUGUST? 

Despite the warm temperatures and humidity, New Orleans in August usually sees about 13-16 days with either clear or at least partly sunny skies.

Rainfall occurs mostly in the form of showers and thunderstorms with about 14-18 days, on average, recording at least 0.01 inches (o.25 mm) of rainfall.

The risk for both cloudy days and showers tends to be highest early in the month and slightly less near the end of the month.

Average Rainfall in August in New Orleans

August has ample daylight to explore the city ranging from about 13.6 hours early in the month to 12.8 near the month’s end.

Wind tends to be light to moderate, averaging mostly between 4 mph and 12 mph but stronger gusts can occur in thunderstorms.


Hurricane Risk

August is hurricane season and there is about a 1 in 3 chance for tropical storm wind gusts near and a 1 in 10 chance for hurricane-force wind gusts sometime during the season (June through November).


Seasonal Weather Outlooks for New Orleans - July to September 2024 New Orleans

There is an 87% chance for normal to above-normal temperatures with near-normal rainfall.


WHAT TO WEAR IN AUGUST

Given that it will be hot and humid throughout the entire month, it is best to pack clothing that is light and breathable.

Lightweight layers will help you stay dry. Cotton sundresses, cotton shirts, and loose-fitting shorts seem to be the best when dressing for a New Orleans summer.

Bring your umbrella and a couple of pairs of good walking shoes.

For our international guests, don't forget that many indoor attractions and restaurants may have ramped up their air conditioning!


THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST IN NEW ORLEANS

Below is our top 10 list of things to do in May.

Read our full post for August activities as well as our master post on things to do in NOLA any time of year.

For tips on the most popular activities in New Orleans, check out our ghost, swamp, plantation, and riverboat tour posts.

Many of these items are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist attraction discount pass.

  1. Take a Guided Tour
  2. Enjoy a Concert
  3. Watch a Saints Preseason Game
  4. See a Broadway Show
  5. Take a Cruise Down the Mississippi
  6. Get a Taste of Real New Orleans Food
  7. Take Advantage of Restaurant Week Discounts
  8. Tour an Old Plantation
  9. Visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial
  10. See an alligator in the wild

Read our full post for July activities for more details.

If you are coming at the start or end of the month, you may want to read our posts on London weather in June and August.

About The Author

Fred Pickhardt

Fred is a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade. He has extensive experience in weather analysis, weather forecasting, and forensic weather event reconstructions. Fred founded Ocean Weather Services and currently provides forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.
Updated: March 13th, 2024
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