Honestly, if you're looking at the 15 day weather New Orleans forecast right now, you're probably seeing a lot of "sunny" icons and thinking you’ve got it made. I hate to be the one to burst that bubble, but New Orleans in January is a total mood ring. One minute you're sitting on a bench in Jackson Square soaking up a crisp 56°F sun, and the next, a damp wind kicks up off the Mississippi River and you're questioning every life choice that didn't involve a heavy wool coat.
The current situation is actually pretty wild. As of today, January 18, 2026, we're sitting at a chilly 42°F with a "feels like" of 36°F. That’s not exactly the tropical vibe people expect from the Deep South.
The "Damp Cold" Factor
People from up north always laugh when we talk about "winter" down here. They're used to -10°F and three feet of snow. But New Orleans cold is different. It’s a wet, heavy cold that sinks into your marrow. Since the humidity today is hanging around 40% but often spikes much higher, that 48°F high for this afternoon is going to feel significantly sharper than 48°F in, say, Denver.
Basically, the air here is a sponge. In the summer, it holds heat. In the winter, it holds the chill.
If you're planning a trip for the next week, the 15 day weather New Orleans outlook shows a steady climb, but it’s a bumpy ride. Monday looks gorgeous and sunny with a high of 56°F, but don't let the "sunny" part fool you—the low is still hitting 36°F. You'll start the day in a parka and end it in a t-shirt, only to need that parka again by the time you're heading out for dinner on Frenchman Street.
Rain is Coming (and it’s sticking around)
If you're looking at the mid-week forecast, things get kinda messy. Tuesday starts the transition with more clouds and a high of 54°F, but Wednesday is where the "Big Easy" weather starts to act up. We’re looking at light rain and showers with a 45% chance of precipitation overnight.
The humidity is also going to skyrocket. We’re jumping from 39% today to a staggering 80-90% by next weekend.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: High of 62°F, but expect those gray, drizzly "Seattle-style" showers.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Stays around 60°F with a 35% chance of rain.
- Saturday, Jan 24: This is where it gets interesting. The temperature jumps to 67°F, which sounds great, but it comes with a side of high humidity and more rain chances.
This is classic New Orleans. The warmer it gets in the winter, the more likely it is that the sky is going to open up. It’s a trade-off. You want the warmth? You're gonna get the damp.
What Most People Get Wrong About Packing
I see it every year. Tourists arrive in shorts because they saw "65 degrees" on their weather app. Don't do that. You’ve gotta think in layers.
Since the 15 day weather New Orleans forecast includes a mix of 36°F lows and 67°F highs, your suitcase needs to be a jigsaw puzzle of fabrics. A light sweater isn't enough for those early morning beignet runs. You need a wind-resistant outer shell. The wind speed today is a brisk 12 mph from the northwest, and when that wind hits the moisture in the air, it’s biting.
Also, shoes. For the love of all things holy, do not bring suede. Between the uneven cobblestones in the French Quarter and the literal puddles that will form by next Saturday, your fancy boots will be ruined in an hour. Stick to leather or treated canvas that can handle a splash.
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The Long Range Outlook: Late January
Looking further out toward January 27 and 28, the "mild" trend takes a hit. We’re seeing highs dropping back down to the low 52°F range with overnight lows staying around 40°F. This is part of that La Niña to El Niño transition the National Weather Service has been tracking for 2026.
While the winter has been drier than average so far—thanks to that lingering La Niña—the shift toward El Niño means we should expect "enhanced rainfall" as the year progresses. We're seeing the first hints of that in the late-January models. The drought conditions that have plagued the South are finally getting some relief, but that relief comes in the form of ruined outdoor parade plans if you aren't prepared.
Expert Survival Tips for the Next 15 Days:
- Trust the "Feels Like," not the High: If the app says 55°F but the humidity is 80%, treat it like it’s 45°F.
- The River is a Giant Air Conditioner: If you’re hanging out by the Woldenberg Park or taking the Algiers Ferry, it will be at least 5 degrees colder than the French Quarter. Bring a scarf.
- Indoor Backups: Wednesday through Sunday of next week (Jan 21-25) look particularly soggy. This is your time to hit the World War II Museum or the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). Both have great climate control and will keep you away from the "winter drizzle."
- UV Index is Sneaky: Even on a "mostly cloudy" day like Friday (Jan 23), the UV index is a 2 or 3. It won't cook you, but if you're out all day, it adds up.
New Orleans weather is less of a science and more of a suggestion. You've basically got to be ready for anything. It’s a city that rewards the prepared and drench-soaks the overconfident.
Check the specific daily highs and lows on your weather card, keep an eye on that northwest wind, and maybe throw an extra pair of dry socks in your day bag. You’ll thank me later when you're not shivering through a brass band set on a street corner.
Next Steps:
- Check your specific travel dates against the 10% to 45% rain chance fluctuations for mid-week.
- Pack a waterproof, breathable jacket that can handle the 15 mph wind gusts predicted for late January.