So, you're looking at the New Orleans five day forecast and wondering if you actually need to pack that heavy coat or if a light hoodie will do. Honestly, January in NOLA is a total wildcard. One minute you're sitting on a patio in the French Quarter enjoying a Pimm's Cup, and the next, a damp wind off the Mississippi makes you wish you were wearing three pairs of socks.
Right now, we are in a bit of a chilly stretch. If you stepped outside tonight, you felt it. It’s currently 38°F, but with that west wind, it feels like 34°F. That’s basically freezing for us.
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The Specifics of the New Orleans five day forecast
We aren't seeing a massive warm-up immediately, but things are shifting. Monday, January 19, starts off crisp and sunny. You’ll see a high of 56°F, which is great for walking around, but it’s going to bottom out at 36°F again at night.
Basically, the next few days are a slow climb. By Tuesday, we hit 57°F with more clouds moving in. Wednesday is when the humidity starts to creep back—you’ll feel that "heavy" air NOLA is famous for—and the high jumps to 63°F.
By the time we hit Thursday, January 22, it’s a completely different vibe. We’re looking at 68°F. But, because this is South Louisiana, that warmth comes with a price: a 45% chance of light rain.
Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
If you're a "just give me the numbers" person, here is the breakdown of what to expect for the rest of the week:
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- Monday: Bright sun, high of 56°F, low of 36°F. Wind is coming from the north at 7 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High of 57°F, low of 40°F.
- Wednesday: Getting warmer. High of 63°F, low of 52°F. You'll notice the wind shifting to the east.
- Thursday: The warmest day at 68°F, but keep an umbrella handy for that 45% rain chance.
It’s important to remember that these "lows" usually happen in the middle of the night. If you’re out for dinner or grabbing a late-night po-boy, the temperature will be somewhere in the middle.
Why the Humidity Changes Everything
New Orleans weather is never just about the number on the thermometer. It’s the humidity. On Sunday, it was a dry 40%, which makes the cold feel "crisp." By Thursday, that humidity is spiking to 82%.
When the humidity is that high, a 68-degree day feels like a steam room, and a 40-degree night feels like the cold is actually sinking into your bones. It’s a damp cold. Locals call it "bone-chilling" even when it's technically above freezing.
If you are visiting, the move is definitely layers. You want something you can peel off when the afternoon sun hits, but something substantial enough to block the wind when you're standing on a street corner waiting for a streetcar.
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Real Talk for Your Week
Honestly, this is actually pretty decent weather for January. We aren't dealing with any hard freezes this week, which means you don't have to worry about the pipes in your Airbnb bursting.
The National Weather Service has been monitoring a "reinforcing cold front" that slipped through on Monday night, but the big takeaway is that we are moving into a "rainier weather pattern" toward the end of the week.
If you have outdoor plans, Monday and Tuesday are your best bets. They’ll be dry and clear. Once Wednesday hits, the clouds are here to stay for a bit.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Prep the Layers: Grab a windbreaker or a medium-weight jacket for the first half of the week.
- Plan for Rain: If you're going to be out on Thursday, make sure your shoes are waterproof; New Orleans streets don't always drain instantly.
- Check the UV: Even when it’s 50 degrees, the UV index is around a 3 on sunny days, so don't skip the sunscreen if you're doing a long walking tour.