So, you're looking at the weather forecast New Orleans 10 days out and wondering if you should pack a parka or a tank top. Honestly, it’s New Orleans in January. One minute you're sitting on a patio in the French Quarter soaking up 68°F sun, and the next, a cold front slams through and you're hunting for a wool sweater.
Right now, as of Friday night, January 16, 2026, the city is sitting at a comfortable 58°F with a light breeze from the south. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you know that "comfortable" is a temporary state of mind.
The Immediate Outlook: Rain and a Weekend Dip
If you have outdoor plans for Saturday, keep the umbrella close. We’re looking at a high of 55°F tomorrow, but with a 45% chance of light rain during the day. It’s not a washout, but it’s that annoying kind of mist that makes the humidity feel even heavier. By Saturday night, the rain chances drop, but it stays cloudy with a low of 38°F.
Sunday, January 18, is looking like the pick of the weekend. We’re expecting nothing but sun and a high of 51°F. It’ll be crisp. Perfect for a long walk through City Park or grabbing a coffee on Magazine Street. Just remember that the low will hit 36°F Sunday night, so if you’re out late, you’ll definitely feel the bite.
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Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Rollercoaster
The start of next week continues that classic winter-in-the-South pattern. Monday, January 19, starts off sunny with a high of 60°F. Tuesday stays mostly dry, hovering around 54°F.
But wait for Wednesday and Thursday. That’s when things get interesting.
Wednesday, January 21, will see clouds rolling in and temperatures climbing back up to 65°F. By Wednesday night, rain chances jump to 65%. Thursday, January 22, looks like the wettest day of the stretch, with a 75% chance of rain and a high of 66°F. This is the "big" system for the week, likely bringing some breezy conditions from the north as the front moves through.
Quick Breakdown of the Daily Highs/Lows:
- Saturday (Jan 17): 55°F / 38°F (Light rain)
- Sunday (Jan 18): 51°F / 36°F (Sunny and crisp)
- Monday (Jan 19): 60°F / 38°F (Blue skies)
- Tuesday (Jan 20): 54°F / 40°F (Partly sunny)
- Wednesday (Jan 21): 65°F / 47°F (Cloudy, rain at night)
- Thursday (Jan 22): 66°F / 51°F (Rainy and breezy)
- Friday (Jan 23): 61°F / 51°F (Clearing up)
By the time we hit next weekend, January 24 and 25, temperatures actually start to trend upward again, reaching into the high 60s. It's the kind of volatility that makes planning a wardrobe nearly impossible.
Why NOLA Weather is Different
New Orleans is a humid subtropical environment. In January, that means the "real feel" is often lower than the number on your phone. When it’s 40°F here with 80% humidity, that damp cold gets into your bones in a way a dry Colorado winter doesn’t.
Also, keep an eye on the wind direction. When the wind comes from the south, it's pulling moisture from the Gulf, making things sticky and warm. When it flips to the north—like it will this Saturday and Sunday—it brings that sharp, dry air from the interior.
How to Handle the Next 10 Days
Don't overthink it, but don't get caught unprepared.
First, layers are your best friend. A light jacket for the 60°F afternoons and a heavier coat for the 30°F nights. Second, if you’re visiting, don't assume a "sunny" forecast means you won't need a sweater. The UV index is low (around 4), so the sun isn't providing as much warmth as it does in July.
Finally, keep an eye on Thursday’s rain. If you have travel plans or outdoor events, that 75% chance of rain is the most likely disruptor in the current 10-day window.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your rain gear tonight. If you're heading out for Sunday's sun, make sure your evening plans involve a place with decent heating, as that 36°F low will arrive quickly after sunset.