The weather in New Orleans is typical of a humid subtropical climate. Winters are short and generally mild, and summers are hot and humid. New Orleans weather can change rapidly. Rainfall is likely at any time of year, so you should keep an umbrella handy.
Summers in New Orleans, especially July and August, are hot and steamy. The humidity can be brutal, so new arrivals quickly come to depend on reliable air conditioning during these months. Tropical storms can cause havoc in the city. Mosquitoes and other insects thrive in the damp, so you should keep repellent handy.
Winter is from December to February. Although this season is mostly mild, conditions can be unpredictable. One minute, it can be overcast and fairly chilly, and the next, there will be bright sunshine. Temperatures range from average lows of 44°F (7°C) to average highs of 64°F (18°C). In winter, the rain can occasionally turn to sleet.
Spring and autumn are the mildest, most comfortable seasons in New Orleans. Daytime temperatures are warm and pleasant, and the humidity is far lower than in summer. Both seasons are generally drier and sunnier too, so newcomers often find them to be the best time to get out and explore the city on foot.
New residents should be aware of the main weather hazard in New Orleans: hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. The risk is highest in late summer and early autumn, when storms are most likely to form in the Gulf.