Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in New Orleans offers a unique blend of weather characteristics that reflect the charm of the city. With maximum temperatures reaching 27°C (80°F), the month is generally mild, though the average dips to a cool 13°C (55°F), and occasional cold snaps can bring temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F). Rain is not uncommon, with a total precipitation of 90 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 8 days, creating a lush backdrop to the vibrant culture. Humidity levels average around 81%, adding a touch of warmth to the crisp air. Whether exploring the bustling streets or enjoying the rich music scene, January’s weather in New Orleans is as dynamic as the city itself.
In January, New Orleans experiences a delightful mix of winter coolness and mild warmth, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a pleasant 27°C (80°F). The average temperature sits around 13°C (55°F), making it a comfortable month for exploring the vibrant streets or enjoying the city's unique culinary offerings. As the month progresses toward February, we notice a gentle upward trend in temperatures, hinting at the eventual transition into spring. While the city might start the year on the cooler side, the inviting climate is a testament to New Orleans' charm during the winter season, ensuring that both locals and visitors can relish in the rich culture without the oppressive heat that follows in the summer months.
In January, New Orleans experiences a moderate start to the year with an average precipitation of 90 mm (about 3.5 inches) across roughly 8 days. This sets the tone for a progressively wetter winter, as February sees a slight increase in both rainfall and precipitation days. However, the spring months bring a noticeable uptick in both rainfall and frequency, culminating in a peak during the summer, particularly in August, with 273 mm (nearly 10.8 inches) over 23 days. This trend of escalating precipitation is a reminder of the city's humid subtropical climate, where the transition from dry winter to lush, stormy summer underscores New Orleans' unique weather patterns.
In January, New Orleans experiences a humidity level of 81%, which sets a consistent tone for the winter months, as February also mirrors this figure. As spring arrives, a slight dip to 79% occurs in March, but by April, humidity climbs back to 81%, indicating a trend of fluctuation around that level before the humidity begins to decrease through the summer. The warmest months, June and July, see a drop to 74%, providing a brief respite before humidity levels begin to rise again in September and November, reaching back to 79% and 81% respectively. Interestingly, December ends the year with the highest humidity at 84%, creating a cyclical pattern that illustrates New Orleans' humid climate throughout the year.
In January, the UV Index in New Orleans registers a moderate level of 5, allowing for a burn time of about 30 minutes for those exposed to the sun. As the months progress towards the peak of spring and summer, UV Index values soar significantly. By February, it jumps to 8 (very high), and by March, it escalates further to 9, indicating a growing concern for sun exposure. The most intense levels hit in April through July, where the Index reaches an extreme 11 or 12, shortening safe sun exposure to just 10 minutes. Interestingly, as autumn approaches, the UV Index descends gradually, dropping to 6 in November and returning to 5 by December, echoing the fluctuation from the year's beginning. This trend emphasizes the importance of sun safety and protection, particularly as the season shifts towards higher UV exposure. For more details, visit New Orleans UV Index.
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In January, New Orleans experiences 180 hours of sunshine, marking the start of the year with a modest light count that gradually brightens the city. As February rolls in, the daylight increases slightly to 195 hours, hinting at the warmth to come. By March, the city basks in 271 hours, showcasing a significant jump that signals the arrival of spring. April continues this trend, breaking the 280-hour mark with 280 hours, followed by May, which drenches the city in an impressive 320 hours of sunlight. The trend persists into the summer months, where June and July offer 298 and 307 hours respectively, providing ideal weather for festivals and outdoor activities. While August and September witness a slight decline with 306 and 279 hours, the golden glow of sunshine maintains its charm. October offers a delightful compromise at 287 hours, guiding into November's softer light with 257 hours. Lastly, December rounds out the year with 220 hours, serving as a gentle reminder of the vibrant sunshine that characterizes the NOLA experience. Over the course of the year, it's clear that the city thrives under abundant sunlight, particularly in the spring and summer, drawing locals and tourists alike into its lively atmosphere.
In New Orleans, January enjoys a fairly optimistic outlook for sunny weather, boasting a 50% chance of sunshine. This positions the month favorably against the rest of winter and sets a contrast to the upcoming February, which sees a drop to a 37% likelihood of sun. As the months transition into spring, the chances of clear skies experience slight fluctuations, with March and April at 39% and 49% respectively, before dipping again in the early summer months. Interestingly, November stands out with a 64% chance of sunshine, suggesting a seasonal shift towards clearer days as the year draws to a close. Overall, January serves as a bright beacon, hinting at sunnier days ahead in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
In January, New Orleans enjoys about 10 hours of daylight, setting the stage for the gradual increase in sunlight as the year unfolds. As February approaches, daylight extends to 11 hours, hinting at the sweetest promise of spring. By March, the city basks in 12 hours of light, a trend that continues into April, offering a delightful ambiance for outdoor activities. The daylight peaks at 14 hours in June before a slow decline begins in July, as days shorten to 13 hours. This rhythm sustains through August and September, before tapering back to 11 hours in October, and ultimately returning to 10 hours by year's end. The ebb and flow of daylight not only reflect the changing seasons but also enhance the vibrant life of this spirited city.
In January, New Orleans experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph), setting a tranquil tone for the start of the year. This month is comparable to the equally mild winds recorded in April, highlighting a consistent calm in early spring. As we move into February and March, there’s a slight uptick in wind speed, reaching 4.5 m/s (10 mph) and 4.6 m/s (10 mph) respectively, adding a refreshing briskness to the atmosphere. However, by mid-year, the winds begin to taper off significantly; July sees a substantial drop to just 2.4 m/s (5 mph), marking the slowest winds of the year. This seasonal pattern continues, with summer evenings feeling particularly serene before gradually shifting back to more moderate breezes by December. Overall, January kicks off the year with a pleasing balance of stillness and mild air, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the charm of New Orleans.
The weather in New Orleans changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in New Orleans and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February have similar weather patterns, but there are noticeable differences in temperature and precipitation. January experiences minimum temperatures dipping to -5°C (23°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while February sees slightly warmer conditions with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). Both months have a maximum temperature of around 26°C (80°F), but January has a total precipitation of 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 days, while February sees a bit more rain at 96 mm (3.8 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels remain consistent at 81% for both months. For more detailed insights, you can check out New Orleans weather in February.
In January, the weather features a notable chill with minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while daytime highs can reach up to 27°C (80°F). The month experiences around 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 81%. In contrast, March sees a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures starting at 2°C (36°F) and an average high of 18°C (65°F), climbing to a peak of 29°C (84°F). Although March has slightly less total precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in) over about 10 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 79%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out New Orleans weather in March.
In January, the weather features a chilly range with minimum temperatures dipping to -5°C (23°F), while averaging around 13°C (55°F) and peaking at a comfortable 27°C (80°F). The month sees about 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by a consistent humidity level of 81%.
In contrast, April brings a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures rising to 9°C (48°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F). However, it also has slightly higher rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) spread across 11 days, while maintaining the same humidity level of 81%. For a detailed exploration of the April weather, you can refer to New Orleans weather in April.
In contrast to January, May offers significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F) compared to January's -5°C (23°F). The average temperature in May reaches a comfortable 25°C (77°F), while January's average is a cooler 13°C (55°F). Additionally, May experiences higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 33°C (91°F) versus January's high of 27°C (80°F). However, May also brings increased precipitation, totaling 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 days. Yet, the humidity is slightly lower in May at 77%, compared to January's 81%. For more detailed information, you can check New Orleans weather in May.
January and June present strikingly different weather patterns. January experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while June offers a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 21°C (69°F) and averaging around 27°C (81°F). Precipitation levels also vary significantly; January sees about 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 days, compared to June's 218 mm (8.6 in) over 18 days, indicating a much wetter month. Humidity levels are higher in January at 81%, while June has a comparatively lower humidity level of 74%. For more detailed information, check out New Orleans weather in June.
In January, temperatures in New Orleans range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 90 mm of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by high humidity at 81%. In contrast, July brings a marked increase in warmth, with minimum temperatures starting at 23°C (75°F) and peaking at an average of 28°C (83°F), reaching as high as 34°C (94°F). The summer month is significantly wetter, with 219 mm of rain spread over 22 days and a slightly lower humidity of 74%. For more details on the summer conditions, you can check New Orleans weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -5°C (23°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), making it a chilly month. The precipitation level is relatively moderate, with about 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 days, and the humidity is quite high at 81%.
In contrast, August heats up significantly, featuring a minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum reaching 34°C (93°F). Precipitation increases markedly to 273 mm (10.8 in) across 23 days, although humidity drops slightly to 73%. For a deeper look into the specifics of August weather, you can refer to New Orleans weather in August.
January and September present stark differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a comfortable average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). The month experiences around 90 mm (3.5 inches) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, with humidity levels at 81%. Conversely, September sees a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 17°C (64°F), an average of 27°C (80°F), and maximums reaching up to 34°C (94°F). The month is wetter too, with precipitation totaling 147 mm (5.8 inches) over about 15 days, and humidity slightly lower at 79%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out New Orleans weather in September.
In January, the weather is notably cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), while the average temperature hovers around 13°C (55°F). This month experiences around 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 81%. In contrast, October brings warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and rising to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 23°C (74°F). Rainfall increases to 133 mm (5.2 in) spread over 12 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 77%. For more details on what to expect, check out New Orleans weather in October.
In January, the weather tends to be cooler, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -5°C (23°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), compared to a milder November with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). Both months experience a maximum temperature of 27°C (80°F), but January sees higher precipitation levels at 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 days, while November has only 58 mm (2.3 in) over 7 days. Interestingly, humidity remains consistent in both months at 81%. For a closer look at the specific conditions, you can refer to New Orleans weather in November.
In January, the weather tends to be cooler with minimum temperatures dipping to -5°C (23°F), while December sees a milder minimum of 3°C (37°F). The average temperature in January is 13°C (55°F), slightly lower than December's 14°C (58°F). Both months experience similar maximum temperatures, reaching up to 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is a bit higher in December at 101 mm (4.0 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 days. Humidity levels are also similar, with January at 81% and December slightly higher at 84%. For more detailed information, you can check New Orleans weather in December.
In January, New Orleans experiences a striking contrast to its typically warmer months. The weather is noticeably cooler, with average temperatures hovering around a mild 13°C (55°F), providing a refreshing respite from the heat that characterizes much of the year. While you may encounter about 8 days of rainfall contributing to a total of 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation, the high humidity of 81% can make the air feel heavier despite the cooler conditions. This unique blend of chill and moisture sets January apart, making it a great time to explore the city's vibrant indoor venues and warm culinary delights. For a detailed overview of what to expect throughout the year, check out New Orleans Climate.