New Orleans in April: Weather, What to Do, and Tips for Visitors in 2024
LOOKING TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS IN APRIL?
You’ve landed on the right page! Our family visited New Orleans in the springtime, and we really enjoyed our time there. There was so much for us to do, and we loved learning about some of the city’s history, too.
April in New Orleans is a great time to visit. The spring temperatures are comfortable, and crowds will be sparse. It’s a wonderful spot to visit as you usher in spring.
In this article, we’ll share all the need-to-know info about visiting New Orleans in April and some of our favorite city highlights. We’re excited to show you why this city is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States!
New Orleans Weather in April
With the cozy glow of spring upon us, the weather in April makes a significant jump from March, with highs pushing into the high 70s. That’s a jump of 17 degrees from January’s temperatures and 13 degrees warmer than New Orleans in February.
Temperatures in The Big Easy will continue to escalate throughout September.
Temperature in New Orleans in April
In April, the average high temperature in New Orleans will reach 77° Fahrenheit. In the evenings, temperatures in New Orleans drop to around 64° Fahrenheit on average.
- Average high temperature in New Orleans in April: 77° Fahrenheit
- Average low temperature in New Orleans in April: 64° Fahrenheit
- What are the hottest months in New Orleans? July and August at 89° Fahrenheit
- What are the coldest months in New Orleans? January at 60° Fahrenheit
Things to Do in New Orleans in April
There’s always something fun to do or a fascinating place to explore in New Orleans in April! No matter your family’s interests – history, food, or paranormal studies – you’ll have amazing adventures in this lively Gulf Coast city!
These are some of our favorite places to visit in New Orleans in April!
Explore The French Quarter
The French Quarter is a must-visit stop on your New Orleans itinerary. It’s the heart of the city. The architecture is stunning, and there’s so much to be learned about the city’s history in this portion of town. We had a wonderful time walking around this area and enjoying special sites like Jackson Square.
The French Quarter is one of the best places to visit to enjoy the musical styles of street performers. So, jazz fans certainly won’t want to miss this place! The French Quarter is definitely a tourist magnet, but the live music brings the real heart of New Orleans front and center for all to enjoy.
The local musicians and live performances we heard during our stroll through the French Quarter were amazing. We also really enjoyed the beautiful artwork on display throughout the Quarter.
History buffs will want to stop by St. Louis Cathedral. It’s the oldest cathedral in North America. But that’s not the only notable building in town; the city is full of stunning 18th-century buildings that feel like walking into the past.
And, of course, Bourbon Street is a major New Orleans city landmark as well. This is the prime spot for visitors looking for a lively nightlife scene. It’s full of jazz clubs with a party atmosphere to keep you dancing all night.
It’s only natural for some travelers, especially those visiting New Orleans with children, to have some concerns about certain areas of town. Because it stays busy with lots of tourists, the French Quarter is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans.
That said, it’s always smart to stay aware of your surroundings and try to do most of your exploring during daylight hours. We do not recommend wandering through the French Quarter at night. Petty crimes are common in this area, especially in the evening.
Explore The Garden District
The Garden District of New Orleans is one of the most beautiful portions of town. The streets are lined with oak trees, and there are lush and lovely gardens as far as the eye can see. Not to mention some stunning and intriguing mansions!
The Garden District has historic undertones as well. We really enjoyed visiting Lafayette Cemetery No.1, the historic Brevard-Clapp House, and Robinson House. If you like visiting odd and unique places while traveling, check out The House of Broel’s Victorian Mansion and Doll House Museum.
Zele NOLA and the Speilman Gallery are two amazing spots in this neighborhood for art enthusiasts. So be sure to stop by!
New Orleans Tours
New Orleans Food Tours
We love to try new foods during our travels, and New Orleans is a great place to do that! A trip to New Orleans in April wouldn’t be complete without devouring a PoBoy or drooling over a beignet. With access to amazing crawfish and jambalaya, too, there are so many unique dishes to savor in this city.
Food tours are a really fun way to sample all the flavors a city has to offer, and the New Orleans food tours are no different.
Many of the food tours in New Orleans are walking tours, which means you not only get to enjoy delicious food but also experience the highlights of the city with a highly experienced guide. It’s the best of both worlds.
You can’t go wrong with a standard food tour in this city, but if you’re a seasoned foodie and looking for more, several tour options offer a more specialized experience.
For instance, if you’re looking to eat and enjoy some nightlife fun consider a bar crawl food tour. Families looking for a tour that will keep their kids engaged could spring for a donut and beignet tour.
New Orleans Cemetery Tours
New Orleans has a mysterious and spooky reputation. People travel from around the world to explore the shadowy and paranormal side of New Orleans. If you’re looking to experience this side of the city, you should check out the New Orleans cemetery tours.
These tours have a wide variety of coverage, making them accessible to just about every type of traveler. There are short tours, budget-friendly tours, and family-friendly tours.
Other tours offer a more in-depth exploration of specific cemeteries, some of which cannot be explored privately but only with the tour group.
Some of the cemetery tours are packaged with a walking tour of the French Quarter or other parts of the city, which is a fun and convenient way to see multiple sides of the city through one tour.
▶️ BOOK New Orleans Cemetery Tour
Creole Queen Riverboat Ride
Make sure you pencil in a visit to the Mississippi River during your stay in New Orleans in April. One of our favorite New Orleans memories was made onboard a Creole Queen river boat tour. We loved hanging out on the boat, listening to live Jazz music, and taking in the beautiful sites of New Orleans from the river.
There are different riverboat experiences to choose from. From romantic dinner cruises to a historical guide of the city. We highly recommend adding a tour like this to your New Orleans itinerary.
New Orleans Airboat Tours
Of course, you’ll want to explore the city scene on your visit to New Orleans in April, but there are many mysteries and wonders to be discovered in the swamps and bayous surrounding the city, too.
We speak from experience when we say a New Orleans airboat tour through the Louisiana marshes is a thrilling and memorable adventure the whole family will enjoy.
If you’re looking to try something new on your vacation to the Gulf, we highly recommend an excursion like this. Riding on an airboat while exploring the landscape surrounding the city is such a unique and once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
We still talk about our ride through the swamp; it was one of our favorite things we did during our last visit to New Orleans with our kids. They loved it! We saw alligators and learned lots of interesting history about New Orleans and the hurricanes that have hit the area.
▶️ BOOK New Orleans Airboat Tour
Events in New Orleans in April
You can bet there will be some amazing things going on in New Orleans in April. Sporting events, parades, and festivals, you never have to wonder what to do in New Orleans in April! Look to see if any of these events will take place during your vacation in New Orleans in April.
New Orleans April Festivals
French Quarter Festival
An annual tradition since 1984, The French Quarter Festival will take place April 11-14. This huge celebration brings locals and visitors together for a stellar line-up of live music and the best food the city can offer.
This is the party of the season, highlighting the food, music, art, and culture this beloved neighborhood has offered the country for so long.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Known by the locals as Jazz Fest, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is a massive celebration highlighting the cultural impact of Jazz and honoring the heritage of the music across generations in New Orleans. The festival will run from April 25 – May 5, 2024.
Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival
The Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival will occur at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve from April 12th to 14th. The festival’s celebration of delectable Louisiana seafood will be enhanced by live music and swamp tours, too!
This festival offers a great way to enjoy amazing food while noting New Orleans’ striking ecosystem.
NOLA Crawfish Festival
The NOLA Crawfish Festival is another springtime celebration, highlighting the amazing seafood this city offers, with some top-notch live music performances mixed in, too. The 3-day festival will take place April 29th-May 1st.
Overlook Film Festival
The Overlook Film Festival isn’t just any old film festival. You’ve got to be brave to join this party running April 4th through the 7th, honoring the best in horror films in the country’s most haunted city!
Sporting Events
New Orleans Pelicans
Do you like basketball? An NBA game always makes for a good time and getting a chance to watch the Pelicans on the court at the Smoothie King Center is a great way to spend an April day in New Orleans for basketball fans!
Check the team’s schedule to see if they will host any home games while you’re visiting in April in New Orleans.
What to Wear in New Orleans in April
You’ll want to dress cool for New Orleans in April weather. Expect the days to be warm, so think lightweight T-shirts and shorts. You could include a light sweatshirt or sweater, but nothing too heavy for your trip to New Orleans in April.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
The beginning of the year (save for Mardi Gras celebrations like Fat Tuesday) is typically the best time to visit New Orleans. January, March, and April are known for amazing weather and fewer crowds.
Hurricane Season in New Orleans
New Orleans is a colorful and entertaining place to visit. But given its Gulf Coast location, it’s important to highlight the city’s vulnerability to severe weather like hurricanes.
Hurricanes typically come through this portion of the country during the months of June to November. The highest activity usually happens in late August and early September. Keep this information in mind when traveling to New Orleans during this period.
Many travelers consider October and November as some of the best months to travel to NOLA, but we recommend planning your trip outside hurricane season.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans – Budget
⭐️ Rating 9.6/10 | 📍 Location: 820 Poydras St in New Orleans | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hotels in New Orleans. The rooms offer comfortable accommodations at a budget price. We love the convenient additions for family travel, like a microwave and refrigerator.
Cribs are available at no extra cost, and rollaway beds can be added for a surcharge. The outdoor pool is amazing, and the hotel is pet-friendly, too!
Friendly staff. Security measures are well in place. Walking distance to Jackson Square. And you can’t beat the dinner and breakfast provided.
– Daniel (Read More Reviews)
It’s always nice to have a restaurant and bar on-site so you don’t even have to leave the hotel to eat. It’s the complimentary breakfast buffet that really stole our hearts, though.
We have stayed at the Drury hotels on multiple occasions and always have a great experience at the hotels. We highly recommend this hotel for families traveling to New Orleans!
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans – Mid-Range
⭐️ Rating 8.4/10 |📍Location: 300 Bourbon St in New Orleans | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a fun and unique hotel in New Orleans. The ambiance here is strongly influenced by old-time plantation style mixed with some contemporary influences too.
Really central to everything but surprisingly quiet once you’re inside. Slept well and felt very comfortable.
– Rebecca (Read More Reviews)
This is one of the more expensive hotels in the area, but it’s money well spent as the rooms and property are clean and tastefully designed.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Audubon Cottages – Luxury
⭐️ Rating 9.6/10 | 📍Location: 509 Dauphine St in New Orleans | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Audubon Cottages is a comfortable and beautifully rustic-inspired place to stay in New Orleans. Beds in the cottages feature premium bedding, and the living areas include flat-screen TVs. We didn’t like that the cottages didn’t have microwaves or refrigerators.
Beautiful private property! The walkway through the front doors is breathtaking! Perfect location, not far from Bourbon St. Staff was amazing too, Brian and Jeffrey’s recommendations were worth the visit. We’ll definitely be returning.
– Amy (Read More Reviews)
We love that cribs and rollaway beds could be provided without an extra fee. The garden and outdoor pool are a great place to unwind from a long day exploring the city.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Audubon Cottages
April Travel Tips
Walk or Ride, Don’t Drive
During our time in New Orleans, we learned that the city is more easily navigated on foot than in a car. There are so many one-way and narrow streets that driving can be challenging for first-time visitors.
To make matters more stressful, pedestrians are everywhere, and parking is hard to come by, not to mention very expensive.
Overall, it’s more enjoyable and less stressful to explore the city on foot or via streetcars. Bike rentals are available throughout the city, too, so that’s always an option if that’s something your family would enjoy.
Transportation via ferry is another option if you want to explore a part of the city on the opposite side of the Mississippi River.
Avoid Staying in the French Quarter
Hotels in the French Quarter can be very expensive. We’ve found far more reasonable hotel accommodations just a few blocks outside of the Quarter. That way, you can still stay close to the action but have a bit more of your budget left for fun experiences.
FAQ: New Orleans in April
The weather in New Orleans in April is dreamy. April is one of the most comfortable months of the year to visit New Orleans. The temperatures typically fall somewhere between the high 70s to the mid-60s.
April is an excellent time to visit New Orleans. Given the enjoyable Gulf Coast weather and sparse crowds, visitors can fully enjoy the outdoor wonders of the city!
April is not included in hurricane season, so visitors won’t need to be concerned about that this month. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
New Orleans in April is lovely. The spring temperatures continue to warm, making for a comfortable climate. It’s a great time to escape to the Gulf Coast!
New Orleans is a great place to visit throughout the calendar year. That said, the best month to visit will depend on what type of New Orleans experience you want to have.
January and March are great months to visit, thanks to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, which often translates to cheaper flights and accommodations.
Conclusion: New Orleans in April
New Orleans is a city everyone should see at least once. We loved our time spent there and think you will too! From the lively ambiance and delicious cuisine to the historical significance and so much more, your family is sure to have a good time here.
So, whether you visit New Orleans in April or another month down the road, we hope it’s a trip to remember!
