New Orleans in March: Weather, What to Do, and Tips for Visitors in 2024
LOOKING TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS IN MARCH?
You have come to the right place! Our family has visited New Orleans in March and had a great experience during our time there. We quickly learned why this city is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States! The weather wasn’t too hot and we found plenty of things to do there with our family.
March in New Orleans is an exceptional time to visit. Comfortable spring temperatures and a festival season that comes into full swing this month attracts a fair amount of tourists to New Orleans in March. But don’t worry, the crowds won’t spoil your family vacation to the Gulf Coast.
Overall, given the weather in New Orleans in March and all the special events that take place to usher in spring, this month is a great time of year to explore all the wonders of this great city.
New Orleans Weather in March
With spring around the corner, the weather in March warms up quickly. New Orleans’ monthly weather temperatures in March increased an average of 10 degrees from January’s temperatures and 6 degrees warmer than New Orleans in February.
Visitors can expect this warming trend to continue throughout September.
Temperature in New Orleans in March
In March, the average high temperature in New Orleans will reach nearly 71° Fahrenheit. In the evenings, temperatures in New Orleans drop to around 58° Fahrenheit on average.
- Average high temperature in New Orleans in March: 71° Fahrenheit
- Average low temperature in New Orleans in March: 58° 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 March
There’s so much to do in New Orleans in March! This lively Gulf Coast city is full of fun and interesting places to explore. Whether you’re a family of history buffs, foodies, or ghost hunters, there are hundreds of ways to spend time in this fascinating city.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to visit in New Orleans in March!
Explore The French Quarter
The French Quarter is often thought of as the heart of New Orleans. There’s so much to be learned about the history of the city in this portion of town. We recommend taking a self-guided tour of this area and enjoying special sites like Jackson Square.
If you like jazz, this should be a must-visit spot for you. The French Quarter is one of the best places to visit to enjoy the musical styles of street performers. Though this is definitely a touristy area, the live music helps offer visitors a real feel of what New Orleans is all about.
We really enjoyed the local musicians and live performances during our stroll through the French Quarter, as well as the beautiful artwork on display.
If you’re interested in checking off visits to historical landmarks while in town, we would highly recommend stopping by St. Louis Cathedral. It’s the oldest cathedral in North America. Not the only structure worth mentioning, the city is full of stunning 18th-century buildings that feel like walking into the past.
And, of course, don’t forget to add Bourbon Street to your New Orleans itinerary. If you’re a traveler who enjoys the nightlife, you’ll love this area of town. It’s full of jazz clubs with a party atmosphere to keep you dancing all night.
Anyone with reservations about visiting New Orleans should know that the French Quarter is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. This is predominantly due to its massive tourist presence.
That said, be mindful of the time of day you decide to visit. This area can be fun to peruse during the day, but we do not recommend visiting this area at night. Petty crimes are common in this area, especially in the evening.
Explore The Garden District
Those looking to move beyond the French Quarter should plan a gorgeous stroll through the Garden District of New Orleans. The oak tree-lined streets and lovely gardens are charming to behold, especially when compared to the creepy mansions in this part of town.
The Garden District is certainly another portion of town that exemplifies the historic nature of this interesting city.
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.
Those inspired by art should stop by Zele NOLA and the Speilman Gallery in this neighborhood, too.
New Orleans Tours
New Orleans Food Tours
We all know New Orleans’ reputation in connection to Mardi Gras and voodoo, but its unique cuisine is often overlooked. Whether you visit a cafe to devour a PoBoy or a beignet or splurge at a fancy seafood restaurant on some crawfish and jambalaya, there are so many unique dishes to savor in this city.
New Orleans food tours are one of the best ways to taste all of what this town has to offer. We love the structure of these tours because they provide not only a chance to enjoy delicious food but also experience the highlights of the city with a highly experienced guide. You’ll leave with a full belly and a new appreciation for the wonders of the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or are new to the game and just want to sample the city’s flavors, there’s bound to be a perfect tour for your needs. You can’t go wrong with a standard food tour in this city, but if you’re looking for more, several tour options offer a more specialized experience.
For instance, adults looking for some age-appropriate fun might enjoy a food and bar crawl food tour. It’s a fun way to explore the city’s flavors while enjoying the nightlife. Families traveling with younger children can’t go wrong with a donut and beignet-inspired tour! It’s like a sugar rush just thinking about it!
New Orleans Cemetery Tours
Travelers fascinated by the mysterious and spooky nature of the city travel from around the world to explore the shadowy and paranormal side of New Orleans. There’s no better way to experience this side of the city than onboard one of the New Orleans cemetery tours.
The best thing about these tours is that they have a wide variety of coverage. Maybe you want to take a tour but don’t want to break the bank or spend all day on a tour bus – there are budget-friendly and relatively quick tour options.
As well as more in-depth and investigative tours for those really invested in diving deeper into the dark underbelly and spooky history of the city.
There are several different variations of cemetery tours to choose from. Some of them are packaged with a walking tour of the French Quarter or other parts of the city, which is a fun way to see multiple sides of the city through one tour.
Other tours offer a more in-depth exploration of specific cemeteries, some of which cannot be explored privately but only with the tour group.
Remember that families with young children don’t have to sit an experience like this out. Just be sure to choose a more basic tour that keeps the content family-friendly.
▶️ BOOK New Orleans Cemetery Tour
Creole Queen Riverboat Ride
The raging Mississippi River is a famous feature of the landscape of New Orleans. One of our most memorable New Orleans experiences was onboard a Creole Queen river boat tour. We had such a fun time relaxing on the boat, listening to live Jazz music, and taking in the beautiful sites of New Orleans.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner cruise out on the water or a historically informative guide of the city from a riverboat, definitely consider adding a tour like this to your New Orleans itinerary.
New Orleans Airboat Tours
While many travelers make their way to New Orleans to explore the city scene, there are many mysteries and wonders to be discovered in the swamps and bayous surrounding the city. 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.
An excursion like this is such a unique and once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Not only is a tour like this a great way to spend a fun couple of hours out on the water, but the experience of riding on an airboat in and of itself is awesome. A tour like this is one of the best things you could try on a visit to New Orleans.
Our ride through the swamp was one of our favorite things we did during our last visit to New Orleans. My kids got so excited every time we saw an alligator and we 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 March
There are always things going on in New Orleans in March. Sporting events, parades, and festivals, you never have to wonder what to do in New Orleans in March! Look to see if any of these events will take place during your vacation in New Orleans in March.
New Orleans March Festivals
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival & New Orleans Literary Festival
Avid readers, theater fans, and literary-minded folks in general will be flocking to New Orleans in March for the Tennessee Williams Festival & New Orleans Literary Festivals. The combined events take place March 20 – 24, 2024.
Attendees can expect panel discussions, keynote speeches, and readings by playwrights, authors, actors, and other literary figures throughout this annual event. It’s bound to be an interesting and insightful exploration of the work of Tennessee Williams, who once called New Orleans his home.
Wednesday at the Square Music Festival
Wednesday at the Square Music Festival is a weekly music festival that kicks off each year at the beginning of March and runs through early May. If you’re able to time things right, you could be present for the festival’s triumphant return in March 2024 and party with the locals.
This weekly concert features some of the area’s most well-known artists and showcases music as wide-ranging as New Orleans Jazz to swamp pop. The festivities take place at Lafayette Square and are free and open to the public.
Irish Channel Parade
The Irish Channel Parade is the perfect way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in New Orleans. This St Patrick’s Day parade is a major event, complete with festive floats and marching bands. The festive procession will make a loop throughout the Garden District, beginning at the corner of Felicity and Magazine Streets, blasting lots of Irish music all along the way.
Attendees are encouraged to wear lots of green and whatever other St. Patrick’s Day-inspired apparel they’ve got on hand to this annual celebration.
Sporting Events
New Orleans Pelicans
Attending a sporting event is always a fun way to experience a new city. 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 a March 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 March in New Orleans.
What to Wear in New Orleans in March
Think early spring attire when packing for New Orleans in March weather. Expect the days to be comfortably warm, so don’t pack anything too heavy for your trip to New Orleans in March.
A light sweater or sweatshirt could come in handy during slightly cooler evenings.
A rain jacket and umbrella are good items to consider, too. NOLA in March averages around 5″ of rain throughout the month, mostly in spotty showers throughout the day.
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
We all know the city of New Orleans is lively and entertaining, but also that its Gulf Coast location makes the city more vulnerable to severe weather like hurricanes.
Historically speaking, hurricanes are most likely to strike throughout the months of June to November, with the height of activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Travel to New Orleans during this period should not be taken lightly.
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 New Orleans hotels to offer stellar accommodations at a budget price. The rooms are comfortable and feature some of the nicest additions for family travel, like a microwave and refrigerator.
We also love that cribs are available at no extra cost, and rollaway beds can be added for a surcharge.
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)
There’s a restaurant and bar on-site, but it’s the complimentary breakfast buffet that seals the deal for us. The outdoor pool is amazing, and the hotel is pet-friendly, too!
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 one of the most fun and unique places to stay in New Orleans. This hotel’s decor is strongly influenced by old-time plantation style mixed with some modern touches.
Really central to everything but surprisingly quiet once you’re inside. Slept well and felt very comfortable.
– Rebecca (Read More Reviews)
The hotel rates here will run a bit higher than some other hotels in the area, but the rooms and entire property are clean and tastefully designed. If you don’t mind spending more money for a fun ambiance, it’s a wonderful place to stay.
▶️ 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. Our biggest disappointment with this spot is that it doesn’t provide microwaves or refrigerators in the cottages.
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 the cottages here can be equipped with cribs and rollaway beds without an extra fee. The garden and outdoor pool provide a lovely landscape to enjoy while unwinding from a long day exploring the city.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Audubon Cottages
March Travel Tips
Walk or Ride, Don’t Drive
From experience, we’ve learned that the city is more easily navigated on foot than in a car. This city has many one-way and narrow streets that can be hard to navigate for first-time visitors. Due to the high volume of visitors, pedestrians are everywhere, and parking is hard to come by, not to mention very expensive.
We’ve found it’s more enjoyable to explore the city on foot or via streetcars, as well as buses, which are available for public transportation. Bike rentals are available at your fingertips as well if your family is old enough and equipped for it. Cruising around on two wheels is a pretty cool way to explore the city.
Transportation via ferry is another option if you find yourself interested in exploring a part of the city on the opposite side of the Mississippi River.
Avoid Staying in the French Quarter
When it comes to travel, we prefer to spend our budget on experiences rather than accommodations. Given its location in the center of town, hotels in the French Quarter tend to be more expensive.
You can still stay close to the action and save money at the same time if you stay a few blocks outside of the quarter.
FAQ: New Orleans in March
The weather in New Orleans in March is wonderful. Temperature-wise, March is one of the most comfortable months of the year. The temperatures typically fall somewhere between the low 70s to the high 50s.
March is a nice time to visit New Orleans. The Gulf Coast weather is enjoyable, and there are so many fun things to do. Aside from the standard landmarks and attractions, there are some fun festivals happening during this month, too!
There’s no need to worry about hurricanes during this time of year, as March does not fall during hurricane season in New Orleans. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, with the height of activity typically falling from late August to early September.
We recommend keeping hurricane season in mind and planning around it whenever possible when planning a trip to New Orleans.
New Orleans in March is fun, with lots of exciting festivals and events happening. And as the winter season recedes, the temperatures continue to warm, making for a comfortable climate.
Most of the country is still fairly cold during this month leading into the spring season, so it’s a great time to escape the cold temperatures and enjoy 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 exactly 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 March
We loved our time spent in New Orleans and think you will too! From the colorful culture and good food to the history and so much more, it’s tough not to have a good time here.
So, whether you decide to visit New Orleans in March or another month down the road, we hope it’s a trip to remember!
