May in New Orleans

May is the perfect month for visitors looking to experience all that New Orleans has to offer on a typical day. Filled with lovely weather, good crawfish and lots of options for sno-balls, one can eat their way through the city without breaking much of a sweat. Come for a special occasion such as Mother’s Day or the long weekend that Memorial Day provides.

Plan your May get away with the tips and tricks below.

What to do in May in New Orleans?

As we gear up for summertime in the Crescent City, May is the perfect month to enjoy a light breeze at an outdoor event or gathering before the weather begins to heat up. Here are the must-attend events + inspiration for May in New Orleans. 

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Experience even more Jazz Fest fun with one final weekend of performances, crafts, food, and culture. Planning a trip? Our Ultimate Guide to Jazz Fest is a great place to start. Come early to catch the Daze Between Festival at the Faubourg Brewery, and check out some of the Jazz Fest nightlife as the fest concludes. 

Bayou Boogaloo

Mid-City is where you should be in mid-May! Bayou Boogaloo is a Bayou St. John-based festival best known for its family-friendly fun, local food and craft vendors, and live music. The proceeds from Bayou Boogaloo are reinvested in the Bayou Saint John community.

More May Fun in New Orleans

Don’t forget to book your brunch reservations for Mother’s Day in New Orleans, grab a margarita at one of our locally-owned Hispanic eateries for Cinco De Mayo, enjoy Greek fare and great weather on the Bayou for Greek Fest, or pay a visit to the National World War II Museum for Memorial Day.

This is just a quick glimpse of what’s in store during the month of May, for more inspiration browse our event listings below, or check out our curated list of top things to do in May, which is usually updated about two months before May. 

What is the weather in May in New Orleans?

The best way to enjoy the May activities is to dress comfortably. While the heat of the summer is weeks away, it is best to dress in something light and airy to make your way through festivals and outings. May rain can come unexpectedly, so it would be beneficial to bring an umbrella. 

What foods should I try in May in New Orleans?

As the warm weather brings crowds flocking outside, the perfect New Orleans cuisine to enjoy is Red Beans & Rice. The Louisiana cuisine, typically served on Mondays, delivers the perfect blend of beans, vegetables, and spices. Red Beans & Rice is served at numerous restaurants throughout the city. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail as well such as a hurricane or absinthe frappe. Or, indulge in a sweet treat like a sno-ball. Be sure to enjoy a final few pounds of boiled crawfish as the peak season draws to a close. Want to try a variety of cuisines all at once? Check out the NOLA Food Fight, where top chefs and mixologists will compete for titles in Top Traditional Dish, Top Creative Dish, Top Vegetarian Dish, Top Classic Cocktail, and Top Creative Cocktail.

Additional May Resources

If you’re planning on booking a brunch for mom then browse some of our best brunch spots in the city.

Missed out on Bayou Boogaloo but still want a Bayou St. John experience? Our Guide to Bayou St. John has just what you need. 

As the month gets closer, you can also check out our curated guide to the top things to do in May in New Orleans.