Your Guide to Summer in New Orleans 2026

Q: What are the best things to do in New Orleans in summer to beat the heat?

New Orleans has no shortage of cool retreats . The National WWII Museum , the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art , and the Audubon Aquarium offer full days of climate-controlled exploration. The city's covered courtyards, historic hotels, and afternoon cocktail bars are equally good options when the afternoon sun peaks.

Because No City Does Summer Like New Orleans

Summer in New Orleans rewards visitors with a cultural depth no other American city can match. We do warmth differently here, and that goes beyond the weather. Longer days mean more time for exploration, and at night, the energy of the city fills the air like it's your own, personal guide ready to welcome you in the unforgettable and inimitable way that only she can.

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It's also a city that keeps raising its own bar. A new generation of chefs, musicians, and businesses have layered even more life into neighborhoods that were already overflowing with character and history. The French Quarter is still iconic as ever. But Bywater is buzzing, the Warehouse Arts District has never felt more alive, and Frenchmen Street after dark remains one of the strongest arguments for booking a flight you'll find anywhere.

This summer, be a part of her story and have the kind of trip you talk about for years to come.

Explore More With the Good Times Pass

The Official Attractions Pass of New Orleans - Six Attractions, One Price.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Interior Render - 2023

Top Summer Festivals in NOLA

The Best New Restaurants in New Orleans

Image Courtesy of Spicy Mango

NOLA's Most Iconic Restaurants

In a city known for its food, it's hard to go wrong when choosing a restaurant. But if you’re looking for the classics, these 15 are not to be missed.

Foodie's Guide to New Orleans

When you come to New Orleans, come hungry. After all, New Orleans is one of the best cities to eat in America, and these are the things you can't miss.

Friends share raw oysters, crab, and other chilled seafood as part of the seafood Plateau at Delacroix

Off-the-Beaten-Path Eats and Drinks

Want to know where the locals eat in New Orleans? These are just some of our top picks for off-the-beaten-path dining and drinking in New Orleans, organized by neighborhood.

Classic New Orleans Cocktails

From sazeracs to gin fizzes, here are some of the city’s most iconic cocktails and the best places to order them.

Summertime Sweets and Treats

Cool down with our favorite chilly summer sweets, like the iconic sno-ball.

Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.

10 Reasons to Visit New Orleans This Summer

Summer Family Travel in New Orleans

Looking for a truly unique and unforgettable family vacation? Immerse yourself and your kids in the flavors, sounds, and culture of New Orleans this summer.

35 Free Things to do this Summer

From free concerts to the best places for people-watching, enjoy New Orleans on a budget by partaking in these free summertime activities.

Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary

Planning a quick getaway to New Orleans, but not sure where to start? We've broken down your essential 3 days here.

The Best Indoor Activities

Don't let the weather rain on your parade–see our neighborhood-by-neighborhood plan for our favorite inside attractions and activities in New Orleans.

Streetcar Itineraries by Route

Hop aboard a piece of living history–the New Orleans streetcar. Find museums, dining, parks, and more.

Streetcars Roll Along Canal Street - Downtown New Orleans

Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.

Getting Around New Orleans without a Car

No car? No problem. New Orleans is incredibly walkable, and the area around the Superdome and Super…

New Orleans for First Time Visitors

From beignets at Café du Monde to cruising on the Mississippi River, here’s everything…

On this Sunday brunch cruise, travel along the Mississippi River while enjoying live jazz music and savoring a lovely buffet brunch, if option selected. Otherwise, sit inside in one of our elegantly appointed decks or sit outside on one of our outdoor decks and enjoy the sites and breezes of the Mississippi River. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat will whisk you away to the romance and ambiance of yesteryear. The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Upgrade your ticket to include the brunch buffet.

Must-See New Orleans Attractions

From historic mansions to quirky museums, explore the city’s unmissable attractions

New Orleans Tours for Every Traveler

Explore the swamps, see the neighborhoods of New Orleans, hop on a bike, or get spooky in a…

Zip NOLA is New Orleans' and the World's FIRST ever fully aquatic swamp zipline! With over a half mile of ziplines and suspension bridges spanning the Maurepas Swamp, Zip NOLA is the premier activity for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike. View swamp critters and the amazing swamp ecosystem from the comfort of the moss covered cypress treetops! Zip NOLA’s facility has many amenities including a 1200 sq ft gift shop with the latest and greatest New Orleans souvenirs, gifts, and snack/beverage items. Our shop also boasts a phenomenal enclosure for our baby alligators and turtles! We also have spacious restrooms, locker storage, green space picnic area, and an expansive 2000 sq ft elevated seating area overlooking the beautiful cypress-filled Maurepas Swamp. Guests can take in breathtaking sights of moss covered cypress swamp, while they also view the many wildlife that frequent the area. Alligators can be readily seen, as well as a plethora of other swamp critters!

Our Favorite Hotel Pools

People relax by the pool at the Hotel St. Vincent, a boutqiue hotel in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans

Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

Paul Costello, The Celestine

New Orleans MICHELIN Key Hotels

A woman in a white dress moves through a guest room at the upscale New Orleans boutique hotel Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny.

Brie Williams, Courtesy of Hotel Peter & Paul

June in New Orleans

June in New Orleans is meant for lively celebrations, refreshing bites and tons of excuses to explore.

July in New Orleans

From ESSENCE and Independence Day to cocktails and the running of the bulls, there’s so much to experience in July in NOLA.

August in New Orleans

August in New Orleans is filled with exclusive deals, one-of-a-kind festivals and warm weather perfect for a Labor Day weekend getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New Orleans in the Summer

Is New Orleans worth visiting in the summer?

Yes. While summer brings warm temperatures and humidity, it also delivers a packed festival calendar, competitive hotel rates, and the full rhythm of the city's music and food scene. Many visitors find that summer, with its long evenings and lively outdoor culture, is one of the most rewarding times to experience New Orleans.

What is the weather like in New Orleans in the summer?

Summer temperatures in New Orleans typically range from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, with high humidity from June through August. Afternoon rain showers are common and usually brief. Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and a willingness to duck into an air-conditioned museum, bar, or restaurant are all highly recommended.

What are the best summer festivals in New Orleans?

New Orleans hosts several major events across the summer season. Standouts include the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in July, Tales of the Cocktail in July, Satchmo SummerFest in August, and Tipitina's Free Fridays running throughout the summer. Sail250 opens the season in late May and early June.

What is the New Orleans Good Times Pass?

The New Orleans Good Times Pass is an attraction pass that bundles admission to six of the city's top destinations, including the National WWII Museum and the Audubon Aquarium at one combined price. It's designed for visitors who want to cover significant cultural ground without purchasing individual tickets for each stop.

What are the best things to do in New Orleans in summer to beat the heat?

New Orleans has no shortage of cool retreats. The National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Audubon Aquarium offer full days of climate-controlled exploration. The city's covered courtyards, historic hotels, and afternoon cocktail bars are equally good options when the afternoon sun peaks.