New Orleans weather in May
May in New Orleans averages 85°F by day and 71°F at night, with 4.9 inches of precipitation. It is the 5th-warmest and 6th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 85°F+7° vs April
- Average low
- 71°F0 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 4.9 in5 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 0.0 in6 days at 90°F+
Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
May is pleasant by day, but it is one of the wetter months. The most comfortable months overall are February and October to November.
What to do in New Orleans in May
Mix it up: New Orleans Museum of Art, Audubon Zoo, City Park, Old Ursuline Convent. All things to do in New Orleans.
On May 15 the sun rises at 6:07 am and sets at 7:46 pm, giving 13h 39m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for New Orleans in May
- Summer clothes, with a light layer for air conditioning
- An umbrella or rain jacket
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
May nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 85°F | 71°F | 4.9 in | |
| Metairie, LA | 5 mi | 85°F | 69°F | 5.6 in |
| Gulfport, MS | 68 mi | 84°F | 66°F | 4.7 in |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 71 mi | 86°F | 65°F | 5.2 in |
| Lafayette, LA | 118 mi | 86°F | 67°F | 5.4 in |
| Mobile, AL | 128 mi | 85°F | 64°F | 5.4 in |
| Jackson, MS | 162 mi | 84°F | 62°F | 4.4 in |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in New Orleans in May?
In May, New Orleans averages a high of 85°F and a low of 71°F, with 4.9 inches of precipitation (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
May is mild by day but wetter than ideal, with 4.9 inches of rain.
Does it snow in New Orleans in May?
Rarely. The May snowfall normal is under half an inch.
Before and after: New Orleans in April and New Orleans in June. All twelve months: New Orleans weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station New Orleans Lakefront Airport, LA, 7.1 miles from the city center.