Mardi Gras in March
Great time to visit
March delivers New Orleans at its most livable - warm days, cool nights, and the post-Mardi Gras calm. The city exhales after February's intensity, making it ideal for actually experiencing the culture beyond the party scene.
Weather
March brings spring warmth without summer's oppressive humidity. Temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s with cool evenings perfect for patio dining. Occasional spring storms roll through, but they pass quickly and leave fresh air behind.
23°C high13°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$220/day average
Events & Festivals
- •St. Patrick's Day parade
- •Spring Equinox
- •French Quarter Festival prep
March Tips
- •Post-Mardi Gras hotel deals start appearing mid-month
- •Perfect weather for walking tours of the Garden District
- •Restaurant reservations get easier after the Mardi Gras exodus
All Months
Mardi Gras 2026 falls on March 4th, with the season officially starting January 6th. The final two weeks pack the biggest parades and highest prices—hotel rates triple and restaurants require reservations weeks out. Arrive the weekend before Fat Tuesday for maximum chaos, or come mid-January for smaller parades and better deals. Weather in February and March swings wildly—pack layers for 40-degree mornings and 75-degree afternoons. Rain happens, and it turns parade routes into mud pits. Thursday through Tuesday of Mardi Gras week offers the premium experience: Endymion on Saturday, Bacchus on Sunday, then Proteus, Orpheus, and Zulu leading up to Fat Tuesday. But if crowds stress you out, visit the first weekend of February when families dominate and the vibe stays mellow.
Mardi Gras Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
6/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
6/10
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