Mardi Gras in May
Good time to visit
Jazz Fest dominates May, bringing music lovers from around the world and driving prices through the roof. The heat becomes serious business, but the music makes it worthwhile. Just prepare to sweat and spend.
Weather
May brings the heat in earnest with temperatures pushing 80°F and humidity that makes everything sticky. Afternoon thunderstorms become routine - sudden, violent, and brief. The air conditioning starts running constantly in hotels and restaurants.
29°C high20°C low10 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$280/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- •Greek Festival
- •Memorial Day weekend
May Tips
- •Jazz Fest means hotel prices spike - book early or stay in Metairie
- •Start activities early to beat afternoon heat and storms
- •Hydrate constantly - the humidity is no joke
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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