Mardi Gras in November
Good time to visit
November brings New Orleans weather at its absolute finest - warm days, cool nights, and minimal rain. Crowds remain manageable while temperatures make every activity enjoyable. This might be the city's secret best month.
Weather
November delivers perfect New Orleans weather with temperatures in the comfortable 70s and low humidity. Cool fronts push through regularly, bringing crisp, clear days. Rain becomes infrequent, making this one of the most pleasant months for outdoor activities.
23°C high12°C low5 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$190/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Thanksgiving celebrations
- •Po-boy Festival
- •Bonfires on the Levee
November Tips
- •Perfect weather for French Quarter walking tours
- •Thanksgiving week brings moderate crowds and decent hotel deals
- •Po-boy Festival showcases the city's sandwich culture
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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