So, you’re looking at the extended weather forecast New Orleans Louisiana and wondering if you should pack that heavy coat or just a light hoodie. Honestly, New Orleans in January is a total gamble. One minute you’re sipping a daiquiri in 70-degree sunshine, and the next, a damp chill rolls off the Mississippi River that makes 40 degrees feel like absolute zero.
The humidity here doesn't just make summers sticky. It makes winters "heavy."
Right now, we are looking at a classic South Louisiana seesaw. If you’re heading out today, January 16, 2026, it’s actually gorgeous. We’re hitting a high of 69°F. But don't let that fool you into leaving your jacket at the hotel. Tonight, things take a turn. The temperature is going to bottom out at 39°F, and there’s a 35% chance of light rain moving in after dark.
Why the 10-day outlook is basically a mood ring
Planning a week out in NOLA is kinda like trying to predict which bead a float rider is going to throw at you. It’s chaotic. Tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, the high drops significantly to 55°F. It'll be cloudy, maybe a bit gloomy, with a 20% chance of rain throughout the day and night.
If you're sticking around for the start of next week, the extended weather forecast New Orleans Louisiana shows a bit of a rebound.
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- Sunday, Jan 18: Crisp and sunny. High of 51°F, low of 38°F.
- Monday, Jan 19: Perfect walking weather. High of 59°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Partly sunny and 55°F.
Basically, the air stays cool and dry for a few days before the "Gulf moisture" decides to crash the party again. By Thursday, January 22, we are back into the 70s, but that warmth comes with a price: rising humidity and a 35% chance of rain by that night.
The Mardi Gras factor and long-range vibes
People always ask about the "real" winter. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac and local trends, the Deep South is expected to see its coldest snaps in late January and early February 2026. While we aren't exactly looking at a blizzard, the end of this month might bring some legit "colder" air.
If you are tracking the extended weather forecast New Orleans Louisiana for early Carnival season, keep an eye on the weekend of January 24. We're looking at a high of 71°F, which sounds great for a parade, but there is a massive 75% chance of rain that night. Southwest winds at 8 mph will be pushing that moisture in fast.
Real talk on what to wear
Layers aren't just a suggestion here; they are a survival strategy.
New Orleans weather is famously fickle. You’ll want a base layer that breathes because when the sun hits the pavement in the French Quarter, it gets warm fast. But once you step into the shade of those balconies or the sun goes down, that 12 mph south wind will remind you it’s still January.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is bringing a massive, bulky parka. You’ll just end up carrying it while you walk through Garden District. Instead, grab a stylish trench or a leather jacket. Something that cuts the wind but won't make you overheat when you're ducking in and out of jazz clubs on Frenchman Street.
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Actionable steps for your trip
Check the hourly forecast specifically for the "RealFeel." In New Orleans, the humidity often makes the 55°F Saturday feel much closer to 48°F.
- Pack an umbrella that can handle 15-20 mph gusts. Cheap ones flip inside out the second you turn a corner onto Canal Street.
- Waterproof shoes are non-negotiable. Puddles in the Quarter are... let's just say they aren't always pure rainwater.
- Monitor the Sunday, Jan 25 shift. The wind is expected to kick up to 17 mph from the northwest, which usually signals a "Blue Norther" or a cold front clearing the humidity out.
The extended weather forecast New Orleans Louisiana is looking like a mix of spring-like warmth and sharp winter bites. It’s a bit of a mess, but hey, that’s just life in the Crescent City.
Stay dry and keep a sweater handy.