Honestly, if you’re looking at the New Orleans 10 day forecast right now, you might be a little confused. One minute you're seeing a low of 34°F and the next it's a humid 76°F. That’s basically January in the Crescent City for you. It’s not just "winter"—it’s a weird, damp, oscillating season where the Gulf of Mexico decides to fight with cold fronts from the north every other afternoon.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the city is sitting under a light rain with a temperature of 47°F. But that's just the start of a wild ride over the next week and a half.
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The Cold Snap and the Quick Thaw
We’re kicking things off with a legitimate chill. Sunday and Monday are going to be gorgeous but crisp. You’ve got highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s, and Monday morning is looking at a low of 35°F.
If you're heading out for a walk in the Garden District, you’ll want more than just a sweater.
By mid-week, the script flips. Tuesday starts the transition with clouds moving in, and by Wednesday, January 21, we're back to "light rain" territory with a high of 66°F. That’s a nearly 20-degree jump in daytime highs in just a couple of days.
Rain and Humidity: The Real Story
The second half of the New Orleans 10 day forecast is where things get sticky. Literally. Humidity is expected to climb from a comfortable 36% on Sunday all the way up to 85% by Sunday, January 25.
When people talk about New Orleans rain, they usually mean those quick, intense bursts. However, the forecast for Saturday, January 24, shows a 75% chance of rain with a high of 76°F. That is a classic "muggy" New Orleans day.
Why the Wind Direction Matters
Keep an eye on where the wind is coming from.
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- North/Northwest winds (like we have now at 13-14 mph) bring that dry, biting cold.
- Southeast/East winds (coming later in the week) act like a vacuum, pulling moisture off the Gulf.
Basically, if the wind is coming from the south or east, pack your umbrella and expect your hair to do its own thing.
What This Means for Your Plans
If you're in town for the early Carnival vibes—like the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival or the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus on Saturday the 24th—you’re going to be dealing with some wet weather.
Chewbacchus is a walking parade. Rain at 76°F isn't freezing, but it makes those elaborate sci-fi costumes a lot harder to manage. If you're going to be on the route, honestly, just wear the poncho. Umbrellas in a parade crowd are a recipe for a bad time.
For those catching Hadestown at the Saenger or the Black Jacket Symphony on Friday the 23rd, the evening looks like it’ll hold steady around 54°F with some light rain.
Breaking Down the Next 10 Days
You don't need a table to see the trend. It starts cold and dry, gets warmer and wetter, then dips back down.
Sunday is sunny with a high of 49°F. Monday stays sunny but reaches 57°F. Tuesday turns cloudy at 55°F. Wednesday through Friday sees temperatures climbing from 66°F to 72°F with increasing rain chances. The peak warmth hits Saturday at 76°F, followed by a cool down back into the 50s by the following Monday.
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Survival Tips for NOLA Weather
Don't trust the thermometer alone. A 47°F night in New Orleans feels way colder than a 47°F night in a dry climate like Denver. The moisture in the air gets into your bones.
- The Three-Layer Rule: A base shirt, a light fleece or sweater, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell.
- Footwear Choice: The streets in the French Quarter are uneven and get slick when wet. Skip the flip-flops if rain is in the forecast.
- UV Index is sneaky: Even on a "mostly cloudy" day like Friday the 23rd, the UV index is still around a 2 or 3. You won't fry, but if you're out all day, it adds up.
New Orleans weather is moody. It’s part of the charm, sort of. Just check the sky before you leave the hotel, and maybe keep a light jacket tied around your waist. You'll thank yourself when that north wind kicks back in on the 26th.
Actionable Insights:
Check your specific parade or event schedule against the rain percentages for the 24th and 25th. If you're attending an outdoor event like the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival, have a "Plan B" for footwear that can handle mud or puddles, as local parks can get soft quickly after a 75% chance of rain day. For the colder nights early in the week, ensure your accommodation has functioning heating, as some older historic rentals can be drafty during those 34°F lows.