If you’re looking at the two week weather forecast New Orleans is showing right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of 50s and 60s and thinking, "Oh, that’s mild."
Hold that thought.
New Orleans weather is a bit of a trickster, especially in January. Today, January 15, 2026, we’ve got a crisp, sunny sky with a high of 52°F, but that north wind makes it feel more like 39°F. If you are packing for a trip or just trying to plan your grocery run, don't let the "sunny" icons fool you. This city doesn't do dry cold; it does "gets under your fingernails" cold because of the swamp-adjacent humidity.
The 14-Day Outlook: Rollercoasters and Rain Gear
Right now, the mid-month stretch looks like a classic Louisiana seesaw.
Tomorrow, Friday the 16th, we’re actually jumping up to 68°F. That sounds great, right? It is, until the clouds move in Friday night. By Saturday, the temperature starts sliding back down. We’re looking at a high of only 54°F on Saturday with some light rain rolling through.
What to expect for the rest of the week
The real chill hits early next week. Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20) are going to be some of the coldest days of this stretch. We’re talking lows around 36°F. There’s even a slight 5% chance of some frozen precipitation—don't call it snow yet, usually it's just "sleet-ish" stuff—on Tuesday morning.
Honestly, the "warmer" weather doesn't really return until the following weekend. By Friday, January 23, the mercury climbs back into the 70s. But NOLA rules apply: when it gets warm in January, it usually gets wet. We’re tracking a heavy rain system for Sunday, January 25, with a 75% chance of precipitation.
Why the "Feels Like" Temp is the Only Number That Matters
I’ve seen tourists walk down Royal Street in light windbreakers when it’s 55 degrees and look absolutely miserable.
In a desert, 55 is light-sweater weather. In the Crescent City, that 56% humidity (which will spike to 92% by next Sunday) turns the air into a wet blanket. It pulls the heat right out of your skin.
🔗 Read more: Why Gold Coast OOL Coolangatta Airport is Basically the Chillest Entry Into Australia
Pro tip on layering
- Base Layer: Something moisture-wicking. Even when it's cold, you might sweat walking into a packed jazz club.
- Mid Layer: A wool sweater or a decent fleece.
- Outer Shell: This must be windproof. The wind off the Mississippi River is no joke.
Rain, Drainage, and the Sunday "Washout"
Looking ahead to the second half of this two week weather forecast New Orleans is dealing with, the January 25th system is the one to watch.
The National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans office recently noted that while we’ve been in a bit of a drought (D1/D2 levels), our urban drainage systems still struggle with "heavy" events. If that Sunday forecast holds at 75% precipitation with heavy rain potential, expect some of those classic street puddles that look like small lakes.
Basically, if you’re driving a low-slung sedan, stay off the side streets in Mid-City if it starts pouring.
The Weirdness of "King's Day" Aftermath
We are deep into Carnival season now. Since King’s Day on January 6th, the city has been in a steady rhythm of king cakes and parade prep. The weather for the next 14 days is crucial for the krewes building floats in dens that aren't exactly climate-controlled.
The cooler, drier air coming Monday (Jan 19) is actually a blessing for the artists. High humidity makes paint and papier-mâché take forever to dry.
Actionable Steps for Your NOLA Visit
If you're here for the next two weeks, do these three things:
- Check the NOLA Ready Alerts: Text "NOLAREADY" to 77295. If a freak thunderstorm or a freeze warning pops up, you'll know before your weather app even refreshes.
- Footwear Strategy: Bring leather boots or waterproof shoes. Canvas sneakers are a death sentence for your comfort once the sidewalk puddles form on January 17th or 25th.
- The "Vegas" Rule: Treat the 14-day forecast like a suggestion, not a law. New Orleans weather is influenced by the Gulf of Mexico, which is notoriously moody. A front can stall or speed up by 12 hours easily.
Keep an eye on the Friday night transition into Saturday. That's when the "warm and sunny" vibe flips into "grey and chilly." If you've got outdoor plans, Friday afternoon is your golden window before the rain chances start creeping up.
Stay dry, keep a coat handy, and maybe grab an extra slice of king cake to keep your internal temperature up.