You've probably heard that New Orleans is basically a tropical swamp where it’s always 90 degrees with 100% humidity. Honestly, that's only true about eight months of the year. If you’re looking at the weather forecast New Orleans hourly for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’re in for a shock. It is cold. Like, actually cold.
Right now, the mercury is sitting at a crisp 43°F. But don't let that number fool you. With a 10 mph wind coming straight out of the northwest, the "feels like" temperature is a biting 37°F.
New Orleans cold is a different kind of beast. It’s a damp, bone-chilling cold that cuts right through a light sweater. If you're walking through the French Quarter this morning, you'll see locals bundled up in heavy coats and scarves, looking a bit confused by the lack of humidity. Speaking of which, the humidity is sitting at an unusually low 34%. It's a dry, sunny day—a rare treat for a city that usually feels like a sauna.
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The Breakdown: Today’s Hourly Vibe
The sun is out, but it’s not doing much heavy lifting. We’re looking at a high of only 49°F for the entire day.
- Morning: We started in the high 30s and low 40s.
- Afternoon: Expect a peak around 49°F. It’ll be sunny, so if you find a spot out of the wind, it might actually feel decent.
- Evening: As soon as that sun dips, the temperature is going to tank. We’re heading toward a low of 36°F tonight.
There is zero percent chance of rain today. Zip. Nada. That’s the silver lining. You can leave the umbrella at home, but you’ll definitely want the heavy jacket.
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Why the "Feels Like" Matters So Much Here
In New Orleans, the wind and the moisture (or lack thereof) change everything. Usually, our humidity makes the heat feel hotter and the cold feel colder. Today, the air is dry, but that 10-11 mph northwest wind is the real culprit. It’s sweeping across the lake and through the concrete canyons of the CBD, making 43°F feel like you're standing in a refrigerator.
Most visitors see "sunny" and "49 degrees" and think a light hoodie will suffice. Big mistake. Huge. Without the sun’s direct rays, the air is sharp. If you’re planning on a late-night stroll to grab beignets, keep in mind that the clear skies mean all the day's heat is going to escape straight into the atmosphere.
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Survival Tips for a Cold New Orleans Day
- Layers are your best friend. Start with a base layer, add a sweater, and top it with a wind-blocking jacket.
- Watch the wind. If you're dining outside, pick a spot with a windbreak. A sunny courtyard is great, but a wind-whipped sidewalk is a recipe for shivering.
- Hydrate anyway. Even though it’s not hot, that 34% humidity will dry you out faster than you realize.
- Protect the plants. If you’re a local, you already know the drill. 36°F is close enough to freezing that those tropical ferns might need a move inside or a burlap blanket.
The UV index is hitting a 4 today. It sounds low, but with clear skies, you can still get a bit of a burn if you're out all day. Wear the sunscreen even if you’re wearing a coat.
Basically, today is a perfect day for a bowl of gumbo or a hot café au lait. The city looks beautiful under a clear blue sky, just make sure you’re dressed for the wind chill.
Next Steps for Today:
If you are heading out, check your window for movement in the trees—that northwest wind is consistent. Plan to be indoors or in a sheltered area by sunset (around 5:20 PM) to avoid the rapid temperature drop into the 30s.