New Orleans in November: weather, events and what to know

November is one of the best months to visit New Orleans: the heat and humidity ease, hurricane season ends on November 30, and festivals and football fill the calendar. Clocks fell back on November 1, so evenings start earlier. The big crowd driver is Thanksgiving weekend and the Bayou Classic.

Updated 2026-11-01

November at a glance

Typical temperatures: Highs in the low 70s °F, lows in the low 50s (approximate)
Rain: Moderate, usually in passing fronts; heavy downpours can still flood streets
Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is around 5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Crowd level: Medium, high on Thanksgiving weekend
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Weather in New Orleans in November and what to pack

Days are comfortable for walking, and nights can feel crisp, especially after a cold front.

Light layers: short sleeves for the afternoon, a light jacket for evening.

A compact umbrella or rain jacket; showers can arrive quickly.

Comfortable walking shoes for uneven sidewalks and cobblestones.

A sweater for air-conditioned restaurants and cooler nights.

Insect repellent if you're taking a swamp tour at dusk.

Daylight shrinks through the month: sunset moves from about 5:12 p.m. on November 1 to about 5:00 p.m. by November 30, with sunrise shifting from about 6:15 a.m. to about 6:38 a.m..

Top events in New Orleans in November 2026

5 events

Dates as of 2026-11-01; confirm with the organizer.

The Pfister Sisters Sunday, November 01, 4:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro Ticketed evening show at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Sunday, November 01.
Minx Burlesque Sunday, November 01, 6:00 PM local (2026-11-02T00:00:00.000Z) · Howlin' Wolf Ticketed evening show at Howlin' Wolf on Sunday, November 01.
The Lion King (Touring) - Recommended for ages 6 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket Sunday, November 01, 6:30 PM local (2026-11-02T00:30:00.000Z) · Saenger Theatre-New Orleans Ticketed evening show at Saenger Theatre-New Orleans on Sunday, November 01.
Donald Harrison's Quantum Leap Festival ALL-ACCESS PASS OCT 29-NOV 1 Sunday, November 01, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-02T01:00:00.000Z) · New Orleans Jazz Market Ticketed evening show at New Orleans Jazz Market on Sunday, November 01.
Skilla Baby: The Price of Fame Tour Sunday, November 01, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-02T01:00:00.000Z) · House of Blues New Orleans Ticketed evening show at House of Blues New Orleans on Sunday, November 01.

Also in New Orleans in November

seasonal picks

Recurring seasonal events and holidays. Dates move year to year, confirm with the organizer.

Saints home games, Sunday, November 8 (vs. Browns) and Sunday, November 15 (vs. Panthers), both listed for noon kickoffs at the Caesars Superdome.
Bayou Classic, Thursday through Saturday, November 26 to 28. The 53rd annual weekend of football and tradition at the Caesars Superdome: a Thanksgiving Day parade, a Battle of the Bands and Greek Show on Friday, and the Southern vs. Grambling game on Saturday, November 28 (listed at 1 p.m.).
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26. Restaurants run special menus; book early.
Holiday lights season begins in late November at spots like City Park; confirm opening dates.
Live music every night on Frenchmen Street and in neighborhood clubs; check venue calendars.

Crowds, prices and what to book ahead

Calmest: early November weekdays. Busiest: Thanksgiving weekend, when Bayou Classic fills hotels. Book lodging well ahead and expect higher prices. Book ahead: Thanksgiving and weekend dinners, tours, and Superdome tickets. Getting around: game days and parades close streets and strain rideshare; use the streetcar and allow extra time.

What changes in New Orleans in November

Cooler, drier air makes walking, patios and streetcar rides more pleasant than in summer.

Hurricane season ends November 30. The risk is lower now but not zero; keep bookings flexible if travel is early in the month.

Oyster and seafood season is in full swing, and holiday menus begin to appear.

Earlier sunsets: plan outdoor sightseeing for daytime.

Best things to do in November

5 picks

Walk the French Quarter early, then ride the St. Charles streetcar to the Garden District.

Spend an evening on Frenchmen Street for live jazz.

Visit the National WWII Museum.

Take a swamp or bayou tour in cooler weather.

Catch a Saints game or soak up Bayou Classic atmosphere (the parade and fan events are part of the fun even without a ticket).

Full New Orleans visitor guide

Sample November itinerary

Day 1: Beignets and coffee, Jackson Square and the riverfront, a po'boy lunch, then an evening of music on Frenchmen Street.

Day 2: A streetcar ride to the Garden District and Magazine Street, the WWII Museum, and dinner in the Warehouse District.

Getting around in November

Getting around: game days and parades close streets and strain rideshare; use the streetcar and allow extra time.

Questions

6 answers

Is New Orleans worth visiting in November?

Yes. The weather is mild, crowds are manageable early in the month, and the music, food and football calendar is full.

Is it still hurricane season in November?

Season runs through November 30, but activity is usually low by now. Check forecasts before you travel.

What should I wear in New Orleans in November?

Light layers, a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

What is the Bayou Classic?

An annual HBCU football game between Southern and Grambling at the Caesars Superdome, with a parade and Battle of the Bands. In 2026 it is November 26 to 28.

When do clocks change?

Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

What events are in New Orleans in November 2026?

Highlights include Saints home games, Sunday, November 8 (vs. Browns) and Sunday, November 15 (vs. Panthers),; Bayou Classic, Thursday through Saturday, November 26 to 28.; Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26.; Holiday lights season; Live music; The Pfister Sisters on November 01; Minx Burlesque on November 01; The Lion King (Touring) - Recommended for ages 6 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket on November 01; Donald Harrison's Quantum Leap Festival ALL-ACCESS PASS OCT 29-NOV 1 on November 01; Skilla Baby: The Price of Fame Tour on November 01. See the live calendar for concerts and nightly shows.