October in New Orleans is a vibe: warm breezes, golden sunsets, live jazz in the Quarter, and a dash of voodoo-season magic. Expect late-summer heat, occasional rain, and a festive, Halloween-loving city that comes alive after dark. This New Orleans October packing list keeps you comfy, cool, and ready for haunted tours, rooftop cocktails, and gator-filled bayous.
Weather Overview 🌡️
- Highs: 78–85°F (25–29°C)
- Lows: 60–68°F (15–20°C)
- Humidity: Still high — especially midday
- Rain: Light showers, possible thunderstorms
- UV Index: Moderate to high
October is the start of pleasant weather — but you’ll still sweat.
What to Pack for New Orleans in October 🎒
NOLA style is casual but expressive, with plenty of bold prints, airy fabrics, and nightlife-ready pieces. Think breathable by day, festive by night, with an umbrella and costume-ready mindset if you’re visiting close to Halloween.
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Carry-on suitcase (1) – Lightweight and easy to navigate on uneven sidewalks
- 🎒 Daypack or chic backpack (1) – For exploring neighborhoods
- 🧼 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag (1) – Ideal for humid bathrooms
- 💼 Packing cubes (4–5) – Separate swamp tour gear from cocktail dresses
- 🥿 Shoe bags (1–2) – For muddy or sweaty shoes
- 🧺 Laundry bag (1) – For steamy post-jazz-night outfits
- 📁 Travel wallet (1) – ID, cash, and ghost tour tickets
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping tote (1) – For French Market finds
- 💧 Quick-dry towel (1) – Optional for bayou trips or fitness classes
- 💤 Neck pillow + eye mask – For travel days or power naps
👗 Clothes
- 👚 Breathable tops (3–4) – Linen, cotton, or bamboo
- 👗 Casual dresses / jumpsuits (2–3) – Day-to-night style
- 🩳 Shorts / skirts (2–3) – Great for city strolls
- 👖 Lightweight pants or jeans (1–2) – For evenings or museums
- 👘 Kimono / wrap / blazer (1) – For layering in AC or evening breezes
- 🧥 Light rain jacket or umbrella (1) – Afternoon storms are real
- 🎃 Costume or spooky outfit (optional) – Especially around Halloween!
- 🧘♀️ Activewear (1 set) – For parks or morning movement
- 🛌 Sleepwear / loungewear (1–2 sets) – Keep it light and breathable
- 👙 Underwear (1 per day)
- 👙 Bras (2–3) – Include one strapless or convertible
- 🧦 Socks (3–4 pairs) – For closed-toe shoes or travel days
- 🧥 Modest outfit (1) – For churches or plantations
💆 Skincare
- 🌞 Face sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Even in fall, UV is strong
- 💧 Hydrating moisturizer – For post-humidity skincare
- 🧼 Gentle cleanser – To wash away sweat and makeup
- 💋 SPF lip balm – Protect against chapping
- 🧴 Makeup remover wipes – Easy end-of-day cleanup
- 💥 Spot treatment – For heat-related breakouts
- ❄️ Facial mist (optional) – Refresh on the go
💄 Makeup
- 💧 Tinted SPF or BB cream – Lightweight and melt-proof
- 🖌️ Concealer – For under eyes or heat flush
- 🌸 Cream blush / bronzer – Glowy and humid-approved
- 🖊️ Waterproof eyeliner + mascara – For ghost tours and second lines
- 💄 Lipstick / lip tint (1–2) – Bold reds or oranges feel right here
- 💦 Mini setting spray – Night-out ready
💇 Hair
- 💇 Comb / brush – Detangle post-rain or sweat
- 🧴 Frizz control cream or oil – Humidity = frizz
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Helpful between washes
- 🧷 Hair ties / clips / scarf – Keep it up in the heat
- 🧢 Hat or headwrap (1) – Functional + fashionable
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 👟 Comfy walking shoes (1 pair) – For French Quarter exploring
- 🩴 Sandals or slides (1 pair) – Breathable and cute
- 👠 Dressy flats or wedges (1 pair) – For jazz clubs or dinners
- ☔ Compact umbrella (1) – Essential for sudden storms
- 🕶️ Sunglasses (1 pair) – NOLA sun doesn’t quit
- 👜 Crossbody or belt bag (1) – Keep your hands free and valuables close
- ⌚ Watch or smart device – Helpful for tour timing
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Photo ID / driver’s license – For bars and events
- 💳 Credit + debit cards – Most places accept cards
- 💵 Cash (small bills) – For tips, street performers, and beignets
- 📱 Phone with ride share + maps apps – Uber/Lyft are reliable
- 🏨 Printed confirmations + event tickets (just in case)
- ✍️ Notebook + pen – For food and music recs
- 📁 Travel insurance info + emergency contacts
🩹 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister pads + bandaids – Cobblestones and sweaty feet
- 💊 Pain relievers / allergy meds – Great for AC, food, and weather swings
- 🧴 Bug spray – Especially for bayous or nighttime patios
- 🧼 Hand sanitizer + wipes – Touch everything, wash everything
- 🧻 Pocket tissues – Optional, but handy
💊 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds (clearly labeled)
- 🧼 Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss
- 🧴 Body wash + deodorant
- 🧽 Razor + shaving cream
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene products
- 💅 Nail file + clippers
- 🧴 Perfume / cologne (travel size)
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone + charger + portable power bank
- 🔌 Standard U.S. plugs (Type A/B) – No adapter needed
- 🎧 Bluetooth headphones or earbuds
- 📷 Camera (optional) – For architecture and festivals
- 📲 Google Maps, Frenchmen St. app, ghost tour apps
- 💻 Laptop or tablet (optional) – For work or photo backups
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book or Kindle – For cafe breaks or hotel chill time
- 🎧 Playlists / podcasts – Add brass band, blues, and zydeco!
- 🎥 Downloaded shows or movies – For flights or rainy nights
- 🃏 Cards or travel games – Great if you’re with a group
🎒 Extras
- 💧 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat
- 🍬 Snacks or mints – For long walks or swamp tours
- 🎭 Mask or costume pieces – October = spooky season!
- 🧺 Eco-friendly shopping bag – For books, candles, art
- 🧴 Cooling wipes or mini fan – Save yourself during mid-day heat
- 💤 Sleep aid or earplugs – NOLA nights are not quiet
✈️ Travel Tips
- ☔ Pack for a chance of rain every day
- 🎃 Halloween events start early — check for themed tours or parades
- 🕶️ Protect yourself from sun + humidity year-round
- 🍽️ Make dining reservations — it’s a foodie city!
- 🧴 Reapply sunscreen — even if it’s cloudy
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
- ☔ Umbrella + waterproof sandals or shoes
- 🩳 Breathable outfits + rain jacket
- 🎭 Costume (optional but festive)
- 📱 Phone with offline maps + tour apps
- 💧 Water bottle + sunscreen + bug spray
- 👜 Crossbody for hands-free exploring
👍 Good-to-Have Items
- 📸 Polaroid camera or vintage film – NOLA is artsy like that
- 🧴 Essential oil roller or fragrance mist – Mask the humidity
- 🧤 Light shawl or wrap – AC in restaurants is chilly
- 🎶 Local music playlist – Brass bands, second lines, Cajun soul
- 📔 Mini travel journal – For poetry, ghost stories, and café thoughts
