What to Pack for New Orleans in December: Essentials for an Unforgettable Trip

Heading to New Orleans in December? Expect soulful music, delicious food, and festive charm—but also unpredictable weather. Winter here is mild but can shift from sunny to rainy real quick, so layers are your best friend.

The Crescent City is all about culture and character. From historic walking tours to jazz bars, you’ll want outfits that balance comfort, style, and versatility. Don’t forget weather-resistant items—you might need an umbrella one day and sunglasses the next.

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📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for New Orleans in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• Average highs: 16–19°C (60–66°F) 🌤️
• Average lows: 8–12°C (46–54°F) 🌙
• Rain is common—pack a compact umbrella ☔
• Humidity lingers, even in winter 🌫️

What to Pack for New Orleans in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Carry-on – 🧳 Enough for a stylish weekend trip.
• Checked bag – 💼 Optional for longer stays or dressier outfits.
• Duffle bag – 🎒 Great for short trips or road adventures.
• Daypack – 🏙️ Carry your camera and water while exploring.
• Packing cubes – 📦 Organize layers and extras.
• Shoe bags – 👞 Keep wet soles away from clothes.
• Toiletry bag – 💄 Zip-up and leak-proof.
• Document holder – 📁 Keep your travel docs safe.
• Tote bag – 🛍️ Useful for shopping and strolling.
• Laundry kit – 🧼 For longer stays or Airbnb setups.
• Luggage scale – ⚖️ Stay under limits on the return flight.
• Luggage lock – 🔐 Use in hotels or busy stations.
• Money pouch – 💸 Great for crowded areas.
• Travel towel – 🧺 Compact, quick-drying backup.
• Neck pillow – 💤 Restful flights and car rides.
• Sleep mask – 😴 Especially helpful in historic hotels with big windows.

👗 Clothes

• T-shirts (2–3) – 👕 Light base layers for warmer days.
• Tops/blouses (2–3) – 👚 Easy to dress up for dinner or bars.
• Sweaters (2–3) – 🧶 Cozy layers for evening strolls.
• Blazer/cardigan – 🧥 Stylish and versatile for jazz nights.
• Jeans/pants (2–3) – 👖 Comfy and casual.
• Leggings – 🖤 For layering or lounging.
• Skirts/dresses (1–2) – 👗 With tights for winter charm.
• Jacket – 🧥 Medium-weight for chilly mornings.
• Raincoat – 🌧️ Foldable and light.
• Activewear – 🧘 For fitness or exploring parks.
• Pajamas – 🛌 Medium warmth is best.
• Swimsuit – 👙 Some hotels have heated pools.
• Underwear (7+) – 🩲 Always pack a few extras.
• Bras (2–3) – 🧺 Supportive & neutral.
• Socks (5–7) – 🧦 Warm but breathable.
• Tights – 🖤 To layer under skirts/dresses.

💆 Skincare

• Cleanser – 🧼 Gentle for humid climate.
• Toner – 💧 Keep pores balanced.
• Moisturizer – 🧴 Hydrating for cool/dry days.
• Sunscreen – ☀️ Still necessary, especially midday.
• Makeup remover – 🧽 For nights out in the French Quarter.
• Exfoliator – 🧖 For fresh, glowing skin.
• Eye cream – 👁️ Helps post-flight puffiness.
• Face mist – 🌬️ Refresh during day trips.
• Lip balm – 💋 Protects from dry winter air.
• Spot treatment – 🎯 Stay photo-ready.

💄 Makeup

• Foundation or BB cream – 🧴 Lightweight with hydration.
• Concealer – 🖌️ Tired eyes, meet Bourbon Street.
• Blush – 🌸 Adds life to winter cheeks.
• Highlighter – ✨ For that jazz glow.
• Bronzer – 🌞 Warm up your look.
• Eyeshadow palette – 🎨 Golds and neutrals shine here.
• Eyeliner – ✒️ Smudge-proof preferred.
• Mascara – 👁️ Length and volume for evenings.
• Brow gel – 💁‍♀️ Keep brows in place.
• Lip color – 💄 Bold red or berry = perfect match for NOLA vibe.
• Setting spray – 💦 Helps in humid conditions.
• Brushes – 🖌️ Travel-friendly set.

💇 Hair Care

• Comb/brush – 💇 For smooth style.
• Hair ties – 🌀 Easy updos on humid days.
• Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 Travel size works great.
• Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Quick fresh-up post-jazz club.
• Heat spray – 🔥 If using tools.
• Styling cream – 💁 Anti-frizz is a must.
• Mini dryer – 🌬️ Many hotels have them, but BYO if picky.
• Styling tools – 💇 Compact curler or straightener.
• Hair oil/serum – 🌿 Adds shine and tames frizz.
• Clips/headbands – 🎀 Stylish + practical.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Walking shoes – 👟 You’ll explore a lot on foot.
• Rain boots – 🌧️ Optional but useful if storms roll in.
• Dress shoes – 👠 For going out in style.
• Ankle boots – 👢 Fashionable + comfy.
• Scarf – 🧣 Lightweight and chic.
• Gloves – 🧤 Thin ones just in case.
• Hat – 👒 Fedora or felt hat = NOLA style points.
• Umbrella – ☔ Compact and strong.
• Sunglasses – 🕶️ Still sunny in the afternoons.
• Jewelry – 💍 Statement earrings or bangles for flair.
• Purse – 👜 Crossbody = safer + hands-free.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• ID – 🪪 Needed for clubs and bars.
• Credit/debit cards – 💳 Widely accepted.
• Health insurance card – 🏥 Always smart.
• Hotel confirmations – 🏨 Digital and paper copies.
• Tour confirmations – 🗺️ Swamp tours, ghost walks, etc.
• Itinerary – 📆 Easy reference.
• Cash – 💵 For small shops or tips.
• Notebook + pen – 📝 Journaling or info tracking.
• Maps or guidebook – 🗺️ Offline version recommended.

🚑 First Aid

• Band-aids – 🩹 For dancing blisters.
• Wipes – 🧻 Clean up on the go.
• Antibiotic cream – 💊 Cuts and scrapes.
• Thermometer – 🌡️ Travel-sized digital.
• Gauze/tape – 🩺 Minor wound care.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Prescriptions – 💊 In original bottles.
• Painkillers – 🤕 For that second Hurricane cocktail.
• Hand sanitizer – 🧴 City = many surfaces touched.
• Bug spray – 🦟 If heading to bayou/swamp tours.
• Deodorant – 🧼 Must-have for warm afternoons.
• Toothbrush/paste – 🦷 Compact kit.
• Eye drops – 👁️ Combat wind + dry bars.
• Feminine products – 🩸 Plan ahead.
• Mirror – 🪞 Touch-ups in small spaces.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone – 📱 With charging cable.
• Portable charger – 🔋 For busy days out.
• Camera – 📸 Capture historic streets and art.
• Laptop/tablet – 💻 If needed for work.
• Earbuds/headphones – 🎧 Music in a music city.
• Adapter – 🔌 US standard Type A/B if you’re international.

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – 📚 Lazy brunch reads.
• Podcasts – 🎙️ Pre-load some local history.
• Movies/shows – 🎬 For chill hotel nights.
• Journal – 📓 Your New Orleans stories await.
• Card games – 🃏 For group travel fun.

🎁 Extras

• Water bottle – 🚰 Stay hydrated while exploring.
• Snacks – 🍫 Keep one in your daypack.
• Mini sewing kit – 🧵 Style emergencies.
• Shopping bag – 🛍️ Support local markets.
• Shoe deodorizer – 👃 Moist streets = funky shoes.
• Melatonin – 🌙 Reset sleep after party nights.

🌍 Travel Tips

• Book restaurant tables early – 🍽️ Popular spots fill up.
• Pack mix-and-match layers – 🧥 Weather can swing daily.
• Use a travel app – 📲 Like Roadtrippers or Citymapper.
• Plan for walkable days – 🚶 Everything is close!
• Photo ID for bars – 🪪 Must be 21+ with ID.

🛂 Visa Tips

• US entry visa (if required) – 🛂 Apply early.
• Print travel confirmations – 🖨️ Have backups.
• Proof of return flight – ✈️ Requested sometimes.
• Customs form – 📝 Fill out on flight if needed.

⭐ Must-Haves

• ID/passport – 🛂 Depending on where you’re from.
• Health card – 🏥 Always smart.
• Phone + charger – 🔌 Don’t forget!
• Day bag – 🎒 For city walking.
• Water bottle – 💧 Stay refreshed.
• Weather-ready jacket – ☔ Unexpected showers happen.

👍 Good-to-Have

• Neck pillow – 🌙 Comfortable travel in/out of city.
• Mini umbrella – ☂️ Easy carry.
• Noise-canceling earbuds – 🎧 Great for flights or noisy neighbors.
• Stylish scarf – 🧣 Fashion + function.
• Sleep mask – 💤 Light-sensitive hotels.
• Reusable tote – 🛍️ For shopping or laundry.