Not sure what to pack for New Orleans in September? You’re not alone — it’s hot, humid, and the occasional tropical storm is no joke. But this magical month also brings jazz, festivals, swamp adventures, and fewer crowds. This ultimate NOLA September packing list has everything you need to stay cool, dry, and effortlessly fabulous in the Crescent City.
Weather Overview 🌡️
New Orleans in September = swampy and sizzling. Expect:
- Average High: 86–90°F (30–32°C)
- Average Low: 72–75°F (22–24°C)
- Humidity: 80%+ (you will glisten)
- Rainfall: Frequent afternoon storms; hurricane season is active
- UV Index: Very high
- Bonus: It’s still very much summer — but with jazz
What to Pack for New Orleans in September 🎒
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
Dressing Etiquette: Locals keep it casual-chic. Think breathable fabrics, bold colors, funky accessories, and respectable style — especially for jazz clubs, restaurants, and churches. You’ll need comfy walking shoes for the French Quarter’s uneven bricks and a few polished pieces for cocktails on a rooftop bar.
🧳 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 – Spinner wheels = your BFF on NOLA streets
🧳 Checked luggage – Only if packing boots, heels, or gear
👜 Lightweight backpack or tote – Day trips to swamps or shopping
🎒 Daypack or personal item – In-flight or festival-ready
📦 Packing cubes – Separate sweaty from stylish
👟 Shoe bags – Protect clean clothes from Bourbon Street soles
💄 Makeup bag – Heatproof your glam
🧼 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – Hotel bathrooms can be tight
📁 Document organizer – ID, cards, tickets
🛍️ Collapsible tote – For market finds + beads
🧺 Laundry bag – You’ll sweat daily
⚖️ Luggage scale – For souvenir hauls
🔒 Small lock – Optional for hotels or shared stays
🧵 Zipper pouch – For earrings, meds, lip balm
🧻 Quick-dry towel – For swamp tours or backup
💤 Neck pillow – Road trip ready
😴 Sleep mask – Hotels near Bourbon can be loud
👗 Clothes
👚 T-shirts (3–4) – Light, flowy, and breathable
👕 Tank tops (2–3) – Layer under wraps or wear solo
👗 Dresses / sundresses (2–3) – Casual chic for city strolls or brunch
🧥 Light jacket or kimono (1) – For breezy nights or indoor AC
🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Linen or cotton = survival
👖 Loose pants or palazzos (1–2) – For dressier nights or AC-filled rooms
👙 Swimsuit (1–2) – Rooftop pools or hotel spas
🧘 Activewear (1–2) – For park strolls or swamp hikes
🩱 Swimsuit cover-up (1) – From room to pool
🧦 Socks (2–3) – Breathable + moisture-wicking
🩲 Underwear (1 per day) – Pack extra
👙 Bras (2–3) – Include one sports bra
🛌 Sleepwear – Light cotton is best
🧣 Wrap / scarf (optional) – Plane or polished layer
🎩 Sun hat or wide-brim hat – Style + SPF
💆 Skincare
🧼 Cleanser – Sweat-proof your pores
💧 Toner – A must in the humidity
🧴 Moisturizer – Lightweight, non-clogging
🌞 Sunscreen (face + body) – SPF 50+, every day
🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water or wipes
🧖 Exfoliator (1–2x/week) – For glow maintenance
👀 Eye cream – Help tired, puffy travel eyes
🌬️ Facial mist – On-the-go cooling
💋 Lip balm with SPF – Save those lips
🎯 Spot treatment – Humidity = breakouts
💄 Makeup
💧 BB cream or tinted SPF – Lightweight and forgiving
🔍 Concealer – For heat-proof touch-ups
🌬️ Setting powder – Essential in this climate
💗 Cream blush – Powder doesn’t last
✨ Highlighter – Dewy, not sweaty
🌞 Bronzer – Fake the French Quarter glow
👁️ Eyeshadow (mini palette) – Golds, coppers, neutrals
✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – Heat + jazz = sweaty eyes
👁️ Waterproof mascara – Essential
🖌️ Eyebrow pencil / gel – Keep it shaped
💄 Lipstick / gloss – Reds, berries, or bold pinks
✏️ Lip liner – Optional but helpful
🎯 Setting spray – Set and forget
🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Travel size
💇 Hair
🪮 Hairbrush / comb – Detangle the frizz
🧷 Hair ties, clips, pins – Humidity-proof updos
🧴 Shampoo + conditioner (frizz-fighting) – Crucial
🌫️ Dry shampoo – Bourbon Street hangover hack
🔥 Heat protectant spray – Styling required? Protect first
🌊 Styling cream / mousse – Control curls or waves
💨 Mini blow dryer – Most hotels provide one
🌪️ Mini flat iron / curling wand – Optional
💦 Hair serum or oil – Sleek and tame
👑 Hair accessories – Bandanas, clips, headbands
👠 Shoes & Accessories
👟 Sneakers / walking shoes – For daytime exploring
🩴 Sandals / flip-flops – For hotel, pool, or quick steps
👡 Dressy sandals or wedges – For jazz clubs and rooftop bars
🥾 Water-resistant shoes (optional) – If planning swamp excursions
🧢 Hat or cap – For sun + sweat protection
🧣 Light scarf – Optional, but adds flair
🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Go oversized or go home
💍 Statement jewelry – Funky, fun, and NOLA-friendly
⌚ Watch – Stay on time for reservations
👜 Crossbody bag + clutch – Day and night ready
🌂 Compact umbrella or poncho – September = surprise storms
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Driver’s license / photo ID – Required for clubs & bars
🗂️ Copy of ID – Safety first
🛬 Travel insurance – Hurricane season alert
🏥 Health insurance card – Just in case
📱 Digital + printed boarding passes – Smooth airport flow
🏨 Hotel confirmations – Especially if staying in boutique spots
🚗 Rental car docs (optional) – Walking + Uber > driving
🗺️ Offline map of NOLA – French Quarter Wi-Fi is spotty
📒 Emergency contact list – Paper backup
🖊️ Pen + notebook – Trip journaling or beignet reviews
🔑 House keys – Don’t lose them in a daiquiri haze
👛 Travel wallet – Slim and secure
💳 Credit + debit cards – Cash is less common
💵 Small bills for tips + street performers
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – Walking blisters are real
🧴 Antibiotic ointment – Scrapes happen
🧼 Antiseptic wipes – Germs don’t take breaks
🦶 Blister pads – You’ll thank us
🔍 Tweezers – For splinters or lashes
🌡️ Mini thermometer – Optional
✂️ Scissors (travel size) – Multipurpose
💄 Cotton balls / Q-tips – Travel musts
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – Bring extra
💢 Pain relievers – Heat headaches happen
🌸 Allergy meds – Dust, mold, and pollen = present
🌊 Stomach meds – Greasy food, spicy food, fried food…
💊 Vitamins / supplements – Stay balanced
🩸 Feminine hygiene products – Pack your faves
🧼 Hand sanitizer – Essential
🧽 Disinfecting wipes – Table-to-table freshness
🦟 Bug spray – Especially for swamp or park visits
💊 Birth control / Plan B – Just in case
👁️ Eye drops – For AC-dried eyes
👓 Contacts + solution – Don’t forget glasses
🪞 Compact mirror – On-the-go glam
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Keep it fresh
🦷 Floss + mouthwash – For post-po’ boy breath
🧴 Deodorant – Two, if you’re a heavy sweater
🪒 Razor + cream – If planning spa days or pool dips
💅 Nail file + clippers – Breakage happens
🌸 Perfume / cologne – Something sultry
🧻 Tissues / cotton pads – Multipurpose
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – Non-negotiable
📷 Camera + SD card – The French Quarter is a mood
🔋 Portable power bank – For festival days
🔌 Charging cables (extras) – Keep one in your bag
🔊 Bluetooth speaker – For hotel jazz sessions
📖 E-reader + charger – Relaxing by the Mississippi
💻 Tablet or laptop (optional) – If remote working
📶 Local SIM or roaming data – U.S. travelers are covered
🎧 Headphones / earbuds – Podcast walks
📱 Offline Google Maps + Uber app – Download in advance
📱 Waterproof phone pouch – For swamp tours or rainy streets
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Book / e-book – Bonus if it’s New Orleans-themed
🎬 Downloaded shows or movies – For downtime
🎧 Jazz playlists / true crime podcasts – Local flavor
📓 Travel journal – So much culture to remember
🃏 Card games – Hotel or porch fun
📰 Magazines – For flights and pool lounging
🎒 Extras
🍫 Snacks / granola bars – Bourbon Street recovery fuel
💧 Reusable water bottle – Hydrate between hurricanes (the drink & the storm)
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – French Market finds
🧴 Travel detergent – For sweaty clothes
🧵 Mini sewing kit – Just in case
📢 Safety whistle – For solo travelers
🧼 Lint roller – For dressing up
🦶 Shoe deodorizer – You’ll need it
😴 Melatonin or sleep aid – For hotel noise or jet lag
✈️ Travel Tips
- ✅ Pack bug spray + sunscreen together
- ✅ Bring stylish but comfy shoes
- ✅ Book restaurants + tours early
- ✅ Pack for heat but expect rain
- ✅ Carry cash for tips + street vendors
- ✅ Use rideshares — parking is pricey
- ✅ Don’t overdo your first Hurricane (drink!)
🛂 Visa Tips (for international travelers)
- ✅ U.S. visa or ESTA required for most foreign visitors
- ✅ Passport must be valid for 6+ months
- ✅ Bring printed copies of hotel & return ticket
- ✅ No vaccine proof required unless arriving from specific countries
- ✅ Keep a copy of ID + insurance with you
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
🛂 Photo ID + printed confirmations
🎩 Sunhat + bug spray
🧴 Sunscreen + moisturizer
👡 Comfy, breathable footwear
🎒 Lightweight tote or crossbody bag
🧻 Health + hygiene kit
📱 Charged phone + downloaded apps
💧 Water bottle + snacks
👍 Good-to-Have Extras
🪞 Compact mirror
🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds
☂️ Travel umbrella
💤 Eye mask + earplugs
📷 Tripod or selfie stick
🍹 Insulated tumbler for cocktails on-the-go
🧺 Laundry detergent sheets
