Planning a winter trip to New Orleans? Expect an unforgettable blend of live music, Cajun cuisine, and street parades—with mild Southern weather that shifts quickly between sunny and cool. This season calls for stylish, versatile outfits and layers you can add or shed as the day unfolds.
Winter in NOLA ranges from crisp mornings to sunny afternoons and occasional drizzles. While it rarely gets cold by Northern standards, you’ll want warm layers and rain-ready gear to stay comfortable while exploring the French Quarter, catching jazz shows, or indulging in beignets.
This guide covers everything you need to stay cozy, dry, and stylish in New Orleans this winter—from wardrobe to wellness and everything in between.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for New Orleans in winter. 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 🌦️
- 🌡️ Daytime: 12–20°C / 54–68°F – mild and breezy
- 🌙 Night: 5–10°C / 41–50°F – chilly, especially near the river
- 🌧️ Rain is common – waterproof layers essential
- 💨 Humid and windy days are frequent
Bring layers, a compact umbrella, and comfy shoes to handle everything from walking tours to spontaneous parades.
What to Pack for New Orleans in Winter
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 – perfect for long weekends 🧳
- Checked bag – for longer trips or Mardi Gras gear 🛄
- Daypack or crossbody – carry your essentials 🎒
- Packing cubes – keep festive and casual clothes separate 🧩
- Shoe bags – protect outfits from muddy soles 👟
- Waterproof toiletry bag – NOLA humidity-proof 🧼
- Travel document pouch – IDs, bookings, reservations 📁
- Reusable tote – for vintage finds or groceries 🛍️
- Laundry bag – for smoky or damp items 🧺
- Luggage lock – for hostels or Airbnbs 🔒
- Compact towel – for budget travelers or gym 🏖️
- Neck pillow – for bus rides or flights 💤
- Sleep mask – party noise can keep you up 😴
👗 Clothes
- Short-sleeve tops (3–4) – for sunny afternoons 👕
- Long-sleeve tops (2–3) – layering is key 👚
- Cardigans or sweaters (2) – cozy and cute 🧶
- Light-to-midweight jacket – weatherproof preferred 🧥
- Rain jacket or trench coat – NOLA gets wet 🌧️
- Jeans or trousers (2–3) – classic for day and night 👖
- Skirts + tights – easy to dress up or down 👗
- Stylish dress – for music nights or dining 💃
- Activewear – for walking tours or hotel workouts 🧘
- Pajamas – hotel AC can be strong 🛏️
- Swimsuit – for hotel pools or spas 👙
- Cover-up – optional but handy 🧖
- Undergarments (5–7) – soft and breathable 👙
- Bras (2–3) – include one for going out 👗
- Socks (5–7) – cozy, especially for boots 🧦
- Leggings or tights – great for layering 🩰
💆 Skincare
- Cleanser – gentle and travel-friendly 🧴
- Hydrating toner – post-walk refresh 💧
- Daily moisturizer – protect from dry air 🧊
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – winter sun still strong ☀️
- After-sun gel – just in case 🌿
- Makeup remover – wipes or balm 🧼
- Exfoliator – use 1–2x during trip ✨
- Eye cream – late nights = tired eyes 👁️
- Facial mist – for humidity control 💨
- Sheet mask – restore glow before going out 😌
- SPF lip balm – sun + wind protection 💋
- Spot treatment – fight city breakouts ⚕️
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer – even tone + SPF 💄
- Concealer – for bright, fresh eyes 🎯
- Pressed powder – reduce NOLA shine ⚪
- Blush – healthy cheek glow 🌸
- Highlighter – extra sparkle for jazz bars ✨
- Neutral & bold eyeshadow palette – flexible looks 🎨
- Waterproof eyeliner – withstands weather 🖊️
- Lengthening mascara – camera-ready 📸
- Brow gel – keep it polished 🪄
- Lipstick – a classic red or berry 💋
- Setting spray – hold your look 💦
- Brush set – compact and clean 🧽
💇 Hair Care
- Comb or brush – wind and hat-friendly 💇
- Hair ties + clips – stay styled on the go 🧷
- Shampoo & conditioner – sulfate-free if possible 🧴
- Dry shampoo – revive festival hair 🚿
- Leave-in conditioner – combat hotel dryness 🌬️
- Frizz serum – NOLA air is humid 🌫️
- Heat protectant – style safely 🔥
- Accessories – headbands, scarves, clips 🎀
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Comfy walking shoes – essential on uneven sidewalks 👟
- Water-resistant boots – chic & storm-proof 🥾
- Dressy flats – ideal for nights out 👠
- Flip-flops – optional for pool/spa 🩴
- Sun hat or fedora – for sunny days ☀️
- Compact umbrella – sudden showers happen ☂️
- Scarf – for style or extra warmth 🧣
- Gloves – thin ones for chilly nights 🧤
- Sunglasses – UV rays don’t take breaks 😎
- Minimal jewelry – fun but not fussy 💍
- Crossbody or anti-theft bag – safe + stylish 👜
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Photo ID – required at many venues 🪪
- Travel insurance – medical & theft 🏥
- Flight/hotel confirmations – printed & digital 📄
- Credit/debit cards + some cash 💳
- Emergency contacts – offline backup 📞
- Printed itinerary – festivals, parades, dinners 🗓️
- Notebook + pen – notes or thoughts ✍️
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – for blisters or cuts 🩹
- Antiseptic wipes – clean up fast 🧼
- Gauze + tape – backup protection 🩺
- Tweezers – splinters or makeup help 🔧
- Thermometer – optional 🌡️
- Cotton pads or swabs – multi-use 🧽
- Mini scissors – in checked bag ✂️
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – labeled + secure 💊
- Painkillers – for post-party mornings 🩺
- Allergy meds – for pollen or dust 🌼
- Motion sickness pills – swamp tour safe 🚐
- Vitamins – stay energized 💪
- Feminine products – your preferred type 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – street food-friendly 🧴
- Wipes – clean hands or shoes 🧻
- Bug spray – mosquitoes in mild weather 🦟
- Toothbrush + paste 🪥
- Floss – after Cajun food 😁
- Deodorant – stay fresh dancing 🧼
- Razor – optional 🪒
- Nail kit – clippers, file, polish 💅
- Perfume or mist – travel-size 🌸
- Tissues – allergy season or street parades 🚽
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger 📱
- Power bank – all-day sightseeing 🔋
- Camera – vibrant photo ops everywhere 📸
- GoPro – if doing ghost tours or airboat rides 🎥
- Headphones – for flights or walking 🎧
- Travel adapter – if international 🔌
- Offline maps & local apps 🗺️
- SIM or Wi-Fi hotspot – for easy access 📶
🎧 Entertainment
- Book or Kindle – for relaxing café breaks 📖
- Jazz playlist – set the vibe 🎷
- Podcasts – true crime or local culture 🎙️
- Travel journal – jot down magic moments 📓
- Card games – for group travel 🃏
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – late-night cravings 🍫
- Refillable water bottle – hydrate on the go 💧
- Shopping tote – great for antiques or books 🛍️
- Laundry soap – for sink washes 🧼
- Sewing kit – fix Mardi Gras beads 🪡
- Safety whistle – solo traveler tip 📣
- Lip color – bold is beautiful 💄
- Mini lint roller – dark outfits need it 👔
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer smartly – temperatures vary daily 🧥
- Check local events – parades pop up anytime 🎭
- Waterproof shoes for comfort + style ☔
- Pack reusable utensils – eco-friendly eating 🥄
- Download streetcar and parade tracker apps 📲
🛂 Visa Tips
- US citizens – no extra requirements 🇺🇸
- International travelers – check ESTA or visa 🌍
- Keep return ticket and booking proofs handy 🧾
- Bring backup copies of key documents 📑
⭐ Must-Haves
- Layered clothing + waterproof jacket 🧥
- Comfy walking shoes 👟
- Umbrella or rain gear ☂️
- Bold outfit for jazz nights 🎷
- Refillable water bottle 💧
- Phone, charger, power bank 📱
- Sunscreen + lip balm ☀️💋
👍 Good-to-Have
- Bug spray 🦟
- Sleep mask + earplugs 😴
- Eye-catching accessories for flair 🎭
- Local guidebook or walking map 🗺️
- Compact steamer for outfits 👔
