Weather
If you hate cold weather, then you are in luck! New Orleans is not a city known for being cold. In fact, the warm climate makes for a very mild winter and an early spring. The downside, of course, is that the end of summer is hot and muggy. You'll have a new appreciation for air conditioning.
Most of the year, the temperature is quite cooperative - if not during the day, then certainly during the evening. A nice warm stroll through the French Quarter on a summer evening is a great way to spend a vacation.
Generally speaking, the winter months are mild with highs in the 60’s and lows usually in the 40’s. Spring and fall have near perfect weather, with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s. The sticky summer months feature high humidity, daily rain showers and highs hovering in the 90’s. Summer nights however are often pleasant, with lows around 70 degrees and clear skies. Pack a variety of clothing no matter what time of the year to prepare for the often unpredictable weather. It is not unusual to hit 85 degrees in December, 50 degrees in May or 20 degrees in January.
Safety
In any major city, you need to be safe about the way that you travel. Here are a few tips:
- Use maps or your GPS to plan routes before getting behind the wheel.
- Try not to appear like a tourist (like wearing beads when it's not Mardi Gras, carrying large cameras, etc).
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid suspicious characters.
- Travel in groups.
- Remove valuables from cars after parking.
- Lock windows and doors in rooms when leaving.
- Try not to walk alone at night.
- Stick to well-lit, well-populated areas.
- Take a taxi rather than risk getting lost walking among unfamiliar streets.
- Don't wander around the French Quarter after dark alone, and try not to wander too far past Bourbon Street.