Summers are brutal, with high dew points and average temperatures rising to near or above 90 degrees almost every day. Lows are generally in the low to mid 70s. Scattered thunderstorms are common, sometimes bringing localized torrential downpours. New Orleans is among the wettest spots in the Lower 48, seeing an average of 62 inches of rain annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year. Winters are mild and rarely bring snow.
Minor accumulation can occur, leaving ill-equipped residents at a standstill.
A festive Mardi Gras parade float. Undoubtedly, any Mardi Gras visitor will want to know what the weather will bring. That prediction is difficult to make, as this reveler's delight is a floating holiday. It can occur anytime from early February to early March, and conditions are just as uncertain. Although average highs are in the 60s, it's not out of the question to see afternoon highs anywhere from 50 to 80 degrees.