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Best Things to Do in New Orleans in April 2026: Local Picks

Quick answer: April is the second-best month to visit New Orleans (October is first). Perfect weather, the city’s biggest free festival (French Quarter Festival), the start of Jazz Fest weekend at month’s end, peak crawfish supply, and three Easter parades. April hotel prices are up but not at peak. Pack for warm days and cool evenings.

What’s the weather like in New Orleans in April?

April averages highs of 78°F and lows of 60°F. Late April starts to feel like summer with humidity climbing. Rain is moderate. UV is high — sunscreen daily. Almost every April day is good for outdoor activity all day.

Top things to do in New Orleans in April

1. French Quarter Festival (mid-April)

The largest free festival in the South. Four days, 20+ stages of local music throughout the French Quarter, food booths from the city’s best restaurants. No tickets needed; just show up. The locals’ alternative to Jazz Fest. Lower prices, smaller crowds, more hometown bands.

2. Jazz Fest (last weekend of April + first weekend of May)

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The big one. Two weekends at the Fair Grounds, headliners across multiple stages, the famous Jazz Fest food (crawfish bread, mango freeze, soft shell crab po’boys). Tickets $90/day general admission, $1500+ for premium passes. Hotels 2-3x normal during festival weekends.

3. Easter parades (Easter Sunday)

Three parades on Easter Sunday: the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade (carriages, hats, formal dress), the Chris Owens Easter Parade (the iconic French Quarter dancer’s procession), and the Gay Easter Parade (carriages and bonnets through the Quarter). Free, family-friendly, very photogenic.

4. Crawfish before the season closes

Late April-early May is the last great window for boiled crawfish before the season tapers. By June, sizes shrink and prices climb. Bevi Seafood, Big Fisherman, Cajun Seafood — go on a Friday afternoon for the best of the week.

5. Kayak swamp tour at peak conditions

April swamp tours are at peak. Alligators fully active, no mosquitoes yet, mild temperatures, water clear, cypress trees in full leaf. See our swamp tour comparison or book a kayak swamp tour with NKST.

6. Garden District at peak bloom

Magnolias, azaleas, and live oaks at peak. See our walking tour guide.

7. Pedal pub crawl

April weather is ideal for the outdoor pedal pub. Book a NOLA pedal pub crawl.

8. Bayou party boat / sunset cruise

Cool enough mornings to do an early swamp tour, then warm enough afternoons for an open-water bayou cruise. Two-activity-day weather. Freaky Tiki bayou party boat or NOLA Party Barges.

What to pack for April in New Orleans

  • Light layers (t-shirt + light long-sleeve)
  • One light jacket for evenings (early April)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and hat for daytime
  • Light rain jacket or umbrella
  • Insect repellent for late April outdoor evening events

Common questions about visiting New Orleans in April

Is April a good time to visit New Orleans?

Yes, April is one of the best months. Perfect weather, French Quarter Festival, Easter parades, the start of Jazz Fest, peak crawfish, and pleasant temperatures for all-day outdoor activity.

How warm is New Orleans in April?

Average highs are 78°F and lows are 60°F. Late April starts feeling like summer. Rain is moderate. UV is high.

What festivals happen in New Orleans in April?

French Quarter Festival (mid-April), Jazz Fest (last weekend of April + first weekend of May), the three Easter parades, the Crescent City Classic 10K (Easter Saturday), and the New Orleans Spring Arts and Crafts Show.

Should I visit New Orleans for French Quarter Fest or Jazz Fest?

French Quarter Fest is free, smaller, and more local. Jazz Fest is big-name, ticketed, and crowded. If you want the local-music vibe without the cost, French Quarter Fest. If you want the headliner experience, Jazz Fest. Many locals do both.

Is April a good time for a swamp tour in New Orleans?

Yes, peak conditions. Alligators fully active, no mosquitoes, mild temperatures, water clear, cypress trees in full leaf. Wildlife visibility is at its highest of the year.

What should I wear in New Orleans in April?

Light layers — t-shirt or light long-sleeve plus a light jacket for early April evenings. Comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen and hat for daytime. Light rain jacket. Insect repellent for late April outdoor evenings.

Is April a good time for a New Orleans bachelorette party?

Yes, very. April weather supports outdoor activities all day. The festival energy is high without August-level crowds. Avoid Jazz Fest weekend if you want hotel prices to behave.

How crowded is New Orleans in April?

Moderate to high. French Quarter Fest weekend is busy. Jazz Fest weekend is at full capacity. Easter weekend is busy. Mid-week non-festival days are pleasant.

If you only have one day in New Orleans in April

Festival day: French Quarter Fest stages all afternoon, food from the booths, evening on Frenchmen Street. Non-festival day: morning kayak swamp tour at Manchac, lunch back in the city, afternoon Garden District walk in peak bloom, evening cocktail and Creole dinner.

For more on the year, see our other monthly guides plus the complete walking tour guide.

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