Best Things to Do in New Orleans in February 2026: Mardi Gras Month Guide
Quick answer: February in New Orleans is Mardi Gras month. The big parades start the second weekend of February and roll nightly through Fat Tuesday. The weather is mild, the city is packed, hotel prices spike for parade weekends, and if you can plan around it, this is one of the most singular travel experiences in the United States.
What’s the weather like in New Orleans in February?
February averages highs of 65°F and lows of 47°F. Cold fronts can drop overnight lows into the 30s. Daytime is generally mild. Bring layers because parades run in cool evening hours.
Top things to do in New Orleans in February
1. Mardi Gras parades (Fat Tuesday is February 17, 2026)
Major parades run the 2-3 weekends before Fat Tuesday. Bacchus on Sunday before Mardi Gras. Endymion the Saturday before. Zulu and Rex on Mardi Gras morning. Smaller parades roll most nights of the final week.
2. Watch parades from the right spot
St. Charles Avenue between Napoleon and Lee Circle is family-friendly. Magazine Street is more local and less crowded. Avoid Bourbon Street with kids — that’s the adult Mardi Gras energy.
3. King cake your way through the month
February is peak king cake. Manny Randazzo’s, Bywater Bakery’s Chantilly, Haydel’s traditional, and Caluda’s are the four most-cited locals’ picks.
4. Valentine’s Day in the French Quarter
Dinner at one of the classic Creole restaurants (Galatoire’s, Brennan’s, Antoine’s, Commander’s Palace), a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Quarter, a nightcap at one of the cocktail bars. Book restaurants 4-6 weeks ahead.
5. Take a quiet swamp tour (mid-week, before Mardi Gras)
The first week of February, before parade season ramps up, is a quiet window. See our swamp tour comparison.
6. Eat oysters in peak season
Louisiana oyster season peaks November through February. Acme Oyster House, Felix’s, Casamento’s, Pascal’s Manale.
7. Catch the Lundi Gras festivities
The Monday before Mardi Gras has the formal arrival of Rex at the Mississippi River. Free public event at Spanish Plaza.
8. Take a haunted walking tour with thinner crowds
Tours that sell out in October are wide open in February. See our haunted walking tour guide.
What to pack for February in New Orleans
- Layers (long-sleeve, sweater, lightweight jacket)
- One warm coat for parade nights
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- Long pants
- Light rain jacket or umbrella
- Costume / mask / beads if doing Mardi Gras
- Cash for parade route food vendors
Common questions about visiting New Orleans in February
Is February a good time to visit New Orleans?
Yes, especially for Mardi Gras. February has mild weather, full parade season for 2-3 weekends, and the city at peak energy.
When is Mardi Gras 2026?
Fat Tuesday 2026 is February 17. Major parades run the two weekends before. Mardi Gras 2027 is February 9.
How cold is New Orleans in February?
Average highs are 65°F and lows are 47°F. Cold fronts can drop overnight lows into the 30s.
What is there to do besides Mardi Gras?
If you can avoid Mardi Gras, early February is quiet and pleasant. Swamp tours, walking tours, classic Creole restaurants, peak oyster season.
Should I visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras?
Yes, at least once. Plan ahead: book hotels 6+ months in advance for parade weekends.
Is February a good time for a swamp tour?
Yes for birds and quiet. Bald eagles still in residence, no mosquitoes, cool air, no crowds.
What should I wear to a Mardi Gras parade?
Layers, plus a warm coat for evening parades. Closed-toe walking shoes. Costume or mask if you want.
Are there family-friendly Mardi Gras parades?
Yes. The St. Charles Avenue parade route between Napoleon and Lee Circle is family-friendly. Endymion and Bacchus are big family parades.
If you only have one day in New Orleans in February
Mardi Gras week: stake out a parade route 2-3 hours before parade time, eat at a parade vendor, end the night at a less-crowded Frenchmen Street venue. Non-parade time: morning walking tour, lunch at Galatoire’s, afternoon Garden District walk, evening cocktail at the Carousel Bar, dinner at Commander’s Palace.
For more on the year, see our other monthly guides plus the complete walking tour guide.