Best Things to Do in New Orleans in March 2026: Local Picks
Quick answer: March is the unsung hero of New Orleans travel months. Mardi Gras has cleared out, the weather is perfect (highs in the 70s), the spring festivals (St. Patrick’s Day, Super Sunday, BUKU) bring real local flavor without convention crowds, and crawfish are at peak supply. If you want NOLA at its best without the Mardi Gras price spike, March is your window.
What’s the weather like in New Orleans in March?
March averages highs of 71°F and lows of 53°F. Late-month days can hit 80°F. Cold fronts still happen but milder than February. About 5 inches of rain spread across 8-9 days. Comfortable for walking, biking, kayaking, and outdoor festivals. UV climbing — start using sunscreen daily.
Top things to do in New Orleans in March
1. St. Patrick’s Day parades (mid-March)
New Orleans does St. Patrick’s bigger than any other US city outside Boston. The Irish Channel parade rolls the Saturday closest to March 17 — locals catch cabbages, potatoes, and onions thrown from floats (yes, real vegetables for Irish stew). The Downtown Irish Club parade rolls St. Patrick’s evening through the French Quarter and Marigny.
2. Super Sunday (third Sunday of March)
The Mardi Gras Indians’ big public showcase. Tribes parade in hand-stitched feathered suits worth tens of thousands of dollars and months of labor. Starts at A.L. Davis Park Uptown. One of the most authentic and least-touristy events of the year. Free, family-friendly, photographically stunning.
3. BUKU Music + Art Project (mid-March)
Two-day electronic and hip-hop festival on the Mississippi River. Younger crowd than Jazz Fest. Camp-style setup with art installations. Tickets in the $200-300 range for the weekend.
4. Crawfish boils everywhere
March is peak crawfish supply. Restaurants run boils every weekend. Best spots: Bevi Seafood, Big Fisherman, Cajun Seafood on Claiborne. Average price $5-7/lb live, $7-10/lb boiled.
5. Kayak swamp tour at the spring sweet spot
March swamp tours hit a sweet spot: alligators starting to wake up from winter dormancy, mosquitoes still gone, water temperatures pleasant, bald eagles still nesting. Wildlife visibility is high.
See our swamp tour comparison or book a kayak swamp tour with NKST.
6. Tennessee Williams Festival (late March)
Five-day literary festival in the French Quarter. Author talks, walking tours of Williams’ New Orleans haunts, a Stella shouting contest in Jackson Square (yes, really), play readings.
7. Walk the Garden District in peak bloom
Magnolias, azaleas, and live oak canopies are at peak in late March. Garden District walking tours are at their visual peak. See our walking tour guide.
8. Pedal pub crawl through the French Quarter
March weather is perfect for the pedal pub. Outdoor activity, social, no walking shoes needed. Book a NOLA pedal pub crawl.
What to pack for March in New Orleans
- Layers (t-shirt, light long-sleeve, light jacket combo)
- One warmer layer for cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and hat for daytime
- Light rain jacket or umbrella
- Green / Irish gear if visiting around St. Patrick’s
Common questions about visiting New Orleans in March
Is March a good time to visit New Orleans?
Yes, March is one of the best months. Perfect weather, post-Mardi Gras calm, strong festival lineup (St. Patrick’s, Super Sunday, BUKU, Tennessee Williams), peak crawfish supply, and prices that drop from February’s Mardi Gras spike.
How warm is New Orleans in March?
Average highs are 71°F and lows are 53°F. Late March can hit 80°F. Generally pleasant for outdoor activity all day.
What festivals happen in New Orleans in March?
St. Patrick’s Day parades (Irish Channel and Downtown Irish Club), Super Sunday (Mardi Gras Indians), BUKU Music Fest, the Tennessee Williams Festival, and the Hogs for the Cause BBQ Festival.
Is March too late for Mardi Gras?
Yes. Mardi Gras 2026 ended February 17. The next Mardi Gras is February 9, 2027. March visitors get the post-Mardi Gras calm and lower hotel prices.
Is March a good time for a New Orleans bachelorette party?
Yes, very. March weather supports outdoor activities, the festival energy is real but more local than tourist-heavy, and bookings are easier than spring or fall peak. Avoid the St. Patrick’s weekend if you want quiet streets.
Is March a good time for a swamp tour in New Orleans?
Yes, one of the best. Alligators waking up from winter dormancy, no mosquitoes, mild temperatures, bald eagles still nesting. High wildlife visibility with comfortable conditions.
What should I wear in New Orleans in March?
Layers — t-shirt or light long-sleeve, light jacket. One warmer layer for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen for daytime. A light rain jacket for spring showers.
Is March a good time for crawfish in New Orleans?
Yes, peak supply. March is the sweet spot for live crawfish — biggest size, best price ($5-7/lb live, $7-10/lb boiled), and every restaurant is running boils. April-May extend the season but supply tapers.
If you only have one day in New Orleans in March
Morning: French Quarter walking tour. Lunch at a po’boy spot or a crawfish boil if it’s a weekend. Afternoon: Garden District streetcar walk in peak bloom. Late afternoon: cocktail at the Carousel Bar. Evening: dinner Creole, music on Frenchmen Street.
Outdoor day variant: morning kayak swamp tour at Manchac, lunch back in the city, afternoon at City Park (azaleas in bloom), evening on Magazine Street.
For more on the year, see our other monthly guides.