Best Things to Do in New Orleans in May 2026: Local Picks
Quick answer: May is one of the two best months to visit New Orleans (October is the other). The weather is in the 80s, the late-spring festivals (Jazz Fest, Bayou Boogaloo, Greek Festival) are running, the swamp tours are at peak wildlife visibility before the worst summer humidity hits, and the crowds are still smaller than peak summer. Avoid the second weekend of May if you don’t want Jazz Fest crowds; book Jazz Fest weekend if you do.
What’s the weather like in New Orleans in May?
May in New Orleans averages highs of 84°F and lows of 67°F. Humidity climbs through the month; early May feels comfortable, late May starts to feel like summer. Rain is common but usually short — afternoon thunderstorms develop and clear within an hour. Pack a light umbrella, sunscreen, and one light layer for the rare cooler evening.
Top things to do in New Orleans in May
1. Jazz Fest (the last weekend of April + first weekend of May)
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the city’s biggest event after Mardi Gras. Two weekends, dozens of stages, every kind of music plus crawfish bread and gumbo. If you’re booking a May trip, decide whether you want to be in town for Jazz Fest weekend or specifically NOT in town for it — both are valid choices. Expect hotel prices 2-3× normal during the festival.
2. Bayou Boogaloo (third weekend of May)
Free three-day music festival on Bayou St. John. Local bands, art, food trucks, kayaks on the bayou. One of the most beloved hyper-local events of the year. No tickets needed; just show up.
3. Take a swamp tour before peak mosquito season
May is the swamp-tour sweet spot: alligators are active and visible after winter dormancy, water temperatures are warm enough for wildlife to be out, and the worst of the summer mosquitoes haven’t arrived yet. By July you’ll need DEET; in May you mostly won’t.
For options: see our honest comparison of New Orleans swamp tours or jump straight to booking a kayak swamp tour with NKST.
4. Hit the Greek Festival (Memorial Day weekend)
Held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Real Greek food, dancing, three days, no reason not to go. One of the city’s underrated festivals.
5. Walk the French Quarter before it gets too hot
May daytime temperatures are still mild enough to do a long French Quarter walking tour without melting. By July, walking the Quarter at 2 PM is brutal. See our walking tour guide.
6. Catch a Saints OTAs / preseason buzz event
The Saints’ organized team activities run in late May. Not the same as game day, but there’s usually a fan event or two if you want a football fix.
7. Eat crawfish before the season ends
Louisiana crawfish season is roughly January through June, with peak supply in March-May. By June crawfish are getting smaller and prices climb. May is your last great month to eat boiled crawfish in volume. Local spots: Bevi Seafood, Big Fisherman, Cajun Seafood on Claiborne.
8. Take the streetcar to City Park
City Park is at its visual peak in May. Sculpture garden, botanical garden, the live oaks shading everything. Bring a picnic.
What to pack for May in New Orleans
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
- One light layer for evenings
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Closed-toe walking shoes (Quarter cobblestones)
- A small umbrella or rain jacket
- Insect repellent for any swamp tour or evening outdoor event
- Water bottle (refillable)
Common questions about visiting New Orleans in May
Is May a good time to visit New Orleans?
Yes, May is one of the two best months to visit New Orleans (October is the other). Mild weather, late-spring festival lineup, peak swamp tour conditions, and crowds smaller than the summer peak.
How hot is New Orleans in May?
Average highs are 84°F and lows are 67°F. Early May is mild; late May starts to feel humid. Expect short afternoon thunderstorms.
What festivals happen in New Orleans in May?
The big one is Jazz Fest (last weekend of April + first weekend of May). Bayou Boogaloo (mid-May), the Greek Festival (Memorial Day weekend), and the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience are also May events.
Should I visit during Jazz Fest or after?
Depends on what you want. Jazz Fest weekend means hotel prices 2-3× normal, larger crowds, and a city in full festival mode. The week or two after Jazz Fest is calmer with the same weather and most attractions wide open.
Is May too hot for a swamp tour?
No. May is one of the best months for swamp tours. Alligators are active after winter dormancy, mosquitoes have not yet peaked, and the water and air temperatures are pleasant. Book morning tours for the coolest temperatures.
What should I wear in New Orleans in May?
Light, breathable clothing, one light layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat for daytime, a small umbrella for thunderstorms, and insect repellent for any swamp or evening outdoor activity.
Is May a good time for a New Orleans bachelorette party?
Yes. May weather supports both indoor and outdoor activities, the festival energy in the city is high, and the swamp/party-boat tours run at full schedule. Avoid Jazz Fest weekend for bachelorette logistics — the city is at capacity.
How crowded is New Orleans in May?
Moderate, with one major spike. Jazz Fest weekend (last weekend of April + first weekend of May) is at full capacity. The rest of May is busier than winter but well below the summer convention peak.
If you only have one day in New Orleans in May
Morning: walking tour of the French Quarter. Lunch on Decatur Street. Afternoon: Garden District streetcar ride and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 self-guided walk. Early evening: cocktail on a balcony bar overlooking Royal Street. Dinner: classic Creole place (Galatoire’s, Brennan’s, or Mr. B’s). Late night: live music on Frenchmen Street.
For an outdoor / nature day instead: morning kayak swamp tour at Manchac (book it through NKST), back in the city by 2 PM, afternoon at City Park, evening on Frenchmen Street.
For more on what to do across the year, see our other monthly guides (we publish one for each month) and our complete walking tour guide.