A first weekend in New Orleans
French Quarter by day: streets, architecture and river views
A French Quarter evening: choose a jazz set or a street strollAn example packing list for New Orleans in August
Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.
Clothing
- Underwear
- Bras (if worn)
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Breathable T-shirt or linen shirt
- Comfortable trousers
- Removable light knit
- Packable rain jacket
- Broken-in walking shoes with grip
- Light shorts or skirt (if preferred)
- Sun hat
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Skincare products
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shaving supplies (if used)
- Menstrual products (if needed)
- Contact lens solution (if used)
Essentials
- Passport or accepted travel ID
- Travel tickets and booking confirmations
- Wallet and payment cards
- Phone
- Charging cable and charger
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Medication (if needed)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
- Refillable water bottle
- Day bag
- Power bank (if needed)
- Water-resistant pouch
- Compact umbrella (if preferred)
Monthly weather and packing notes
August remains a hot-weather packing month. Use light fabrics, comfortable shoes and sun protection, with compact rain cover for showers. A cooled museum or planned indoor performance can break up outdoor time. Check the current forecast and transport alerts before relying on a full day of exposed routes.
- Daytime
- 31–35°C
- Evenings
- 23–27°C
- Rain
- Frequent showers possible
- Daylight
- Use daylight for neighborhood routes, allowing shaded breaks.
- Packing style
- Breathable clothes, seasonal removable layers and rain protection
National Weather Service New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 1991–2020 normals: mean daily maximum 91.3°F (32.9°C), minimum 76.6°F (24.8°C); monthly precipitation 6.91 inches (175.5 mm). Clothing bands convert to Celsius, round and expand 2°C each way; these are outfit prompts, not forecast limits. The airport station differs from city streets and exposed river decks. Check your actual dates, current forecast and service alerts.
Outfit ideas for your outings
August in the French Quarter
- Breathable T-shirt or linen shirt
- Light trousers, shorts or skirt
- Walking shoes with grip
- Packable rain jacket
- Sun protection
A river deck or waterfront pause
- Breathable T-shirt or linen shirt
- Removable light knit
- Packable rain jacket
- Secure comfortable footwear
- Sun protection
Museum galleries or an indoor performance
- Breathable T-shirt or linen shirt
- Comfortable trousers or skirt
- Thin removable layer
- Closed comfortable shoes
- Day bag for rain cover
What to leave behind
- Stiff unworn shoes: test footwear before uneven historic paving and park paths.
- Only heavy clothes: hot outdoor stretches call for breathable layers and shaded breaks.
Reviewed 2026-10-13
NWS: MSY 1991–2020 monthly normals · New Orleans tourism: first-time visitor outings · RTA: current transport and fare choices