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 May
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
May calls for breathable fabrics and comfortable walking shoes. Keep water and sun protection ready for City Park or Jackson Square, with a light rain jacket for showers. A removable indoor layer helps in cooled galleries; shorten the midday outdoor route if your forecast is hotter than expected.
- Daytime
- 28–32°C
- Evenings
- 19–23°C
- Rain
- 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 85.3°F (29.6°C), minimum 69°F (20.6°C); monthly precipitation 5.64 inches (143.3 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
May 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