Best Time to Go
It's no secret that long, hot summers are associated with New Orleans. Like much
of the deep South, summer is sweltering. This is a cheap time to visit the Big
Easy, if you can stomach the humidity. If you decide to visit between June and
November, keep in mind that it's tornado and hurricane season. Plenty of Gulf
storms make their way into town during these months, but a torrential downpour
often cools the city down. The best time to visit New Orleans is during the
winter months. Keep in mind that prices will be higher since this is the time of
Mardi Gras, but the weather is perfect for travelers.
Average Weather
December-February: High 62, Low 45
March-May: Highs Mid-High 70s, Low Mid-High 50s
June-September: High Low 90s, Low Low 70s
October-November: High mid/high 70s, Low mid/high 50s
Transportation
If you're staying in the French Quarter, you'll find you're within walking
distance to most everything, including downtown New Orleans, the Central
Business District (CBD) and the nearby Garden District. If you can avoid driving
at all costs, do so. It's a madhouse. You'll never find a parking spot and when
you do, you'll pay dearly for it.
Cabs cruise the French Quarter and the CBD, but not beyond. The fare is $1.70
at the flag drop, 20˘ for each additional 1/5-mile, and 50˘ for each
additional passenger.
There is also the St. Charles Streetcar, but it's limited in where it goes.
Bus and St. Charles Streetcar fare is $1 (exact change); the Riverfront
Streetcar ($1.25 exact change) links attractions along the Mississippi. The
Vieux Carré Shuttle runs through the French Quarter to the foot of Canal
Street. VisiTour passes, good on all RTA buses and streetcars, cost $4 (one day)
and $8 (three days).
In-Season Costs
Prices are pretty high during the winter. If you can stand the heat, visit
during the off season and you'll cut your rates by half.
Day Trips
A good day trip is Biloxi, Mississippi. You can get there in a little
over an hour's drive. If you're itching to play some slots, Biloxi is the place
to go. There are a number of casinos that line the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
