New Orleans Packing Guide for December: A Unique Blend of Festive Cheer and Practicality
Why December is the Perfect Time for a New Orleans Trip
December is arguably the best time to visit the lively city of New Orleans. Since my grandparents live in New Orleans, I was fortunate to visit frequently. Needless to say I became pretty good at figuring out what to pack for New Orleans in December. With mild temperatures and cooler evenings, it’s a stark contrast to the humid subtropical climate of the summer months.
The Crescent City comes alive with holiday cheer, offering a unique blend of Christmas and New Year’s charm and plenty of outdoor activities. Average high temperatures hover between the 50s and 70s, making it the perfect place to explore without the summer heat. Plus, special events like live music and festive decor light up the historic French Quarter and Jackson Square.
TL;DR: Packing Essentials for Your December New Orleans Trip
Planning a trip to New Orleans in December? Here’s your quick guide to ensure you pack smartly for the perfect blend of comfort and style:
- Weather-Friendly Layers: Pack breathable fabrics, light jackets, and warm layers for cooler evenings and mild daytime temperatures.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and all the historic French Quarter.
- Rain Gear: A lightweight waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is a must for occasional drizzles.
- Stylish Options: Dressy outfits for upscale restaurants and festive attire for special events.
- Daytime Exploration Gear: Bring a fanny pack, day pack, or crossbody bag for essentials like sunscreen and snacks.
Enjoy every moment of your December New Orleans trip—pack smart and explore with ease!
What to Pack: Essential Items for Your December New Orleans Packing List
Comfortable Clothing for Daytime Exploration
Exploring New Orleans involves walking…a lot of walking! So, dress comfortably!
- Breathable Fabrics and Layers: With mild winters, layering is a good idea. Pack light layers like long-sleeved shirts, tank tops, and short-sleeve tees. These are great for the warmer days when average temperatures reach the low 70s.
- Comfortable Pants: A pair of comfortable jeans or hiking-style pants is the best option for daytime sightseeing and casual wear. They’re perfect for activities like a swamp tour or exploring City Park.
- Rain Gear: A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain boots can be a lifesaver since December can still bring occasional rain. While it’s not hurricane season, a little preparation goes a long way.
Warm Layers for Cooler Evenings
- Light Jacket or Jean Jacket: Evenings in December can be chilly, with temperatures dipping into the upper 40s. A light jacket is a versatile option for layering especially if taking a ghost tour.
- Comfortable Jeans and Festive Attire: Comfortable jeans are great for exploring Frenchmen Street or enjoying a jazz performance in the French Marketplace. For upscale restaurants or special events, a dressy outfit or festive attire is a must.
Footwear: The Most Important Thing for Exploring the Big Easy
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: The best ways to explore the city are on foot. Whether you’re navigating the streets of the French Quarter, enjoying a fast-lane ticket to a heritage festival, or walking along Royal, Charters, Bourbon, or Magazine Streets, comfortable shoes are essential. My preference is a comfy pair of running shoes! The nice cushy shoes make it feel like walking on a cloud!
- Pair of Dress Shoes: For dining at upscale restaurants or a night on Bourbon Street, pack a pair of dress shoes to complement your evening look.
Accessories: Practical and Stylish Additions
- Fanny Pack or Crossbody Bag: A fanny pack or small bag is perfect for carrying essentials like sun protection, rain gear, and your camera for capturing street performers in action.
- Day Pack: Day Packs like the Osprey Daylite 20 liter is the perfect pack for carrying water, National Park Passport Books, rain jackets, and your layers! We camped at the New Orleans RV Resort and Marina which is about 6 miles from the French Quarter. Carrying some gear made our afternoon in the city more enjoyable and stress free!
- Rain Gear: A compact umbrella and rain jacket are great additions to handle unexpected weather shifts. I love my REI rain jacked and Sara is a fan of her North Face rain gear. When it rains these jackets are worth every penny!
- Sun Protection: Even in winter, sunny days can require a hat and sunscreen.
December Activities and Their Packing Considerations
Festive Holiday Events and Exploration
- Holiday Cheer in the French Quarter: Enjoy the holiday lights, street performers, and live music. Comfortable walking shoes and warm layers will keep you cozy for nighttime explorations.
- King Cakes and Cafe du Monde: Indulging in New Orleans’ sweet treats? Comfortable casual wear is ideal for daytime cafe hopping. All the walking in New Orleans is sure to work up an appetite! Don’t skip on all the delicious food!
- Special Events and Festivals: From jazz fest previews to smaller heritage festivals, having a versatile wardrobe with light layers and festive attire ensures you’re ready for any occasion. Who knows maybe you’ll be part of a wedding parade!?!
Outdoor Activities
- Swamp Tours and City Park: Comfortable clothing and breathable fabrics are essential for these daytime activities. Add a rain jacket if the weather forecast hints at lower temperatures or drizzle.
- Exploring Jackson Square and the Mississippi River: A pair of jeans and a light jacket work well for cooler temperatures while enjoying this scenic area.
Tips for Packing Light and Smart
- Pack Light Layers: Avoid overpacking by bringing versatile pieces that work for both daytime exploration and evening outings.
- Check the Weather Report: A quick look at the weather forecast before your trip helps you decide if warmer days or colder weather will dominate.
- Curated List of Must-Haves:
- Multiple pairs of underwear for long weekends.
- Comfortable jeans for casual wear and dressy outfit options for upscale restaurants.
- Rain gear, including a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Why December is the Best Time for New Orleans
This time of year hits the sweet spot for a New Orleans trip. Mild winters with lower temperatures create the perfect blend of comfort and holiday magic. Whether you’re strolling down Bourbon Street, admiring the lights in Jackson Square, or enjoying a tank-top day along St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District, New Orleans promises a memorable experience.
With this curated packing guide, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment in the Big Easy. From the festive attire for holiday cheer to comfortable walking shoes for the historic French Quarter, you’re all set for the adventure ahead!
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
