Best Time of Year to Cruise the Mississippi from New Orleans

Quick answerThe best time to cruise the Mississippi River from New Orleans is October through May when the air is cool, the humidity drops below 65 percent and the mosquitoes vanish. November and February see the most pleasant temperatures (16 to 24 degrees Celsius), perfect for the open-air upper decks. Mardi Gras week in February brings a 30 percent surcharge on cruise tickets but also the most festive atmosphere on the river. Avoid July and August when humidity hits 90 percent and afternoon thunderstorms can shorten an open-deck experience.

Peak Cool Season: October to May

From mid-October through May the daily highs in New Orleans hover between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius and the river breeze on the Natchez upper decks feels refreshing rather than punishing. November, January and February are the coolest months, with morning lows around 8 to 12 degrees, so bring a light jacket for the dinner cruise return at 9:00 pm. Hotel prices stay moderate except over Christmas and Mardi Gras. This is the best window for first-time visitors who want to enjoy the open-air calliope concert without sweating through their shirt.

Mardi Gras and Festival Boom: February

Mardi Gras week (the 7 days before Fat Tuesday, dates change every year) is the most explosive moment to be in New Orleans. The Natchez adds a third daily cruise and a special parade-watching sailing that pulls alongside the riverfront route during the floats parade. Cruise tickets see a 25 to 35 percent surge and dinner sailings sell out 4 weeks in advance, but the energy on board is electric: bands play extra sets, the captain blasts the calliope longer and many guests come in costume. Hotels in the French Quarter triple their rates so book by November.

Avoid: August Heat and Hurricane Season

August is the worst month to cruise the Mississippi. Daytime highs hit 33 to 35 degrees Celsius with 90 percent humidity, the upper Texas Deck becomes a sauna and afternoon thunderstorms cancel cruise calliope concerts twice a week. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November but September is statistically the riskiest, with named storms occasionally forcing the Coast Guard to close the river for 24 to 72 hours. If August is your only option, take the 11:30 am cruise (cooler than the 2:30 pm) and check the forecast 48 hours before sailing.

Month-by-Month Quick Guide

January: cool and quiet, best ticket prices, occasional cold front. February: Mardi Gras boom, book early, premium prices. March and April: spring weather, French Quarter Festival in early April, ideal cruise conditions. May: warm but not yet humid, low crowds. June and July: summer heat, frequent thunderstorms, lower hotel rates. August: avoid. September: hurricane risk, mostly empty wharf. October: humidity drops, perfect again. November: best month overall, cool air and Thanksgiving cruises. December: festive lights cruise on the boat, mild weather, holiday surcharges from December 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the cheapest time to cruise the Mississippi?

September gives the lowest cruise and hotel prices in New Orleans, but it is also peak hurricane risk. January offers cool weather and good prices without the storm risk.

Does the Steamboat Natchez sail when it rains?

Yes. Light rain does not cancel the cruise because the lower decks are enclosed and have full dining and bar service. Only severe storms or river closures cancel.

Is December a good time to take the Steamboat Natchez?

Yes. The boat dresses up with holiday lights from late November through New Year, weather is mild and holiday-themed dinner cruises run all month. Book ahead from December 20.