Louisiana weather and outdoor projects
Louisiana is hot and humid for much of the year and among the wettest states. New Orleans and the coast get frequent heavy downpours, and summer afternoon storms are common across the state. Humidity often stays high overnight, so dew can form on fresh paint and stain in the evening.
Late fall and early spring are usually the best times for outdoor projects. Freezes are rare along the coast but happen most winters in North Louisiana around Shreveport. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring several days of rain at once. Mildew grows quickly, so clean surfaces well before you coat them.
Frost dates in Louisiana
In New Orleans, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around January 30 and the median first fall freeze is around December 31, a frost-free season of about 333 days.
In Shreveport, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 9 and the median first fall freeze is around November 18, a frost-free season of about 255 days.
How Louisiana compares with other states
New Orleans is tied for the 3rd-longest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (7 good months). New Orleans has the 3rd-most humid summer afternoons of the 47 state main stations (61% humidity at 3 PM, June–August). New Orleans is tied for the 5th-longest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (333 days).
| Measure (New Orleans) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 7 good months | 3rd of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 333 days | 5th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 5 a year | 46th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 77 a year with 0.1 in or more | 16th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 85 a year | 5th of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 61% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 3rd of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Louisiana
In New Orleans, the most reliable months are February–May and October–December. January and June–September can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Shreveport, the most reliable months are April–May and October. February–March, June, September and November–December can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 37°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 95°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In February–March and November, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and September are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. December is cool, with highs around 60°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to paint outside in Louisiana
In New Orleans, the most reliable months are October–May. June–September can also work on the right days. June–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Shreveport, the most reliable months are March–May and October–November. June, September and December–February can also work on the right days. July–August is hot, with average highs near 95°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In December–February, nights average about 39°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and September are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to pour concrete in Louisiana
In New Orleans, the most reliable months are February–December. January can also work on the right days (average highs Jan 63°F). January brings about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Shreveport, the most reliable months are April–October. February–March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Feb 63°F, Mar 70°F, Nov 68°F). December–January averages about 10 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. February–March and November bring about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Louisiana
In New Orleans, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. June–August and December–February can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 65°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June–August averages about 9 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Shreveport, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 70°F, Nov 68°F). December–January is too cold, with average highs around 59°F. In February, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. November is cool, with highs around 68°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Louisiana
In New Orleans, the most reliable months are October–May. June–September can also work on the right days. June–September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Shreveport, the most reliable months are February–May and October–November. June, September and December–January can also work on the right days. July–August is hot, with average highs near 95°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–January is cool, with highs around 59°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June and September are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Louisiana
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 91°F | 46°F | 63 in | January 30 | December 31 |
| Shreveport | 95°F | 37°F | 51 in | March 9 | November 18 |
Of the places above, New Orleans has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (26 job-months), and Shreveport has the fewest (15).
Monthly weather in New Orleans
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F | 46°F | 7 | 5.2 in | 56% | 3 |
| February | 66°F | 50°F | 6 | 4.1 in | 56% | 1 |
| March | 72°F | 55°F | 5 | 4.4 in | 54% | 0 |
| April | 79°F | 62°F | 5 | 5.2 in | 54% | 0 |
| May | 85°F | 69°F | 5 | 5.6 in | 55% | 0 |
| June | 90°F | 75°F | 9 | 7.6 in | 60% | 0 |
| July | 91°F | 77°F | 9 | 6.8 in | 62% | 0 |
| August | 91°F | 77°F | 10 | 6.9 in | 61% | 0 |
| September | 88°F | 74°F | 7 | 5.1 in | 58% | 0 |
| October | 81°F | 64°F | 4 | 3.7 in | 53% | 0 |
| November | 71°F | 54°F | 5 | 3.9 in | 54% | 0 |
| December | 65°F | 48°F | 6 | 4.8 in | 59% | 1 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Shreveport
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 37°F | 6 | 4.4 in | 48% | 11 |
| February | 63°F | 41°F | 6 | 4.3 in | 48% | 6 |
| March | 70°F | 48°F | 7 | 4.9 in | 45% | 2 |
| April | 78°F | 54°F | 5 | 5.2 in | 47% | 0 |
| May | 85°F | 64°F | 6 | 4.5 in | 52% | 0 |
| June | 91°F | 71°F | 6 | 4.8 in | 52% | 0 |
| July | 94°F | 74°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 50% | 0 |
| August | 95°F | 73°F | 4 | 2.9 in | 46% | 0 |
| September | 90°F | 67°F | 4 | 3.5 in | 45% | 0 |
| October | 79°F | 55°F | 5 | 4.6 in | 46% | 0 |
| November | 68°F | 45°F | 6 | 4.0 in | 49% | 3 |
| December | 60°F | 39°F | 6 | 4.9 in | 51% | 9 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for NEW ORLEANS INTL AP, SHREVEPORT. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Louisiana?
In New Orleans, February–May and October–December. In Shreveport, April–May and October.
When is the last frost in Louisiana?
New Orleans: around January 30; Shreveport: around March 9.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Louisiana?
Often, with care. New Orleans averages about 5 freezing nights from December to February, so pick a mild spell, cover the slab on cold nights and keep it from freezing for the first 48 hours.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Louisiana?
In New Orleans, March–May and September–November. In Shreveport, April–October.