Louisiana in Winter

With much of the country shivering in the snow, Louisiana offers warmer weather, rich culture and unforgettable festivals that turn up the heat in the colder months. From the lively festivities of Mardi Gras to cozy jazz clubs, Louisiana turns the winter months into a celebration of music, food and culture.

Cultural Festivals 

Winter marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, where cities and towns across Louisiana put on vibrant parades over several weeks with paradegoers catching colorful beads, or “throws.” New Orleans hosts around 80 parades during this time, while Lafayette, Lake Charles, Mamou and Eunice are also well known for their Carnival celebrations. 

The Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival in Cameron Parish has kid-friendly rides and live music alongside target competitions, trapping demonstrations and speaker series. Every year, reenactors and history buffs come to the Chalmette Battlefield to honor the pivotal Battle of New Orleans, while parades and live music fill the streets of Lake Charles during its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Festival.

Musical Celebrations

Louisiana’s music scene doesn’t hibernate in winter — it thrives. Visit iconic Frenchmen Street in New Orleans for fewer crowds but the same electric energy of live performances and sidewalk jam sessions. Nearby, the Louisiana Culture Festival lights up the historic French Market with live zydeco, jazz and Native American melodies. 

Come celebrate music and food in Baton Rouge during the Louisiana Cultural Music & Arts Festival in December, or to Vermilionville in Lafayette for Cajun and zydeco performances all season long. Plan a road trip to some of the stops on the Louisiana Music Trail to visit live music venues, historic markers and cultural hubs tucked into the quieter winter landscape. 

Foodie Delights

When temperatures dip, Louisiana’s kitchens warm up the body and soul. Winter is the perfect season to savor classic Creole and Cajun comfort foods like rich gumbo, spicy jambalaya and creamy étouffée — Opelousas puts on its annual Gumbo Cook-off every January. Winter crawfish season kicks off towards the beginning of each year, with festivals and local restaurants cooking up the delicious crustaceans statewide.

King cake season runs during Carnival, with the purple, green and gold pastry popping up in bakeries, grocery stores and kitchens across the state and being honored at the King Cake Festival in Thibodaux. Warm up with a hot cup of café au lait and a pillowy beignet from the iconic Café du Monde in New Orleans. 

Outdoor Escapes 

While some travelers head indoors for winter, Louisiana’s natural landscapes experience smaller crowds and serene vistas — an ideal time to enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, fishing, biking and wildlife viewing. Sign up for bayou tours in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area for exploration of the U.S.'s largest river swamp. 

Birders flock to Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge to see tens of thousands of ducks, geese and other migratory birds that stay here all winter. Enjoy the mild temperatures while fishing the extensive waterways or hiking scenic treks around Kisatchie National Forest. Visitors can enjoy a sightseeing cruise down the mighty Mississippi River without the summer tourists, or on a private charter captained by a local outfitter. 

Holiday Festivities 

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas event or something unexpected, you’re sure to find it in Louisiana. The six-week-long Natchitoches Christmas Festival features more than 300,000 glittering lights, meet and greets with Santa, and a nightly drone show. In New Orleans, Celebration in the Oaks offers a walking or driving tour through acres of festive lights and displays.

Visit Shreveport when the American Rose Center Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas at Roseland, or Alexandria during the dazzling, family-friendly Winter Fête. Some uniquely Louisiana ways to celebrate the season are by traveling along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights that wanders through seven areas of north Louisiana or by witnessing the Christmas Eve bonfires that light up along the Mississippi River levee.

Sports Paradise 

While winter in Louisiana might not bring snow, it’s still a vibrant season for sports fans. Root on the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans from adjacent stadiums in the heart of the Crescent City. College basketball takes center stage as the always competitive Louisiana State University men’s and women’s basketball teams play home games on their campus in Baton Rouge.

For family-friendly fun on a budget, check the schedules of the minor-league hockey teams found in the state, including the Shreveport Mudbugs and Monroe Moccasins. Golf season is year-round in Louisiana, with hundreds of courses to pick from, from award-winning public ones to luxurious private getaways. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter in Louisiana

What is the weather like in Louisiana during the winter? 

Louisiana winters are generally mild, especially compared to the rest of the United States. Freezing temperatures and even light snow may happen in North Louisiana but are extremely rare in the southern areas. 

What should I pack for a vacation to Louisiana in winter? 

When it comes to clothing, make sure to pack layers. The sun will keep you warm during the day, but temperatures may drop at night to where long-sleeved shirts and pants will keep you comfortable. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must in every season. 

What are the top winter festivals in Louisiana? 

Louisiana always has something to celebrate, even in the cooler months. Mardi Gras celebrations happen over several weeks throughout the state. Holiday events, foodie festivals and musical performances are also popular to attend.