Louisiana

Best time to visit Louisiana

The best time to visit Louisiana is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) seasons. Here's why:

Spring has pleasant weather, enjoy mild temperatures and comfortable humidity levels. Witness the beauty of spring flowers in full bloom and indulge in delicious and fresh crawfish boils as crawfish are in season. Mardi Gras takes place in spring so you can experience the vibrant and festive celebrations.

In autumn enjoy warm days and cool evenings, perfect for outdoor activities, witness the stunning fall colours of the Louisiana landscape. There are fewer crowds so you can experience a more relaxed and less crowded experience.

You can still visit in the other two seasons but you should be aware that while summer (June-August) offers longer days and plenty of sunshine, it can also be very hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Winter (December-February) in Louisiana can be unpredictable, with occasional cold snaps and even snow in some areas. However, you'll find lower prices and fewer crowds during this time. 

Ultimately, the best time to visit Louisiana depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

Discover Louisiana

You can’t help but be captivated by Louisiana and its different cultures, love of food, music and how it loves to celebrate. Most visitors will start their journey in New Orleans – a place like no other and a living celebration of jazz, architecture, diverse cultures and Mardi Gras. Outside of New Orleans, charming Natchitoches, boasts 18th century architecture in 33 blocks of buildings in the downtown Historic Landmark District and the state capital Baton Rouge has a fascinating mix of museums, art, food and the tallest state capitol building in the USA.

Learn about the state’s history at the plantation homes on the Great River Road in Plantation Country. Tour grand plantations that once defined Southern wealth and gain a deeper understanding of the state's rich history and the pivotal role it played in the American story. Cajun traditions and cultures are at the heart of Lafayette in Cajun Country. Witness the way of life of the Cajun people at the Acadian Village, a living history museum and at Vermilionville, a 23-acre historic village with beautifully crafted homes where local cultures are brought to life through dance, costumed artisans, cooking demonstrations and music.

The diverse landscapes of the state lend itself to a wide variety of opportunities – the Creole Nature Trail protected wetlands and marshlands are home to a wide variety of birdlife and alligators or take a cruise through the shaded cypress trees of Lafayette’s Lake Martin, a wildlife reserve home to turtles and lizards. Swamp and bayou cruises just outside of New Orleans offer a tranquil and relaxing experience or if you want to listen to jazz music and enjoy southern fayre, embark on a lunch, evening or seven-night cruise on an authentic paddle-wheeler along the Mississippi River.

Highlights of Louisiana

What is Louisiana famous for?

• New Orleans
• Plantation Country
• Lafayette, Cajun Country
• Baton Rouge
• Creole Nature Trail

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

New Orleans

A place like no other, New Orleans is the vibrant heart of Louisiana which is home to the epic and magical Mardi Gras, where the city celebrates big time with its grand parades and colourful and elaborate costumes and masks. From the soulful sounds of Bourbon Street to the architectural beauty of the French Quarter and the cool music bars on Frenchmen Street, New Orleans pulses with energy year-round. Whether you're savouring beignets at Café du Monde, cruising along the Mississippi River, or enjoying a horse and carriage ride around Jackson Square, New Orleans never disappoints!

Explore location

Plantation Country

Step into the history and charm of Plantation County, just north of New Orleans, and experience tranquil beauty. Beautifully set along the mighty Mississippi River, the area features some of the grandest plantation homes in the South along the Great River Road. Visitors can get a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy sugar plantation owners and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. From the grandiose Oak Alley Plantation with its 300-year-old towering oak trees, to Laura Plantation, visitors can tour the houses and beautiful gardens, or if you’re looking for an overnight stay, plantation homes such as Houmas House Estate and Gardens offer rooms you can stay in.

Lafayette, Cajun Country

Nestled in the heart of Louisiana in Cajun Country, Lafayette has a vibrant blend of rich Cajun culture, which oozes out through its music, vibrant festivals and delicious dishes. Step into the past and experience the rich history and vibrant culture of the Cajun and Creole communities at Acadian Village and Vermilionville. These immersive heritage sites offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of early settlers, bringing to life the traditions, music, food, and spirit of the Acadiana region. Take a boat ride through the shaded cypress trees of Lake Martin, a wildlife reserve where you could spot alligators, turtles and lizards or enjoy birdwatching.

Baton Rouge

Sitting beside the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge, the state capital is one of America’s fastest growing cities. Visitors come to explore its beautiful plantation homes and interesting museums, each of which have their own unique story. Recommended visits include Magnolia Mound, one of the states oldest plantation homes and the LSU Rural Life Museum, an outdoor museum. Enjoy incredible views from the observation deck at the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest state capitol building in the country. Cuisine is big in the city, served in the unique restaurants and markets which offer flavoursome local cuisine and amazing seafood. Drinking is a pleasurable experience in the various distilleries, breweries and speakeasies and like the rest of the state, live music, especially blues music can be heard everywhere.

Creole Nature Trail

Nature beckons at the 180 miles of protected wetlands, salt marshes and wildlife on the Creole Nature Trail. It meanders from the Lake Charles area through bayous and marshlands to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in southern Louisiana. Designated an all-American scenic byway, the trail is brimming with alligators, over 400 species of birds, wildlife refuges, picture-perfect beaches and breath-taking landscapes.