A first weekend in New Orleans
French Quarter by day: streets, architecture and river views
A French Quarter evening: choose a jazz set or a street strollAn example packing list for New Orleans in December
Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.
Clothing
- Underwear
- Bras (if worn)
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Comfortable trousers
- Removable light knit
- Light weatherproof jacket
- Broken-in walking shoes with grip
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Skincare products
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shaving supplies (if used)
- Menstrual products (if needed)
- Contact lens solution (if used)
Essentials
- Passport or accepted travel ID
- Travel tickets and booking confirmations
- Wallet and payment cards
- Phone
- Charging cable and charger
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Medication (if needed)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
- Refillable water bottle
- Day bag
- Power bank (if needed)
- Water-resistant pouch
- Compact umbrella (if preferred)
Monthly weather and packing notes
December needs a comfortable long-sleeved top, sweater and jacket for cooler evening stops. Use closed walking shoes and rain protection rather than packing only festival or party clothes. Check holiday opening before depending on museums or shows, and put the longer park outing in daylight.
- Daytime
- 16–20°C
- Evenings
- 7–11°C
- Rain
- Showers possible
- Daylight
- Shorter days: use daylight for park and river views.
- Packing style
- Breathable clothes, seasonal removable layers and rain protection
National Weather Service New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 1991–2020 normals: mean daily maximum 64.8°F (18.2°C), minimum 48.4°F (9.1°C); monthly precipitation 4.82 inches (122.4 mm). Clothing bands convert to Celsius, round and expand 2°C each way; these are outfit prompts, not forecast limits. The airport station differs from city streets and exposed river decks. Check your actual dates, current forecast and service alerts.
Outfit ideas for your outings
December in the French Quarter
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Comfortable trousers
- Walking shoes with grip
- Light weatherproof jacket
- Sun protection
A river deck or waterfront pause
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Removable light knit
- Light weatherproof jacket
- Secure comfortable footwear
- Sun protection
Museum galleries or an indoor performance
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Comfortable trousers or skirt
- Thin removable layer
- Closed comfortable shoes
- Day bag for rain cover
What to leave behind
- Stiff unworn shoes: test footwear before uneven historic paving and park paths.
- Only a summer outfit: cooler evenings and rain can still need a knit and weatherproof jacket.
Reviewed 2026-10-13
NWS: MSY 1991–2020 monthly normals · New Orleans tourism: first-time visitor outings · RTA: current transport and fare choices