by Michael Totten

Created on: March 04, 2011   Last Updated: March 18, 2011

The weather in New Orleans during Mardi Gras changes each year. This is because Mardi Gras is a moveable festival which falls on different dates every year, based on Easter. The final days of the Mardi Gras festival always take place 47 days before Easter, just before Lent. Easter falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, so it can be any Sunday between March 23 and April 25.

Thus, Shrove Tuesday can come as early as February 3 or as late as March 9. However, this is also the time of year when New Orleans weather changes over from winter to summer. During this time, the weather fluctuates more than at any other time of year.

During early February, Mardi Gras weather can be very cold, sometimes coming close to freezing at night. The lowest temperature ever recorded in New Orleans was 7 degrees F, on February 13, 1899. However, temperatures in the mid 40s are much more likely.

As it gets closer to March, the temperature gets warmer, sometimes with hot spells up to 80 degrees F or higher. However, daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s are more common, with nights in the low 50s.

Rain is possible at any time of year in New Orleans, although it rains less during Mardi Gras season than at almost any other time of the year. Even so, you should prepare for mud and at least one drenching rain during your visit. Even the relatively dry months of February and March average more than 8 inches of rain during the month. If it rains hard during Mardi Gras season, expect the temperature to drop afterwards.

Snowfall is extremely rare in New Orleans. Most winters pass with no snowfall at all. If there is any snow, it usually falls during late December, but snow is not unknown in early February. If there is enough snow to turn the ground white, it will probably melt quickly the next morning. March is snow-free.

Thunderstorms and severe weather are common throughout February and March. New Orleans also lies in Tornado Alley. Tornadoes sometimes occur in the greater New Orleans region, but are uncommon in the Orleans Parish itself. Since 1950, 15 tornadoes have been recorded in the greater New Orleans region during Mardi Gras months.

In New Orleans, snow and light rain are not a cause for parade cancelation. Some krewes may relocate their parades if heavy rain or possible flooding are predicted, avoiding narrow avenues in the Central Business District in favor of wider streets.

Predictions of severe weather will cancel some parades, which are usually rescheduled to the next day. However, this may mean a change of venue. Other festivities will likely continue until the storm clouds are directly overhead.

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