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.
Frost dates matter for concrete, which must not freeze in its first 48 hours, for paint and caulk that need nights above their minimum, and for lawn care, since crabgrass preventer goes down as the soil warms in spring. See how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
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.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the deck staining forecast.
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.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the exterior painting forecast.
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. 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. 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.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the concrete pouring forecast.
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. 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.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the driveway sealing forecast.
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.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the lawn fertilizer forecast.
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). If you live between them, expect something in between, and higher ground to be cooler with a shorter season.
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 at least 0.1 inch of rain or melted snow. Freezing nights: average nights a month at or below 32°F. Humidity is calculated from NOAA hourly normal temperature and dew point at 3 PM.
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 |
Use the averages, then check the forecast
These ratings describe a typical month, not a particular week. A warm spell in a “poor” month can give you a good day, and a wet week can spoil a “good” one. Use this page to plan the season, then check the 7-day forecast for your ZIP code before you buy materials or book help. Each project forecast checks the hours after you finish too: overnight lows, dew and rain that would ruin fresh stain, paint, sealer or concrete.
About this data
Monthly temperatures, rain days, snowfall and freeze dates are NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Climate Normals for 1991–2020 at NEW ORLEANS INTL AP, SHREVEPORT. Ratings apply the same temperature limits as our forecasts (for example, 50°F or warmer for deck stain and driveway sealer, and no freezing nights for new concrete) to the average month. Your product label always takes priority.
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. Look for at least 24 dry hours before and after, and nights above about 40°F. The deck staining forecast checks your exact week.
When is the last frost in Louisiana?
New Orleans: around January 30; Shreveport: around March 9. These are median dates from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, so a freeze after them happens in about half of years. Low spots and valleys freeze later in spring.
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. Most sealers need 50°F or warmer for 24 hours and a dry day after. See the driveway sealing forecast.