Halloween in Louisiana usually brings a mix of warm afternoons and cooler evenings. The weather shifts fast as the sun goes down.
You might walk outside into a humid afternoon in the 70s, but then you’ll want a light jacket when temperatures dip into the 50s or 60s after dark. On average, you can expect mild to cool temperatures with a fair chance of rain, especially in the southern part of the state.
The season always adds a bit of uncertainty since late October sits at the tail end of hurricane season. Some years, you get clear skies perfect for being outside, but other times, damp weather can mess with trick-or-treating.
Knowing what’s typical helps you decide if you need to dress in layers, carry an umbrella, or change your evening plans. You’re really preparing for more than just costumes and candy by understanding Louisiana’s late October climate.
Temperature swings, humidity, wind, and rainfall all shape the holiday experience, whether you’re in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Shreveport.
Typical Halloween Weather in Louisiana
Halloween in Louisiana usually brings cooler air after months of heat and humidity. You’ll often get mild to chilly evenings, a chance of rain, and breezy weather that can throw off outdoor plans.
Average Temperatures on October 31st
By late October, Louisiana has left summer heat behind. Afternoon highs often sit in the upper 60s to low 70s°F (20–23°C) in southern cities like New Orleans and Lafayette.
Northern spots like Shreveport run cooler, with highs closer to the low to mid-60s°F (16–18°C). Evenings cool off quickly after sunset.
Temperatures usually dip into the 40s or 50s°F (4–15°C), depending on where you are. Trick-or-treating often feels crisp, so most folks grab a light jacket.
Nighttime lows can sometimes reach the upper 30s°F (3–4°C) up north. Frost or a light freeze has happened before, especially in rural areas.
These chilly nights feel pretty sharp compared to Louisiana’s usual warmth.
Common Weather Patterns
Cold fronts regularly push through Louisiana in late October. These systems bring gusty north winds, lower humidity, and sharp temperature drops.
The timing of these fronts can really change your Halloween from year to year. Showers and light storms pop up, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Heavy rain isn’t typical, but you should expect at least a little drizzle or wet weather. Gusts of 15–25 mph aren’t rare after a front moves through.
Wind can knock over your porch decorations or make costumes feel colder than expected. It helps to secure stuff and wear layers.
Historical Weather Trends
Records show Halloween in Louisiana swings between warm and surprisingly cold. Some years, highs hover around 80°F (27°C) and you’re sweating in your costume.
Other times, strong Arctic fronts drop highs into the 50s°F (10–15°C), with lows in the 30s. One of the coldest New Orleans Halloweens stayed in the 50s all day.
Baton Rouge and Shreveport have even seen frost or freezing when a front arrives at the worst time. Most years, though, things land in the middle.
You’ll usually get mild afternoons, cooler evenings, and a chance of light rain. The weather can flip quickly, so checking the forecast is always smart.
Rainfall and Precipitation Chances
Rain is just part of fall in Louisiana, and Halloween often brings unsettled weather. Cool air fronts mix with lingering Gulf moisture, so showers and gusty winds show up in lots of places.
Likelihood of Rain on Halloween
Louisiana ranks as one of the wettest states, with over 55 inches of rain each year. That means Halloween has a higher chance of rain than many other places.
Historical records show light to moderate rain is common, though heavy downpours can happen. Cold fronts in late October bump up the odds of rain or drizzle during the holiday.
Plan for at least some wet weather. Even if storms don’t fire up, mist or light showers can still affect your plans.
The chance of rain isn’t a sure thing every year, but you need to be ready for it.
Timing of Showers and Storms
Rain around Halloween often follows a pattern tied to cold fronts. Showers tend to build during the afternoon as temperatures peak and moisture rises.
By evening, rain usually tapers off, but scattered showers can stick around during trick-or-treat hours. Sometimes storms hit earlier in the day and move out before nightfall, leaving behind cooler, drier air.
You might notice strong winds after these fronts. Gusts make the air feel colder and can scatter decorations or make costumes uncomfortable.
Planning activities earlier in the day gives you a better shot at dry weather, but you should always keep an eye on the latest forecast.
Regional Variations Across Louisiana
Rain chances shift depending on where you are. Southeast Louisiana, like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, sees higher humidity and more frequent showers thanks to the Gulf of Mexico.
Southwest Louisiana, including Lafayette, gets plenty of showers too, but they often come in short bursts with gusty winds.
Northern Louisiana, such as Shreveport, usually stays cooler and a bit drier, though cold fronts can still bring rain and sometimes the first frost.
So your Halloween weather might look totally different depending on whether you’re near the coast or farther inland. Always check your local forecast before making plans.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Late October finally brings relief from summer’s heat, but the air still holds some moisture and breezes change as cooler systems roll in. Expect moderate humidity and light to gentle winds, both of which shape how comfortable it feels outside.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Louisiana stays pretty high through the fall, though it’s not as suffocating as midsummer. Around Halloween, average relative humidity usually sits between 70% and 75%.
Mornings feel damper, with readings closer to the upper end of that range. By afternoon, humidity drops a bit as it warms up, so the air feels lighter.
Still, you’ll notice the moisture, especially if you’re running around. Compared to July and August, it’s a relief.
You’ll probably sweat less, but the air isn’t exactly crisp. For outdoor gatherings, expect a bit of lingering mugginess, especially if it’s cloudy or just rained.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Louisiana during late October usually stay light to moderate. Baton Rouge averages about 6 mph this time of year.
Most of the state sees similar conditions. Wind direction shifts with passing fronts.
You might get a breeze from the north after a cold front, which brings drier, cooler air. Other times, winds come from the south or southeast, pulling in moisture from the Gulf.
Winds rarely get strong, so gusty conditions aren’t common. Instead, you’ll feel steady, gentle breezes, just enough to move leaves or keep the air fresh.
Effects on Outdoor Activities
Humidity and wind together decide how comfortable you feel outside. Moderate humidity can make costumes or layers feel warmer than you expected, especially if you’re walking a lot.
Light winds help sweat evaporate, but sometimes it’s not enough to offset muggy weather on a damp evening. If a cold front just passed, the air feels cooler and drier, which is usually more pleasant.
For planning, expect conditions that aren’t extreme but not perfectly dry either. Trick-or-treating, festivals, and evening gatherings usually go on without much weather trouble.
Wear breathable fabrics and lighter layers so you stay comfortable.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout the Day
Late October in Louisiana brings cooler mornings and evenings but still offers warm afternoons. You’ll notice a real drop in temperature once the sun sets, which definitely affects how you feel during Halloween.
Daytime Highs vs. Nighttime Lows
During the day, average highs in late October reach the upper 70s°F in New Orleans and Baton Rouge and the mid to upper 70s°F in Shreveport. That means light clothing is usually fine, especially if you’re outside or at a festival.
At night, lows drop into the 50s°F in the north and the low to mid-60s°F in the south. The shift feels pretty sharp if you dressed for the warmth earlier.
A light jacket or sweater is usually all you need after dark. The difference between highs and lows is bigger inland.
Shreveport often sees swings of 15–20°F, while New Orleans has smaller changes thanks to the Gulf.
Sunset and Cooling Patterns
Sunset in late October comes around 6:15–6:30 p.m., depending on where you are. Once the sun drops, temperatures cool off fast, especially away from the coast.
Humidity affects how quickly you feel the chill. In Baton Rouge and New Orleans, more moisture slows down heat loss.
In Shreveport, drier air lets things cool faster, so evenings feel crisper. If you’re planning to be out after dark, expect the temperature to fall 5–10°F within the first two hours after sunset.
A comfortable afternoon can turn into a chilly evening, especially if there’s a light breeze.
Impact on Halloween Events and Activities
Weather in late October in Louisiana shifts between warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and the chance of rain. These conditions definitely change how you plan for trick-or-treating and outdoor gatherings when storms or showers roll in.
Trick-or-Treating Considerations
You should expect mild to cool evenings, with temperatures often in the 60s or low 70s. A light jacket or sweater usually keeps kids comfortable while they walk from house to house.
Rain is a common factor, too. Showers often pop up in the late afternoon or early evening, right when trick-or-treating starts.
Carrying a small umbrella or using waterproof bags for candy helps if rain hits. Shorter days mean neighborhoods get dark fast.
Flashlights, reflective tape, or glow sticks help you and your kids stay visible to drivers. Uneven sidewalks, potholes, and wet leaves can be tripping hazards.
Sturdy shoes beat costume footwear for avoiding falls.
Outdoor Parties and Gatherings
Festivals, parades, and backyard parties are big during Halloween in Louisiana. Since weather can turn quickly, you should prep for both warm and cool conditions.
Afternoon events may feel humid, while evenings usually turn breezy and chilly. Rain showers show up more along the I-10 corridor between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, but really, they can happen anywhere.
Tents or covered patios keep food and decorations dry. Cold fronts sometimes sweep through, bringing gusts that can knock over decorations or make sitting outside a challenge.
Securing lightweight items and having indoor space ready keeps your event on track. If you’re hosting near water, like a bayou or lake, mosquitoes might still be around in late October.
Bug spray or outdoor fans help keep bites down.
Safety Tips for Inclement Weather
When storms show up in the forecast, check the radar before you head out. Local weather apps usually give updates on timing, which matters since showers tend to peak in the late afternoon.
If you hear thunder or see lightning nearby, just wait it out before starting outdoor activities. Don’t stand under trees—move indoors or into a sturdy shelter instead.
Wet weather can mess with costumes and props too. If you put paper bags for candy on damp grass, they’ll probably tear, so plastic buckets or sturdier containers are a safer bet.
Rain makes it harder for drivers to see. If you’re walking in neighborhoods, stick to sidewalks if you can, and try not to cross streets in the middle of the block. Reflective clothing helps drivers spot you sooner.
Long-Term Climate Trends for Late October
Late October in Louisiana usually feels cooler and drier than the peak of summer. Still, the weather can flip quickly.
You might notice warmer nights, the occasional tropical threat, or even a rare, strong storm that really changes the vibe from year to year.
Year-to-Year Variability
Late October weather swings a lot. Some years, afternoons feel mild in the upper 70s °F. Other years, you’ll get highs in the 60s °F and chilly evenings.
Nighttime lows usually land in the mid-50s °F up north and the lower 60s °F farther south.
Humidity drops to its lowest point of the year around now. Cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette average about 70–73% relative humidity, which honestly feels way better than the sticky summer air.
Rain isn’t totally gone, but it lightens up. Northern Louisiana might pick up around 3 inches of rain over several days, while southern spots get fewer showers.
Hurricane season technically runs through November, so tropical systems can still shake things up, especially in early November.
Recent Notable Weather Events
Louisiana’s late October weather can really surprise you. Take Hurricane Hilda in 1964—on October 3, it spun up an F4 tornado that killed 22 people in Larose.
Events like that might be rare, but they remind us that severe weather sometimes pops up even late in the fall.
In the last few decades, late October nights have actually gotten warmer. Researchers have found that average October nighttime temperatures in the U.S. have climbed almost 3°F since 1970, and Louisiana’s no exception.
Warmer evenings can make outdoor events like Halloween feel a bit different, maybe less crisp and autumnal than you’d hope.
Sometimes, though, cold fronts sweep in early. These fronts can drop temperatures fast, kick up gusty winds, and give you a preview of winter before you’re ready.
With swings like that, planning anything outside in late October? You really have to keep an eye on the forecast.