Christmas in Louisiana doesn’t bring the deep freeze you might expect in other parts of the country. Instead, the season feels mild, with cool days and chilly nights that set the stage for holiday lights and outdoor events.
You can usually expect daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. Nights dip into the 30s and 40s depending on where you are in the state.
Rain pops up fairly often in December, but it usually comes in short bursts, not long stretches. In northern Louisiana, you might catch a frosty morning or the rare flurry, while the southern areas closer to the Gulf stay a bit warmer and more humid.
This mix of mild temperatures and occasional dampness shapes how folks celebrate the season. From outdoor festivals in New Orleans to cozy gatherings in Shreveport, the climate really sets the holiday mood.
Typical December Weather in Louisiana
December in Louisiana brings mild daytime highs, cooler nights, and a blend of damp and breezy conditions. Rainfall shows up often, but snow is very rare, especially in the southern half of the state.
Average Temperatures Across Regions
Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate keeps winters pretty mild compared to much of the United States. In December, average daytime highs range from the mid-50s °F (13–15°C) in the north to the mid-60s °F (17–19°C) along the Gulf Coast.
Nighttime lows dip into the upper 30s °F (3–4°C) in northern areas and hover in the mid-40s to low 50s °F (7–11°C) farther south.
For example:
| Region | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| North Louisiana | 56–60 | 37–39 |
| Central Louisiana | 59–62 | 38–41 |
| Florida Parishes | 63–64 | 41–44 |
| Gulf Coast | 64–66 | 45–51 |
You’ll probably want a jacket in the morning and evening. Afternoons often feel comfortable with just a light layer.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December is one of the wetter months in Louisiana. You can expect average precipitation of about 4 to 5 inches, depending on location.
Rain usually falls as light to moderate showers, not heavy downpours, though storms do roll through sometimes. The Gulf Coast tends to see a bit more rainfall than northern areas.
Rainy days are spread throughout the month, so plan for damp conditions if you’re doing anything outside. Snow almost never happens, and when it does, it’s most likely up north.
Carrying an umbrella or rain jacket just makes sense since showers can move in fast. Roads might get slick, so try to keep travel plans flexible if you’re driving far.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity sticks around even in winter thanks to Louisiana’s subtropical climate. Average relative humidity in December often sits between 70% and 80%, which can make cool days feel a little damp.
This moisture in the air leads to foggy mornings, especially near rivers and coastal spots.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, averaging 5 to 10 mph. After cold fronts, breezes come from the north and bring in cooler, drier air.
In coastal areas, winds might shift from the Gulf and feel milder.
You’ll notice a mix of crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and sometimes breezy evenings. If you’re outside, wearing layers helps you stay comfortable as things change throughout the day.
Christmas Weather in Major Louisiana Cities
Temperatures around Christmas in Louisiana change depending on where you are. Coastal areas stay milder, while inland regions get cooler nights.
Rain is common, but snow? Not really.
New Orleans
In New Orleans, you’ll usually get mild weather at Christmas. Average highs hover near 65°F (18°C), with lows around 48°F (9°C).
The city’s spot along the Gulf keeps it warmer than most inland places, and freezing conditions don’t happen much.
Rain is possible, with December averaging about 5 inches of precipitation. If you’re checking out Jackson Square or the French Quarter, expect some damp conditions.
Humidity can make the air feel cooler at night. A light jacket or sweater is usually enough for comfort along the riverfront or at holiday events.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge usually stays a bit cooler than New Orleans. Daytime highs average 64°F (18°C), while nighttime lows drop to about 43°F (6°C).
Cold fronts feel stronger here, and sometimes temperatures dip into the 30s.
Rain shows up often, and cloudy skies are pretty common during the holidays. You’ll want an umbrella if you’re exploring parks or heading to outdoor gatherings.
Humidity is a little lower than in New Orleans, but mornings can feel chilly. Dressing in layers is smart if you’re bouncing between inside and outside during Christmas events.
Lafayette
Lafayette gets a mix of Gulf warmth and inland chill. Average highs hit 64–65°F (18–19°C), and lows settle around 45°F (7°C).
Freezing weather is rare, though cold snaps can make mornings brisk.
Rainfall is common in December, and wet days might change your outdoor plans. Expect cloudy afternoons and occasional showers, especially as Christmas gets close.
The climate makes for a comfortable holiday season, but it’s smart to pack both light clothes and a warm jacket. Evenings in downtown Lafayette or along the Vermilion River usually feel cool and a bit damp.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches, up in north-central Louisiana, stays cooler than the southern cities. Highs in December average 62°F (17°C), and lows drop to about 41°F (5°C).
Nights can get cold, and frost pops up more often here than by the coast.
Rain is a regular part of the season, but snow almost never happens. Cloudy skies and damp air hang around during Christmas week.
If you’re heading to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival or walking along Cane River Lake, you’ll want heavier clothing. A coat and gloves might be necessary for evening events, especially when temperatures dip into the 30s.
Regional Variations in Holiday Weather
Louisiana’s holiday weather really depends on your location. Closer to the Gulf, things stay milder and more humid. Head farther north, and you’ll find cooler air and a better shot at frost.
Gulf Coast and Southern Louisiana
If you’re spending Christmas near New Orleans, Houma, or Lake Charles, you’ll see daytime highs around the low 60s °F. Nights usually fall into the low-to-mid 40s °F.
The Gulf of Mexico keeps temperatures from dropping too sharply, so freezing weather is rare.
Rain is common this time of year. Light showers might stretch across several days, not long, soaking storms.
Humidity stays high, and places like Slidell or Kenner can reach average relative humidity near 78–79%.
Daylight is short, with just over 10 hours of sun each day. Sunshine is limited, averaging only about 5 hours in many coastal cities.
If you’re planning outdoor events, expect mild but damp conditions, and pack a light jacket or rain layer.
Central and North Louisiana
In Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Shreveport, the climate changes as you move away from the Gulf. Daytime highs usually stick in the mid-to-upper 50s °F, while nights can dip into the upper 30s °F.
Frost is more likely here, especially in rural areas north of the Mississippi River.
Rainfall is still frequent but comes in shorter bursts. Shreveport, for example, has December as its most humid and overcast period, with the shortest days at just over 10 hours of daylight.
Snow is rare, but light flurries can happen in the far north. If you travel here for the holidays, expect cooler mornings, heavier coats at night, and a bigger chance of icy conditions than in the southern parishes.
Weather Events and Seasonal Phenomena
Late December in Louisiana brings weather that fits its humid subtropical climate. You’ll run into frequent rain, the occasional cold snap, and a tiny chance of winter precipitation.
Hurricanes aren’t a worry this season, but sometimes earlier storms still affect things.
Thunderstorms and Rain Showers
Rain is common in December, so plan for wet conditions around Christmas. Average precipitation is about 5 inches for the month, with showers scattered across several days.
Most rain comes from passing cold fronts, bringing cloudy skies and damp air.
Thunderstorms can still happen, though they’re less intense than in summer. These storms often pop up when warm Gulf air runs into cooler northern air.
Severe weather doesn’t show up much, but lightning and quick downpours are possible.
If you’re planning to be outside, keep a light rain jacket or umbrella handy. Roads can get slick during sudden showers, so leave a little extra travel time.
The mix of mild temperatures and frequent rain gives the season its cool but damp feel.
Rare Snowfall and Frost
Snowfall in Louisiana is rare, but frost is more common up north. Around Christmas, average lows range from the upper 30s°F in the north to the mid-40s°F in the south.
Sometimes, temperatures dip low enough for frost overnight.
Snow events don’t happen often, and when they do, the snow usually melts quickly because the ground stays above freezing. In southern cities like New Orleans, measurable snow might only show up once every decade or two.
If you’re coming from somewhere colder, Louisiana’s winters will feel pretty mild. Still, bring a medium-weight jacket and get ready for chilly mornings.
You’ll see frost on car windshields more than snow, especially in rural or northern parts of the state.
Hurricane and Storm Risk
The Atlantic hurricane season wraps up on November 30, so the chance of hurricanes at Christmas is extremely low. By late December, the Gulf of Mexico cools off, making tropical development unlikely.
The region can still feel indirect effects from earlier storms, though. Heavy autumn rains from late-season hurricanes sometimes leave rivers and bayous running higher than normal.
This can affect local flooding patterns during winter rains.
Cold fronts take over as the main drivers of storms in December. These systems can bring gusty winds, sudden temperature drops, and bands of rain.
They’re not tropical, but they can still mess with travel plans if you’re moving around the state.
Comparing December to January and February
December in Louisiana brings mild winter conditions, but the next couple of months shift things a bit. Temperatures stay cool, and rainfall keeps showing up, which shapes how you plan outdoor activities or travel.
Temperature Trends After Christmas
In December, daytime highs usually land in the mid-50s to upper 60s °F (13–19°C). Nights often dip into the 40s °F (4–9°C), especially up north.
This makes December one of the cooler but still pretty mild winter months.
January is usually the coldest month. Average highs drop closer to 50–62°F (10–17°C), and lows in the 30s °F (1–4°C) aren’t unusual in northern Louisiana.
Frost can happen, but snow is still rare.
By February, temperatures start to climb a bit. Highs often return to the upper 50s and mid-60s °F (14–19°C).
Lows stay cool, but the chance of hard freezes drops compared to January. This warming trend hints that spring isn’t too far off.
Quick comparison:
- December: 55–68°F highs, 40s lows
- January: 50–62°F highs, 30s–40s lows
- February: 58–66°F highs, 40s lows
Precipitation and Weather Changes
Rain falls pretty often during these three months, but the way it shows up can really change. December usually brings steady showers, and things stay damp for days at a time.
Most places see about 4 to 6 inches of rain in December, especially along the Gulf Coast, where it tends to be a bit wetter.
In January, you’ll notice that the rain keeps coming. Cold fronts sometimes roll through, dropping heavier rain and even causing a few storms here and there.
Up north, folks might get a quick dose of sleet or freezing rain, but honestly, that hardly ever sticks around.
February keeps up the wet trend, with rainfall totals that look a lot like December’s numbers. Storms might get a little stronger, thanks to warm air from the Gulf clashing with those stubborn winter fronts.
This messy mix can lead to some unsettled weather, especially down south in the parishes closer to the coast.
Rainfall range (monthly averages):
- December: ~4–6 inches
- January: ~4–5 inches
- February: ~4–5 inches
Impact of December Weather on Local Life and Events
Louisiana’s mild December weather shapes how people celebrate and get around. Cool days and chilly nights make outdoor gatherings possible, but rain or a cold front can definitely mess with travel plans or events.
Holiday Traditions and Outdoor Activities
Highs in December usually land in the mid-50s up north and hit the mid-60s along the Gulf. Nights get cold, dipping into the 30s and 40s, so you’ll probably want to bring a jacket.
Since freezing weather almost never happens, outdoor events stay a big part of holiday life.
In New Orleans, you’ll find parades, concerts, and light displays all over the city, making the most of the cool but comfortable weather. Fireworks and riverfront celebrations pop up everywhere, and you can actually enjoy them without bundling up in heavy coats.
Families love to gather outside for food and music, keeping things lively—honestly, it’s a nice change from the harsh cold up north.
December also fits neatly into Louisiana’s festival calendar. Mardi Gras comes later in winter, but the December weather makes it easy to wander city streets, check out historic neighborhoods, and browse local markets.
Farmers really benefit from the mild temperatures and steady growing days, so you’ll spot plenty of fresh produce at holiday markets all month long.
Travel Tips for Christmas in Louisiana
Traveling across Louisiana in December feels a lot easier than dealing with winter up north. You won’t usually see snow or ice on the roads, but you should definitely keep an umbrella handy—rain likes to show up, especially around Christmas Eve when storm systems roll through.
Wet weather can slow down traffic, so I’d plan for extra time if you’re driving between cities. It’s just not worth the rush, right?
Airports don’t often get snow delays, but holiday crowds still pack the terminals. If you book flights early and keep an eye on weather updates, you’ll dodge a lot of last-minute headaches.
When you’re behind the wheel, bring some layers. Northern spots like Shreveport or Monroe can get pretty chilly, way more than coastal places like New Orleans or Lake Charles.
Honestly, the best time to visit Louisiana depends on how much heat and humidity you can handle. December’s one of the more comfortable seasons for sightseeing—mosquitoes aren’t much of a problem, and you’ll get pleasant daytime temperatures.
You can wander around parks, check out plantations, or hang by the waterfront without melting in the summer sun. December just feels like a smart pick for holiday travel.