Memorial Day in Louisiana usually brings hot, sticky air and plenty of sunshine. Daytime highs often hit the low to mid-90s, but the humidity can make it feel much closer to 100 degrees, sometimes even more.
Mornings start off warm, usually in the 70s, and by afternoon, the air feels heavy and tropical, especially down south.
Most years, rain chances stay low, but quick pop-up showers or an isolated storm can still show up in the heat. Skies tend to be partly sunny or mostly clear, so you get strong sunlight and a high UV index pretty often.
That combo makes shade, water, and sunscreen pretty much essential if you’re heading outside.
If you’re near the Gulf, conditions get a bit more complicated. Beaches and coastal waters can look inviting, but rip currents and high UV levels are pretty common this time of year.
It helps to know what to expect with temperature, rain, and sky conditions so you can plan a safe, comfortable holiday weekend.
Typical Temperatures on Memorial Day in Louisiana
Memorial Day in Louisiana usually brings warm to hot afternoons, mild mornings, and plenty of humidity. You’ll get summerlike weather that often feels hotter than the actual air temperature, especially in the southern parts.
Average High and Low Temperatures
By late May, Louisiana is well into its warm season. On Memorial Day, average highs usually land in the upper 80s to low 90s°F for much of the state.
New Orleans often hits around 86–90°F. Baton Rouge and Shreveport typically see 88–92°F.
Mornings are milder but still warm—think upper 60s to low 70s°F. Coastal areas like New Orleans stay a bit warmer at night, while up north in Louisiana, it can dip a few degrees cooler.
So, you’ll probably start off comfortable but quickly step into hot weather by afternoon. If you’re planning to be outside, remember the hottest stretch usually falls between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Regional Temperature Variations
Temperatures change depending on where you are in Louisiana. Along the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, you’ll usually find slightly cooler highs than inland, thanks to the Gulf’s influence.
But nights stickier and warmer near the coast.
In Baton Rouge, things feel pretty similar to New Orleans, but with a little more inland heat. Highs tend to sit in the upper 80s to around 90°F, and lows in the upper 60s to low 70s°F.
Up in Shreveport, you’ll notice hotter daytime highs. Memorial Day often brings 90–93°F afternoons, but mornings can feel cooler, sometimes in the mid to upper 60s°F.
That gives northern Louisiana a sharper contrast between day and night compared to the south.
Heat Index and Humidity Levels
Air temperature isn’t the whole story. By Memorial Day, humidity in Louisiana is already high, especially down south.
Dew points often climb into the upper 60s to mid-70s°F, making the air feel thick.
When you mix heat and humidity, the heat index shoots well above the actual temperature. For example, a 90°F afternoon in New Orleans might feel more like 100–105°F after humidity kicks in.
This is especially noticeable during Memorial Day weekend afternoons. Even if the thermometer says 88°F, your body feels much hotter.
If you’re outside, stay hydrated and take shade breaks when you can.
Rain and Precipitation Patterns
Late May in Louisiana brings warm, humid air that fuels showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall patterns shift by location, but you’ll usually see higher chances of wet weather than in a lot of other states around this time.
Chance of Rain During Memorial Day Weekend
You should expect a moderate to high chance of rain over Memorial Day weekend. Louisiana’s subtropical climate means Gulf moisture often triggers afternoon showers and storms.
These can pop up quickly, sometimes with heavy downpours and lightning.
On average, late May brings rain on 30–40% of days across much of Louisiana. So, you might run into at least one rainy day during the holiday weekend.
Thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoons. They’re usually short but can be intense, with gusty winds and localized flooding.
If you’ve got outdoor plans, it’s smart to keep your schedule flexible and watch the sky.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall around Memorial Day varies, but late May is one of Louisiana’s wetter stretches. Average May rainfall is 4 to 6 inches in most cities.
That works out to about 0.15 to 0.25 inches of rain per day on average.
Showers tend to be scattered, so not every place gets rain at the same time. Some years, a single thunderstorm can dump 1 inch or more in under an hour.
Rain totals can swing a lot over short distances.
May storms can bring quick, heavy bursts of rain that mess with travel, especially on highways where water pools up. Tossing rain gear in your bag or having an indoor backup plan isn’t a bad idea.
Regional Differences in Precipitation
Rainfall patterns change depending on where you are in Louisiana. Southeast Louisiana (New Orleans and nearby) usually gets more rain thanks to Gulf moisture.
Afternoon storms are frequent here.
Baton Rouge and central Louisiana also see regular storms, but rainfall amounts might be a bit lower than right on the coast. Storms can be more spread out, with some sun in between.
North Louisiana (Shreveport and around) tends to be a little drier in May. Thunderstorms still happen, just not as often as down south.
Because of these differences, your Memorial Day weekend could look pretty different depending on where you go. A trip to the coast might mean more stormy interruptions, while northern areas could see longer dry spells.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Around Memorial Day in Louisiana, skies often shift between humid sunshine and thick cloud cover. You’ll notice frequent changes in visibility, with conditions jumping from partly cloudy to heavy overcast that can bring storms.
Likelihood of Partly Cloudy Skies
In South Louisiana, Memorial Day usually brings partly cloudy skies and moderate cloud cover. Forecasts show about 50–60% cloud cover on average.
So, the sun breaks through for stretches, but haze and humidity can make the sky look a bit dull.
This is pretty normal for late May, as Gulf moisture builds and the afternoon heat pulls in more clouds. Mornings might start off brighter, then clouds pile up as the day goes on.
Partly cloudy doesn’t mean no rain. In fact, these skies often signal unstable air, which can spark scattered thunderstorms.
If you’re outside, expect a mix of sun and shade, with a chance for short but heavy showers.
Clear Versus Overcast Days
Totally clear skies don’t happen much in Louisiana around Memorial Day. May is a wetter month, so most days have at least some clouds.
Up in North Louisiana, overcast skies are more frequent, with cloud cover sometimes topping 90% during stormy weather.
These setups cut visibility and can bring heavy rain, strong winds, or even flash flooding.
Down south, you’ll usually get more breaks in the clouds. Skies may stay partly sunny for longer, but you should still expect clouds to build up in the afternoon and sometimes flip quickly to thunderstorms.
So, don’t count on long stretches of blue sky. Plan for variable conditions where clouds rule, but the sun peeks through here and there.
Storms and Severe Weather Risks
Late May in Louisiana brings unstable air, high humidity, and frequent rain. These conditions make storms more likely, and some can get pretty nasty with heavy downpours, strong winds, and dangerous lightning.
Thunderstorm Frequency
Thunderstorms pop up a lot in Louisiana around Memorial Day. Warm Gulf moisture and daytime heating often spark storms in the afternoon and evening.
You’ll probably see at least one day with showers or storms during the holiday weekend.
Northern areas can get more cloud cover and higher storm chances, while southern spots often see scattered storms.
If you’re planning outdoor events, be ready for interruptions. Even brief storms can pack heavy rain and lightning that’ll send you running for cover.
Local weather folks usually flag Memorial Day as a period with higher storm odds than earlier in spring.
Potential for Flash Flooding
Flash flooding can be a real risk in Louisiana when storms stall or crawl along. Heavy downpours can dump several inches of rain fast, overwhelming drains.
Low spots, especially near bayous and rivers, are the most at risk.
Strong storms in northern Louisiana sometimes bring both flash flooding and damaging winds. Down south, flooding often hits urban spots where water pools up on streets.
If you’re traveling, keep an eye out for flood advisories. Roads can get blocked, and even shallow moving water is risky.
Parking up high and steering clear of underpasses during storms can help.
Wind and Lightning Hazards
Strong winds often rip through with severe thunderstorms in late May. Gusts can top 50–60 mph, which is more than enough to knock down tree limbs, damage roofs, or make driving tough.
Outdoor tents, grills, or decorations can blow over in a hurry during sudden gusts.
Lightning is another big hazard. Louisiana ranks high for lightning injuries, especially during outdoor gatherings.
Move inside a sturdy building as soon as you hear thunder.
If you’re traveling, remember that wind and lightning can delay flights, mess up road trips, or cancel outdoor events. Take shelter early and secure anything loose outside to avoid damage or injury.
Gulf Coast and Water Conditions
Weather along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast can flip fast in late May. Afternoon storms, warm waters, and changing tides all play a part in your beach or coastal experience.
Conditions on land and water aren’t always the same, so it pays to know what’s coming.
Gulf Weather Impacts
You’ll usually get warm, humid air with highs in the 80s to low 90s °F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often popping up when sea breezes hit the hot inland air.
These storms can bring heavy rain, quick lightning, and gusty winds.
Wind direction matters, too. An onshore wind bumps up humidity and wave height, while an offshore breeze calms the surface but can make rip currents more dangerous.
The Gulf tends to get cloudier later in the afternoon.
Rainfall shifts by location. New Orleans and Baton Rouge often get scattered showers, while coastal towns like Grand Isle sometimes see heavier downpours.
Always check marine forecasts before heading out, since things can change in just a few hours.
Water Temperature Trends
By late May, Gulf waters off Louisiana usually sit between 78°F and 82°F (25°C to 28°C). That’s pretty comfortable for swimming.
Shallow coastal spots warm up faster than deeper water, so beaches often feel warmer than offshore.
Water temperature also affects marine life. Warmer water brings more baitfish close to shore, which can draw in bigger fish.
That’s great if you’re planning to fish from piers or boats.
The Gulf warms up faster than the Atlantic, so you’ll get summer-like conditions by Memorial Day. Still, a cool front or heavy rain can briefly lower surface temperatures, especially near river mouths like the Mississippi.
Beach and Boating Considerations
If you’re heading out to swim, definitely check for rip current advisories first. Even if the waves seem harmless, those currents along barrier islands and open beaches can surprise you.
You’ll always have a safer time in lifeguarded areas.
When it comes to boating, afternoon storms are usually the biggest headache. Lightning over open water? That’s no joke, and heavy rain can cut your visibility fast.
Check tide charts and marine forecasts before you go.
Fishing and kayaking usually work out best in the morning, when the wind hasn’t picked up and the water feels calmer. Later in the day, stronger breezes and pop-up storms can make things unpredictable.
Bring your safety gear and keep an eye on weather updates while you’re out there.
Additional Weather Factors to Consider
If you’re planning outdoor activities in Louisiana for Memorial Day, there’s more to think about than just temperature and rain.
You’ll want to consider how long the days are, how strong the sun feels, and the humidity. All of these affect how comfortable you’ll feel outside.
Daylight Hours
By late May, Louisiana gets long, sunny days. You can expect about 13.5 to 14 hours of daylight, depending on where you are.
Sunrise often happens before 6:00 a.m., and sunset can be close to 8:00 p.m.
These long days give you extra time for outdoor fun, whether you’re grilling, going to a festival, or out on the water.
But more daylight also means more heat and sun, especially in the afternoon when it really gets hot.
If you can, try to plan more active stuff in the morning or evening. Midday hours can feel much hotter, especially when the humidity kicks in.
UV Index and Sun Exposure
The UV index in late May usually runs high in Louisiana, often hitting 8 to 10. At those levels, you can burn in under 20 minutes if you’re not protected.
The sun’s strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which lines up with a lot of holiday events.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), grab sunglasses with UV protection, and pick light but protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat helps too.
If you’re spending time on the Gulf Coast or near lakes, remember that water and sand bounce sunlight back at you. That ups your risk of sunburn.
Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, or even more often if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.
Humidity Comfort Levels
Louisiana really feels the humidity in late May. Dew points usually hit the mid to upper 60s°F, so the air turns muggy and heavy.
In places like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, folks often notice it feels hotter than what the thermometer says.
Humidity like this can make outdoor exercise tough, especially if you’re out in the sun for a while. You’ll probably notice it most in the afternoon or evening, when the heat and moisture seem to gang up on you.
If you want to stay comfortable, go for light, breathable clothing and keep some water nearby.
Air conditioning or a shady spot can really help when the humidity gets to be too much. If you’re sensitive to heat, don’t be shy about pacing yourself and taking breaks inside.