Louisiana climate
The subtropical climate in the US state of Louisiana is characterized by hot, humid summers and predominantly mild winters, as well as average amounts of rainfall.
The maximum temperatures between June and August usually exceed 30 degrees and can even reach 40 degrees Celsius. Even after sunset, temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees in summer.
The winters usually record maximum values of around 15 degrees Celsius and often appear quite spring-like by Central European standards. Every now and then Louisiana, especially in the north and northwest, but also temporarily feels cold air masses in the winter months: Then there are also days of frost. In the south, on the Gulf of Mexico, however, minus temperatures are hardly to be expected.
High humidity makes the summer heat in Louisiana extremely oppressive. Violent thunderstorms and torrential downpours are very common in summer, they usually occur at least every other day, but hardly cool down. New Orleans, Louisiana’s metropolis in the southeast, is the rainiest city in the USA with 1,800 mm annual precipitation.
At the coast can from June to autumn into hurricanes occur.
The northwest of the US state Louisiana, however, is still in the area of Tornado Alley. In spring, especially in April, you should keep an eye on the weather report and take warnings seriously.
Best time to visit Louisiana
The Louisiana Gulf Coast has pleasant temperatures all year round. You should only go on holiday here in July or August if you can tolerate the humid heat, which many sun worshipers do.
In spring and fall, the temperatures in Louisiana are very pleasant and travel-friendly. Those who travel to Louisiana from March to May will also be spared from hurricans. However, rain gear should always be in your luggage.
New Orleans groans under the oppressive weather in summer: Those who can retreat to air-conditioned buildings and cars. The city is at its fullest during Carnival from January – and bursts at the seams on Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday and the climax of the carnival hustle and bustle. If you want to experience the joy of celebrating New Orleans at this time, you should book well in advance.
Natchitoches attracts most visitors in December, during the City of Light festival.
Louisiana Landmarks
According to ehotelat, Louisiana offers its visitors a large number of different sights and attractions.
A detour to St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Sqaure in New Orleans is definitely worthwhile. The church is considered a special architectural masterpiece in the neoclassical style. The chapel is also the oldest in the United States as it dates from 1794.
The original of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in New Orleans dates from 1851. You can no longer admire it today, but only a very good reconstruction, as the original building had been destroyed.
Also worth seeing is the Church of Irish Immigrants, St. Patrick’s Church.
One of the largest sports arenas is also located in Louisiana. The Superdome has twenty-seven floors and seats almost a hundred thousand spectators. The sports arena has already hosted various football games as well as several concerts.
Tourists interested in culture in particular should not miss the New Orleans Museum Art. There are 35,000 exhibits to visit here alone. B. cave paintings from the 17th century or the Spanish colonial art of South America.
The Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans is also an absolute must. A large number of different exhibitions take place here, as well as concerts and performances.
The highlight in Louisiana is the French Quarter in New Orleans. Here you can marvel at a market that is over two hundred years old. A large number of very old Creole-era houses and much more. There are also some interesting museums in the area, such as the Wells Mardi Gras Museum or the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.
Nature lovers should check out the Global Wildlife Center, a nature reserve near New Orleans.
Louisiana – key data
Land area: 135,382 sq km (31st place of all US states)
Share of water surface: 16%
Population: 4.41 million people (2008 estimate, ranked 25th of all states in the USA)
Population density: 33 residents per square kilometer (24th of all states in the USA)
Member of the United States since: April 30, 1812
Capital: Baton Rouge (227,017 residents, 2007, metropolitan area 774,327 residents)
Largest city: New Orleans (469,605 residents, 2009, metropolitan area 1.03 million residents)
Highest point: 163 m, Driskill Mountain
Lowest point: -2 m, New Orleans
Governor: Bobby Jindal (Republican)
Lieut. Governor: Mitch Landrieu (Democrat)
Local time: CET -7 h. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November: CET -6 h.
The time difference to Central Europe is -7 h in both winter and summer.
Postal abbreviation: LA
