What to Wear in New Orleans

New Orleans is relaxed about clothes and serious about costumes. For most of the year, dress for heat and humidity, and keep one smarter outfit for the old Creole restaurants.

For the heat

From May to September, wear the lightest, most breathable clothes you own: linen, cotton, loose shapes. Humidity means you'll sweat through anything heavy. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, and a small fan is the local accessory. Then pack a light layer, because restaurants, museums and hotels are heavily air-conditioned.

For the rain

Afternoon downpours are common in summer and can flood streets quickly. A compact umbrella or packable rain jacket helps. In winter, a sweater and a light jacket are usually enough, but a cold front can bring near-freezing nights.

For the pavements

The city's pavements are cracked, uneven and lifted by oak roots, and the French Quarter's streets can be wet and slippery. Wear comfortable closed shoes with a good grip. Flip-flops are a bad idea anywhere in the Quarter at night, and especially on Bourbon Street.

For going out

Most restaurants are casual, but a few of the grand old ones keep a dress code: Galatoire's asks men to wear a jacket at dinner and on Sundays, and Arnaud's prefers one in its main dining room, so check before you book. Music clubs have no dress code.

For Mardi Gras and Halloween

Costumes are part of the fun, especially on Mardi Gras Day itself, when many locals dress up. Bring something in purple, green and gold (the carnival colours), a bag for the beads and trinkets thrown from the floats, and shoes you won't mind ruining.

Packing list

• Light, breathable clothes for most of the year
• A light layer for air conditioning
• A compact umbrella or rain jacket
• Comfortable closed shoes with grip
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• One smarter outfit, and a jacket for the old-line restaurants
• Insect repellent for swamp tours and evenings outdoors
• A US plug adapter

For the weather by month, see our best time to visit guide, and for the walking route that will test your shoes, our French Quarter guide.