New Orleans (LA) Sunshine Hours by Month

In climate discussions, the hours of sunlight reveal much about a location. This page shows the total number of hours of direct sunlight per month and the average hours per day in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020.

Monthly hours of sunshine

If you're visiting New Orleans, timing is key. In May, you can enjoy up to 279 hours of sunshine, while the shorter days of January provide just 152 hours. The total annual amount of sun is 2640 hours.

Daily hours of sunshine

For those who appreciate different seasons, New Orleans serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in May with an average of 9.3 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in January, offering only 5.1 hours of daily sunlight.

Average percent of sunshine

On average the sun shines 68% of the time during the day in October, the highest percentage of any month. January has the lowest percentage at 47%.

New Orleans enjoys an average of 2640 hours of sunshine annually. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, enjoys an impressive 2920 hours of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination even in winter.

In contrast, London, UK, receives only about 1659 hours of sunshine per year, known for its frequently overcast and rainy skies.

In Chicago, USA, the annual sunshine averages 2520 hours, contributing to its humid continental climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual sunshine is 1930 hours, with sunny periods between rainy seasons.

August, New Orleans’s wettest month, receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rainfall and has a maximum daytime temperature of 33°C (91°F). During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 21°C (70°F).

For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, check out our Temperature page. To explore more about precipitation patterns, visit our New Orleans Precipitation page.