N.O. in December? (home, live, safe)

[Eeyore]

Hi, Im going to N.O. Dec. 20th -- 23rd. I've visited N.O. many many times. But I just realized this will be my first time going in the winter. Is it a mistake? What is N.O. like at that time? How should I dress?

Thanks
eeyore

[san phlegmatico]

You won't likely know until the week of, but the temps can vary greatly. I have experienced everything from bone chilling cold to not-so-cold conditions in years past. It could be parka weather; it could be sweater-only. Rain is possible, naturally. Snow and ice you can rule out.

December is a festive time of the year, especially towards the very end of the month for Christmas, Bowl Games, and New Year festivities (Sugar Bowl, N.O. Bowl, et. al.). The Saints, if they're in the playoff hunt, will engender some weekend mayhem surrounding their home games.

Going to NOLA any time of the year is never a mistake. It's always fun, always exciting -- it's just a matter of degree.

[Doogie]

Originally Posted by san phlegmatico

...Snow and ice you can rule out....

Well, actually we did get snow on Christmas day 2004 but since the previous time was 1954, I think san phlegmatico is pretty safe with this one. It also can be quite foggy at times that time of year and I can also say make sure you bring short sleeves because that is just as much a possibility as the cold.

[kaeyil]

I was born and raised in the eastern south dakota/minnesota area. I've had my share of unbelievably cold winters up there. The average temperature hovers around 10 degrees F in January, but we weren't strangers to seeing -10 or even -20 with windchills of -50.

I lived here last winter, and to my disdain and disbelief, it feels just about as cold as up north. Don't ask me how, I guess it's the humidity, but this place chills you to the bone. Maybe last year was an anomaly, but going to work in the morning (I mean 3:30-4:30 a.m. type of morning) was literally painful. I had to have my dad send me my south dakota winter coat!

I lived in Daytona Beach for 2 years, which isn't much farther south than the NO area, and it never got like that... But I'm no meteorologist so I can't tell you why.

If I were you, I'd wait until spring...

[CindyM]

December is a great time of year to visit NO! More than likely you'll have mild weather. Check the forecast a week or so ahead. Heavy coats aren't often needed, but you never know what Mother Nature has up her sleeve.

[Drouzin]

Kaeyil, you're not the first person I've heard say that: ) When my sis married her Dutch hubby, even his guests commented on how cold it felt. I also think that it's the humidity. Eeyore, bring a coat and a light jacket because you just never know. December is a wonderful time to visit. The Quarter is decorated, we have Christmas in the Oaks at City Park, and you won't die of heatstroke. Doogie, lets hope that, as wonderful as it was, that it never snows on Christmas Day again! If it does, I'll be heading for high ground on the first of Aug. ; )