Hot air balloon rides in New Orleans
A balloon flight over New Orleans depends on calm, dry mornings. The most comfortable months are February to May and October–November, with highs around 76°F (24°C) and about 8 rainy days a month.
Photo: thepipe26, CC BY 2.0
Book hot air balloon rides in New Orleans
How to pick a good hot air balloon ride
- Flights leave around sunrise, when the air is calmest. Expect a pickup one to two hours before dawn.
- Balloon flights are often cancelled for wind or rain. Book early in your trip so there's time to rebook.
- Time in the air is usually about an hour; the whole outing, with transfers, takes three to four.
- Check basket size. Smaller baskets with 8 to 12 passengers feel very different from 20-person ones.
New Orleans month by month
Averages for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 62 (17) | 66 (19) | 72 (22) | 78 (26) | 85 (30) | 90 (32) | 91 (33) | 91 (33) | 88 (31) | 81 (27) | 71 (22) | 65 (18) |
| Low °F (°C) | 46 (8) | 50 (10) | 55 (13) | 62 (17) | 69 (21) | 75 (24) | 76 (25) | 77 (25) | 74 (23) | 64 (18) | 54 (12) | 48 (9) |
| Rainy days | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:22 pm | 5:49 pm | 7:08 pm | 7:27 pm | 7:46 pm | 8:03 pm | 8:03 pm | 7:42 pm | 7:06 pm | 6:30 pm | 5:04 pm | 5:02 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for hot air balloon rides in New Orleans?
February to May and October–November. Expect highs around 76°F (24°C) and about 8 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are July and August.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators cancel when wind, rain or low cloud make flying unsafe, and usually offer another date or a refund. July is the rainiest month in New Orleans, so leave spare days if you travel then.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides in New Orleans?
The link above searches Viator for hot air balloon rides in New Orleans. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book.
More things to do in New Orleans
Cooking classesAll year
Food toursBest Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov
Boat toursBest Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Zipline toursBest Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov
Walking toursBest Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov
Bike toursBest Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov
Helicopter toursBest Feb–May, Oct–Nov
Segway toursBest Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov
Private toursBest Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov
Sunset cruisesBest Mar–May, Oct–Nov
