Louisiana

Climate in Louisiana

Louisiana has a semi-tropical climate, which remains relatively constant. The amount of rainfall and humidity in the state depends on a region's distance from the Gulf of Mexico. Areas closer to the Gulf tend to be far more humid, with little variation between temperatures.

New Orleans is usually hot and humid, with sunshine occurring for 60 percent of the year. Average temperatures in the city range from 52F (11C) in January to 82F (28C) in July, with an average daily temperature of 68F (20C). Some snowfall occurs in the north of the state, but southern Louisiana very rarely experiences any.

June marks the beginning of the hurricane season, usually lasting until September, and the state has been hit repeatedly by severe hurricanes throughout recent decades, the most severe being Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and Hurricane Rita in September 2005. Most hit the southeastern and southwestern parts of Louisiana respectively, with devastating effect.