New Orleans Ride Guide
New Orleans riding is dead flat and built on greenways and the lakefront. The whole challenge is heat, humidity, and the wind off Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf.
Climatology
Hot humid summers (78–92°F) with daily storms and hurricane season, and mild winters (48–68°F) that are the prime riding months. It almost never freezes.
Season by season
Spring
Mar–AprWarm and humid, with great riding before summer locks in. Festival-season crowds.
Summer
May–OctSunrise rides only — heat, humidity, and daily storms. Hurricane season through November.
Fall
NovThe humidity breaks at last; pleasant, drier days return.
Winter
Dec–FebPeak season — mild, breezy, and comfortable. The best months on the lakefront.
Signature rides
Lafitte Greenway
5 miCar-free path linking the city center to Bayou St. John. Short, flat, and social.
Lakefront Path
16 miFlat exposed run along Lake Pontchartrain. The lake breeze is the only resistance.
Mississippi River Trail (levee)
30 miFlat paved levee-top path west toward the plantations. Big skies, full wind exposure.
Frequently asked
Is New Orleans a good place to cycle?
New Orleans riding is dead flat and built on greenways and the lakefront. The whole challenge is heat, humidity, and the wind off Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf.
What is the weather like for cycling in New Orleans?
Hot humid summers (78–92°F) with daily storms and hurricane season, and mild winters (48–68°F) that are the prime riding months. It almost never freezes.
What are the best bike rides in New Orleans?
Standout routes include Lafitte Greenway (5 mi), Lakefront Path (16 mi), Mississippi River Trail (levee) (30 mi).
Nearby guides
From the blog
What the 0–10 Ride Score means, which weather factors drive it, and how to use it to pick the best day and time to ride.
A temperature-by-temperature guide to dressing for cold-weather cycling — from cool 60°F mornings down to freezing rides.
Wind is the most underrated factor in cycling. Here's how to read it and plan routes so the hardest effort comes first.
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