What’s the worst time to visit Louisiana?
While Louisiana has plenty to offer year-round, there is no denying that there are certain times of the year that are less than ideal for visiting.
Visiting Louisiana can be an incredible experience, consisting of everything from the scrumptious food to rich cultural and historical experiences. But timing is everything; if you’re planning a trip, it’s important to consider when might be the worst time to visit Louisiana.
June through October is generally considered the worst months for trips due to the intense humidity and rain (during hurricane season) that blankets the area.
This can turn fun outdoor activities into uncomfortable, sticky ordeals. These months are also known as peak mosquito season in this notoriously damp region, so if you plan on spending time outdoors during your trip, prepare accordingly.
Why visiting Louisiana in summer is worst?
Visiting Louisiana in the summer months can be a less than ideal experience due to the stiflingly hot weather, frequent heavy rains, and oppressive humidity. The air is so thick with moisture that it often feels like you’re swimming through it instead of walking.
As temperatures soar above 90°F (32°C) for days on end, spending time outside can be unbearable, especially during the hottest part of the day, which usually falls between noon and 4 pm.
Even taking a dip in one of Louisiana’s many rivers or bayous to cool off isn’t very inviting when the water temperature matches that of the air. The heat and humidity aren’t just uncomfortable; they can also be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to extreme conditions such as these can easily lead to dehydration, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion.
To make matters worse, spring tends to bring flooding and thunderstorms; this further exacerbates this risk as it reduces access to safe cooling areas like public parks and beaches. Summertime in Louisiana also means a constant onslaught of mosquitos and other pests. Forget about enjoying a picnic or barbecue outdoors.
These pests are relentless—they’ll seek out any exposed skin they can find, biting relentlessly until forced away by powerful insect-repellent sprays or citronella candles. Not only are these bugs annoying, but they also raise concerns about contracting diseases like West Nile virus or Zika virus due to their widespread presence in the area during this time of year.
What should I avoid in Louisiana during summer?
However, there are also some things you should avoid during this season as it can be hot and humid. From extreme temperatures to insects and more, here’s a guide for what to avoid in Louisiana during the summer.
Heat and Humidity
Louisiana is known for its heat and humidity throughout the entire year.
However, these conditions become particularly intense during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
To stay safe while enjoying all that Louisiana has to offer, make sure you drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take frequent breaks from being outdoors.
Mosquitoes
With so much marshland and other areas of standing water in Louisiana, it’s no surprise that mosquitoes are a major problem during the summer months.
These pesky bugs can carry serious diseases like West Nile virus or Zika virus so make sure you always use insect repellent when spending time outside.
Alligators
When exploring nature areas in Louisiana such as Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge or Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, be aware that alligators may be present.
Make sure you stay on designated trails and never get too close to any wildlife you encounter; alligators have been known to attack humans if they feel threatened or provoked!
Fire Ants
Fire ants can be found all over Louisiana but they become especially active during the summer months due to the warmer temperatures.
They build their mounds of dirt near water sources so if you come across one of these nests make sure not to disturb it as fire ants will bite if provoked.
Wear closed-toe shoes when walking outdoors and keep an eye out for any tell-tale signs of fire ant activity such as mounds of dirt in grassy areas near water sources or around tree trunks.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish numbers tend to swell along the coastlines of Louisiana during the summer months due to warmer waters causing them to reproduce more quickly than usual.
If you plan on swimming anywhere near shore make sure to watch out for jellyfish which can sting even after they have died.
It’s best practice to wear protective gear such as wetsuits or stinger suits when swimming in open waters just off shoreline areas where jellyfish are present throughout most of the year.
Disadvantages of visiting Louisiana during Summer:
Heat & Humidity:
Temperatures during the summer months in Louisiana can reach well into the 90s with high humidity levels making it feel even hotter.
And if you’re not used to this type of weather, it can be quite uncomfortable — even dangerous — if proper precautions aren’t taken.
So make sure that you pack your sunscreen and wear light clothing when visiting any outdoor destinations during this time of year in order to ensure that you don’t suffer from heat exhaustion or dehydration due to extreme temperatures.
Storms & Hurricanes:
Although they are most active during hurricane season (which typically takes place between June 1st and November 30th each year).
Louisiana is also subject to frequent thunderstorms throughout the summer months which can cause power outages and other issues for travelers who are not prepared for them.
It’s important to stay informed about any potential storms or hurricanes that may be headed your way so that you can take necessary precautions before they arrive.
High Mosquito Population:
With all of the rain and warm weather come lots of mosquitoes which can make outdoor activities like fishing or camping somewhat unpleasant experiences during certain times of the year in certain parts of Louisiana. Be sure to bring along plenty of bug spray when planning any outdoor excursions in order to minimize your chances of being bitten by these pesky insects!
Poor Air Quality:
The hot humid air also leads to poor air quality due to an increase in smog from automobile exhaust fumes as well as industrial pollution both of which have been known to cause health problems for those with respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Make sure that you check local air quality reports before venturing out into any heavily populated areas during peak hours to avoid worsening any existing medical conditions related to air pollution exposure.
Crowded Destinations:
Last but not least, many popular tourist destinations such as New Orleans tend to become very crowded during the summer months due to an influx of vacationers looking for a break from their everyday lives — leading to long lines at restaurants or attractions as well as higher prices on accommodations due to increased demand.
To avoid these crowds (and save money!), consider visiting some off-the-beaten-path towns or rural areas instead where there will likely be fewer people around.
Tips to avoid worst summer months:
With the summer months upon us, it’s important to know how to beat the heat and keep your cool. Whether you’re a sun-lover or a sun-avoider, here are 5 tips that can help you survive the worst of summer months.
Stay Hydrated:
It is important to drink plenty of water when the temperatures start to rise in order to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and other health issues that can be avoided with proper hydration. Make sure you carry around a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
Wear Appropriate Clothing:
Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton can help keep your body cool during hot days. Try wearing light colors such as white or beige which will reflect light and help keep your body temperature down. Avoid wearing dark colors such as black which absorb more light and make you feel hotter than usual.
Limit Time Outdoors:
If possible, try to limit your time spent outdoors during peak hours when temperatures are at their highest (typically between 11am-3pm). This will help reduce your exposure to direct sunlight which can lead to sunburns or heat exhaustion if not taken care of properly.
Use Sunscreen:
It is important to apply sunscreen whenever leaving the house to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that may damage it over time. Make sure you use sunscreen with an SPF 30+ rating for it to be effective against UV rays and reapply every two hours if necessary.
Take Breaks Indoors:
When spending extended periods outdoors, make sure you take breaks indoors where temperatures may be cooler than outside due to air conditioning or fans running inside buildings. This will give your body some relief from the scorching heat and allow you some rest before heading back out into the sun again.
Final Verdict
Wrapping up our discussion on the worst time to visit Louisiana, it is clear that summer is unparalleled in its unpleasantness.
Not only are the temperatures and humidity uncomfortably high, but weather-related catastrophes like hurricanes are much more likely to occur during this season as well.
When considering a trip to the Bayou State, one should take climate into account and pick a date when the risk of severe storms is not so great.
That being said, the beauty that Louisiana has to offer far outweighs any potential adverse conditions—so with some careful planning, this magnificent corner of America can be experienced in all its glory regardless of the month or season chosen.
Furthermore, nothing can quite compare to Louisiana’s unique culture and history—and what better way to explore them than by catching some live Cajun music and trying out some authentic Creole dishes? As long as you avoid summertime, you won’t miss out on all there is to do in Louisianna.
