4 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in New Orleans


Summer in New Orleans

The temperatures may climb, but New Orleans always knows how to keep things cool.

Four ways to stay cool during summer in New Orleans, presented by ACCENT New Orleans DMC.

Summer in New Orleans is hot. There is no getting around that. Luckily, locals have spent generations finding delicious, refreshing, and sometimes downright creative ways to handle the heat.

Whether you are visiting for fun or planning a corporate event, these are four of our favorite ways to stay cool while still enjoying everything that makes the city special.

Cool-Down No. 1

Savor a Snoball

Colorful New Orleans snoballs served as a refreshing summer treat.

Nothing says summer in New Orleans quite like a snoball. Soft, finely shaved ice and colorful syrup make this local favorite an easy answer to a hot afternoon.

The original snoball was created in New Orleans in 1936 with the SnoWizard machine. You can still experience the tradition at the SnoWizard Snoball Shop on Magazine Street. For a closer look at the culture surrounding this summertime staple, watch Get a Taste of Snoballs in New Orleans.

SnoWizardThe birthplace of the machine that helped turn shaved ice into a New Orleans summer tradition.
Hansen’s Sno-BlizA longtime family favorite known for house-made syrups and lines that are usually worth the wait.

At Hansen’s Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street, guests can choose from beloved flavors like strawberry, nectar, and wedding cake. It is about as classic as a New Orleans summer gets.

Cool-Down No. 2

Enjoy a New Orleans-Style Daiquiri

A frozen New Orleans daiquiri served as a refreshing summer cocktail.

Think of the daiquiri as the snoball’s older, more spirited sibling. The classic drink began with rum, lime, and sugar, but New Orleans has never been a city that leaves well enough alone.

Around town, frozen daiquiris come in just about every flavor imaginable. They are refreshing, fun, and distinctly part of the local summer experience.

Try BourréeThis Mid-City favorite serves seasonal fresh-fruit daiquiris, plus a popular gin and tonic version made with locally sourced cucumbers.
Make It a MealPair your frozen drink with Bourrée’s wings for a very New Orleans way to spend a summer afternoon.
Explore MoreBrowse New Orleans & Company’s daiquiri guide for options from Uptown to Downtown.

Enjoy responsibly, stay hydrated, and leave the driving to someone else.

Planning for a Group?

Turn a Local Favorite Into a Guest Experience

From branded snoball stations to frozen cocktail moments, ACCENT New Orleans can work local flavor into your meeting, reception, or incentive program in a way that feels fun and completely natural.

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Cool-Down No. 3

Dive Into a Cool Pool

Rooftop pool in New Orleans offering a cool escape from the summer heat.

Sometimes the best solution is the most obvious one. When the heat peaks, a pool, a lounge chair, and something cold to drink can feel like a lifesaver.

Several New Orleans hotels offer pool access or day-pass options, even for guests who are not staying overnight. Availability and policies can change, so reservations are always a smart move.

DowntownThe Windsor Court and the rooftop programming at Virgin Hotels New Orleans.
UptownThe Chloe offers a more intimate backyard oasis with reservable pool sessions.
Cool-Down No. 4

Explore the Great Indoors

Colorful interactive art installation at JAMNOLA in New Orleans.

There is no shame in planning your day around air conditioning. New Orleans has plenty of indoor attractions where you can cool off without feeling like you are missing out on the city.

JAMNOLAJAMNOLA celebrates New Orleans culture through colorful, interactive rooms created with local artists. It is fun, photo friendly, and most importantly, air conditioned.
The National WWII MuseumThe National WWII Museum offers an immersive look at the war that changed the world across its expansive downtown campus. It is an easy place to spend several cool, fascinating hours.

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Summer Events Can Still Feel Effortless

It might get hot in the Crescent City, but that has never stopped New Orleans from putting on unforgettable experiences. Summer brings plenty of opportunities to introduce guests to iconic local favorites, one-of-a-kind venues, and the kinds of moments they could not have anywhere else.

The key is knowing how to plan around the weather, build in the right breaks, and keep everyone comfortable without losing the energy of the city.

Smart TimingBuild the day around cooler hours, indoor stops, and comfortable transitions.
Local Know-HowChoose the places, routes, and experiences that make sense for the season.
Guest ComfortKeep the group refreshed, engaged, and focused on having a great time.

ACCENT New Orleans DMC welcoming guests during a professionally planned New Orleans event.

Plan Something Memorable

Ready to Give Your Guests the Best of Summer in New Orleans?

From welcome receptions and rooftop gatherings to private cocktail experiences and unforgettable local excursions, ACCENT New Orleans helps groups experience the city the way locals do.

As one of the leading New Orleans destination management companies, our local event planning team knows how to create experiences that feel seamless, authentic, and completely New Orleans, no matter the season.

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