Packing lists

What to pack for New Orleans in April

April is one of the best months in New Orleans. It is warm without being oppressive, the gardens are in bloom, and the festival season is in full swing, with music in the French Quarter and the start of Jazz Fest at the end of the month. The humidity is building, though, and heavy spring storms blow through quickly.

So the list is built from breathable, easy pieces for long days outside and something a little dressier for dinner. The city loves to dress up, so bring an outfit that makes an effort. Pack comfortable shoes, too, because the sidewalks are famously uneven, cracked by the roots of old oak trees.

Checked

The weather

Daytime high
79°F
26°C, rising toward the end of the month.
Overnight low
61°F
16°C. Pleasant for evenings on a patio.
Wet days
~7
Heavy but brief storms. Humidity is rising.
Daylight
13 h
Sunset around 7:30pm.

The capsule

A long weekend, one traveler, Ivy palette. Navy and ivory with a burgundy for the evenings, cool enough for a humid afternoon. A capsule is a few clothes in one palette (a base color, a neutral and an accent) that all go together. The full list below adds what sits outside it.

Ivy palette · 11 pieces · 16 outfits

Layers

  • Linen blazerLinen blazer
  • Packable rain jacketPackable rain jacket

Tops

  • Camp-collar shirtCamp-collar shirt
  • Cotton tankCotton tank
  • Peasant blousePeasant blouse

Bottoms

  • Wide-leg linen pantsWide-leg linen pants
  • Linen shortsLinen shorts

Dresses

  • Midi shirt dressMidi shirt dress
  • Wrap dressWrap dress

Shoes

  • White sneakersWhite sneakers
  • EspadrillesEspadrilles

Three days from this capsule

French Quarter stroll
Jazz Fest afternoon
Dinner with a dress code

Shown for one traveler. Packlier packs a capsule like this for each person on the trip.

The full list

Clothes

  • Four or five breathable tops
  • Shorts and light pants
  • A dress or outfit for a nicer dinner
  • Something festive for a parade or a festival
  • Light layer for air-conditioned rooms
  • Packable rain jacket

Shoes

  • Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
  • Dressier shoes for dinner
  • Shoes you do not mind getting muddy, for festival grounds

Day bag

  • Compact umbrella
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Clear bag, if your festival requires one
  • Small cash for tips, street musicians and po-boy shops
  • Small crossbody bag

Documents and tech

  • ID
  • Festival tickets and restaurant reservations
  • Power bank
  • Type A/B plug adapter if visiting from abroad (120V)

Toiletries

  • Insect repellent for evenings
  • Anti-frizz or humidity-proof hair products
  • Blister bandages
  • Any prescriptions, in your carry-on

Gear worth the space

  • Breathable fabrics

    Linen and cotton cope with the humidity far better than synthetics. You will stay comfortable from morning to late at night.

  • Comfortable walking shoes

    Closed-toe, cushioned and easy to clean. The city is flat, but you will walk a lot, often on uneven ground.

  • A compact umbrella

    For the sudden downpours and for shade on a hot festival afternoon.

  • A small crossbody bag

    Hands free for a drink or a beignet, and secure in the festival crowds.

Cracked sidewalks under old oaks, and a city that dresses up for dinner. Packlier packs your April for both.

Tell it where, when, why, which bag and which palette, and it packs the capsule, checks it against the bag and adds everything that is not clothing. Launching this year on Android, with iOS to follow.

One email at launch, nothing else.