We’re looking at dates for a possible Tulane visit, and it’s coming down to either a 4 day weekend in February (prob. 16-20th) or several days in April (prob. 8-13th). It looks like classes will be in session during both of those times.
Will there be any significant difference between the two? Weather? Festivals? Any disadvantages of trying to visit classes on a Friday?
If we visit in February, we’ll make a long weekend of it and spend some time enjoying NOLA. If we visit in April, we’ll probably combine Tulane with a visit to Bama and/or UAB.
Thanks in advance!
Dia
@DiotimaDM
As far as weather, mid-February is a crap shoot. It might be 50 and wet, or it might be 75 and gorgeous. Really variable, with rapid improvement the closer it gets to March, on average. Just no telling. Early April kind of swings the other way. Usually pretty nice with highs around 80 and the humidity not terrible yet, but there is always the chance of warmer and more humid, with the latter chances increasing as it gets later in April.
The biggest difference I can see is that Mardi Gras is February 28 in 2017. That means there should be some parades the weekend you would be there in February, which could be fun of course. Shouldn’t be too bad as far as tourists yet, but to be on the safe side if you are going that weekend, decide soon and make your reservations before everything fills up. Looks like you are all clear for April as well, although Tulane always takes off Good Friday and Easter Monday, which this coming year are April 14 and 18 respectively, so you would be bumping right up against that, but it shouldn’t influence your choice if you stick to those dates. Tulane’s Spring Break ends April 2, so you would be fine there as well.
As far as other festivals (more likely in April than February, although maybe not during Lent?) you would have to check with the NOLA Visitor’s bureau, or even the Louisiana one, since there might be festivals nearby that would be worth taking in, especially if they are on your way to Alabama. I imagine their web sites are very complete with that kind of information.
I don’t see any particular disadvantage to attending a Friday class, other than the nationwide phenomenon that is as true at Tulane as anywhere of students mentally checking out for the weekend starting about 11 AM Friday. But again, while that might have some effect, I wouldn’t let it stop you from making that choice, especially for your purposes. I think your student would still get a reasonably accurate sense of what classes at Tulane are typically like. If s/he has time for two classes, I recommend both a mid-sized intro course and a smaller class of 10-20, so as to get a feel for both. If not, the smaller class is far more typical at Tulane.
The February dates are the first big parade weekend for Mardi Gras. This could be a good thing and lots of fun for you or bad because hotels will be less available and more expensive. I’d book soon if you choose that weekend. It will also be more difficult to get around as the streetcar won’t be running all weekend and roads will be closed due to the parades. Last year the first weekend of parades had beautiful weather and the second weekend was freezing and windy! You just can never bet on New Orleans weather during February!
So true, so true. Not to distract too much from the thread, but in the four years I was there, three of them had Januaries with more days in the 70’s than the Februaries. Same with November 15-December. Often on the chillier side, but you just never know. Of course, chilly is relative. I am talking 40’s and low 50’s for several days in a row a few times. The thing that makes it seem colder is that it is still damp, so the chill is more penetrating. But boy, those numerous days in the upper 60’s and low-mid 70’s were sure nice!
Two years ago we were there in December and had to guy buy shorts because the temps reached the 90’s!
Thanks, @fallenchemist and @dolphnlvr6! We’ll finalize our plans ASAP then.