Weather
Gulf Coast Halloween 2026: Warmup or Rainout Oct. 25–31?
New Orleans, LA – Halloween is approaching, and families along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida could be looking at warmer than normal weather heading into Saturday, Oct. 31. But will trick or tre
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-18T08:16:53.626Z
New Orleans, LA – Halloween is approaching, and families along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida could be looking at warmer than normal weather heading into Saturday, Oct. 31. But will trick or treaters enjoy a dry evening, or could showers disrupt neighborhood celebrations?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, its 8 14 day outlook issued Saturday, Oct. 17, favors above normal temperatures across much of the Gulf Coast from Sunday, Oct. 25, through Saturday, Oct. 31.
The outlook places eastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama within a broad area of expected warmth extending across the central and eastern United States.
Will Halloween night feel unusually warm?
For families in Houston, New Orleans, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile and Pensacola, the early outlook suggests a greater likelihood of warmer than average conditions during Halloween week.
The strongest temperature signals cover Texas and Louisiana, where probabilities of above normal temperatures reach approximately 60% to 70% in several areas.
Farther east, including the Florida Panhandle, above normal temperatures remain favored, although probabilities are somewhat lower.
Could rain spoil trick or treating?
NOAA's precipitation outlook shows a more complicated pattern.
Much of the immediate Gulf Coast, including coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, falls within the near normal precipitation category.
Farther inland, portions of Mississippi and Alabama lean toward below normal rainfall, while much of Texas favors above normal precipitation.
That means a dry Halloween evening is possible, but the outlook does not establish whether rain will fall during trick or treating hours.
The forecast also does not indicate specific thunderstorm timing or rainfall totals for Saturday, Oct. 31.
For now, the strongest signal is for a warmer than normal Halloween week across much of the Gulf Coast.
Families should monitor updated forecasts closer to Halloween for more reliable information about evening temperatures, humidity and possible showers.