Due to its location close to the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans has a subtropical climate and mild weather, making it an ideal year-round holiday destination. New Orleans enjoys a variety of weather in the springtime, during March, April and May, with long sunny intervals and regular periods of rain. During the summer season, from June through August, temperatures are hot and the weather is fairly humid. Short afternoon rainfalls can occur and occasional thunderstorms may develop, and these conditions last until early September.