Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is Louisiana's state capital, known for Cajun food, the State Capitol and Louisiana State University. Plantations and bayou country are a short drive away.
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Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the south of the state. The Louisiana State Capitol is a 34-story tower, the tallest state capitol in the United States. The Old State Capitol, a Gothic Revival building on the river bluff, now houses a museum. Louisiana State University brings a large student body and home football games that fill the city.
The food and the river country are the main reasons to visit. Cajun and Creole dishes such as boudin, crawfish and po' boys appear on casual menus across the city. Plantation homes along the Mississippi and swamp tours are a short drive away. Two days suit a city stop, and a few extra days fit a wider trip that includes New Orleans. Fall through spring is the most comfortable season, since summer heat and humidity are heavy.
Baton Rouge in five
- Rent a car for the river road tripsThe plantations and the Atchafalaya Basin are a drive from the city, and a car is the simplest way to reach them. Rideshare works in town but costs more on longer trips.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you landRideshare apps and maps need mobile data as soon as you leave the airport. Load a US data plan before you fly.Phones and eSIM
- Check ESTA before you buy a fareVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a US visa. Confirm which one applies to you before you pay for flights.Visas and entry
- Check the LSU football schedule before you bookHome football weekends at LSU can fill hotels and roads near campus and raise room rates. Book early or pick dates away from home games.Where to stay
- Buy insurance that covers storm delaysHurricane season runs June to November, and a storm can cancel flights or close roads with little notice. Check that your policy covers storm cancellations and delays.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- Visa Waiver Program passports need ESTA; others need a US visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Expected at restaurants and bars, usually 15 to 20 percent
- Time
- UTC-6 (Central) standard, UTC-5 with daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCool, mild
- FebruaryMild, wet
- MarchWarm, pleasant
- AprilWarm, pleasant
- MayHot, humid
- JuneHot, storms
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberStorm season
- OctoberMild, pleasant
- NovemberCool, pleasant
- DecemberCool, holidays
Right now in Baton Rouge
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 26°
- Humidity
- 69%
- Wind
- 20 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 6%
Baton Rouge
02:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today25°21°6%Monday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Tue29°20°29%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 29%.
- Wed27°19°52%Wednesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 52%.
- Thu29°17°6%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri28°19°20%Friday: Rain. High 28°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Sat27°17°11%Saturday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 11%.
- Sun26°14°11%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 26°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 11%.
Updated 02:02 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- New Orleansabout 1 to 1.5 hours by carThe French Quarter, live jazz and Creole food, in a bigger city than the capital.
- Oak Alley Plantationabout 1 hour by carA river plantation known for its long avenue of live oaks. Book a tour time before you go.
- Atchafalaya Basinabout 1 hour by carSwamp and bayou scenery, usually seen on a guided boat tour.
- Lafayetteabout 1 to 1.5 hours by carCajun food, dance halls and music, a good stop on a longer route west.
Before you go to Baton Rouge
Rules for Baton Rouge, checked
- Visa Waiver Program travelers need ESTA approval before boarding, and others need a US visa. Check eligibility at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.Source
- The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
- Tip servers and bartenders, the usual US custom. Check the bill first, since some restaurants add a service charge.
- Check the National Hurricane Center forecast before you fly between June and November.Source
Plan around Baton Rouge
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideLouisianaThe state guide for Baton Rouge and the river parishes
Read the guideGetting aroundCar hire, rideshare and the drives to day trip towns
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, tipping and what a day in the city costs
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA, who needs a visa and how to apply
Read the guideWhere to stayCompare areas for the capitol, campus and highway stays
Read the guideBaton Rouge FAQ
How many days do you need in Baton Rouge?
Two days cover the State Capitol, the riverfront and one plantation or swamp day trip. Add a third day if you want to visit Lafayette or New Orleans without rushing.
Is Baton Rouge worth visiting?
Yes, if you want Louisiana food, river views and a state capital. It fits well on a longer Louisiana route and can also work as a short trip on its own.
When is the best time to visit Baton Rouge?
March to April and October to November have mild temperatures. Summer is hot and humid, and storm risk peaks in late summer and early fall.
Can you visit the Louisiana State Capitol?
Yes, the State Capitol is open to visitors. Check the current visiting hours on the state's official website before you go, since they can change.
Is Baton Rouge a good base for New Orleans?
It is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, so it works for a day trip, but the drive is long each way. Staying in New Orleans is easier if you want to spend evenings in the French Quarter.