Skip to main content
Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge travel guide

Capital city of Louisiana, United States

Best time to visitOctober
Nearest airportBTR · 6 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population227,470

About Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is the capital city of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It had a population of 227,470 at the 2020 United States census, making it Louisiana's second-most populous city. It is the seat of Louisiana's most populous parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, and the center of Louisiana's second-largest metropolitan area, Greater Baton Rouge, which had 870,569 residents in 2020.

Places to visit in Baton Rouge

  1. Louisiana State Capitol

    Louisiana State Capitol

    Landmark

    The tallest state capitol in the country, an Art Deco tower built under Huey Long, with a free observation deck offering panoramic views over the Mississippi River and the city.

  2. Old Louisiana State Capitol

    Old Louisiana State Capitol

    Historic

    A castle-like Gothic Revival building on a bluff above the river, now a museum of political history, best known for its spiral staircase rising to a stunning stained glass dome.

  3. USS Kidd

    USS Kidd

    Museum

    A World War II destroyer docked on the Mississippi that visitors can tour from deck to engine room, alongside a veterans museum with aircraft and exhibits on naval history.

  4. Louisiana State University

    Louisiana State University

    Landmark · 2 mi from centre

    The campus features oak-lined avenues, Italian Renaissance style buildings, the famous Tiger Stadium and the outdoor habitat of Mike the Tiger, the university's live mascot.

  5. LSU Rural Life Museum

    Museum · 4 mi from centre

    An outdoor museum of relocated historic buildings, tools and furnishings showing rural Louisiana life, including plantation quarters and Acadian houses, next to the peaceful Windrush Gardens.

  6. Old Governor's Mansion

    Old Governor's Mansion

    Historic

    Built under Huey Long in a style resembling the White House, the mansion now serves as a museum displaying furnishings and memorabilia from former Louisiana governors.

  7. Magnolia Mound Plantation

    Magnolia Mound Plantation

    Historic · 2 mi from centre

    A French Creole plantation house with outbuildings and an open-hearth kitchen, where tours interpret the lives of both the planter family and the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

Where to stay in Baton Rouge

Popular hotels in Baton Rouge, out of 103 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Baton Rouge

Best time to visit Baton Rouge

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Baton Rouge is October, when average daytime highs are around 83°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 40° – 58° 12
Feb 49° – 68° 8
Mar 55° – 73° 12
Apr 62° – 80° 9
May 70° – 85° 16
Jun 75° – 91° 15
Jul 77° – 91° 20
Aug 76° – 93° 10
Sep 72° – 89° 11
Oct 63° – 83° 4
Nov 57° – 74° 7
Dec 48° – 66° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Baton Rouge weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 81° 53° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 84° 61° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 85° 62° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 83° 62° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 82° 61° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 83° 61° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Baton Rouge

These are the airports closest to central Baton Rouge. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Baton Rouge?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Baton Rouge is October, when average daytime highs are around 83°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

What is the weather like in Baton Rouge?

August is usually the warmest month in Baton Rouge, with average highs of 93°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 172 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (10 km) from the centre of Baton Rouge.

What time zone is Baton Rouge in?

Baton Rouge uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Baton Rouge?

Top sights in Baton Rouge include Louisiana State Capitol, Old Louisiana State Capitol, USS Kidd and Louisiana State University. The tallest state capitol in the country, an Art Deco tower built under Huey Long, with a free observation deck offering panoramic views over the Mississippi River and the city.

Where should I stay in Baton Rouge?

Popular areas for hotels in Baton Rouge include Downtown, University Area and Suburbs. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center and Homewood Suites by Hilton Baton Rouge.

How many hotels can I book in Baton Rouge?

Destina Holidays currently lists 103 properties in and around Baton Rouge, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.