Things to Do in Houma in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Houma
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable temperatures for exploring - that 17-25°C (63-77°F) range means mornings are genuinely pleasant for walking around, and even afternoons won't leave you completely drenched in sweat like summer months do
- Minimal rainfall despite 10 rainy days - we're talking about 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total for the month, which translates to brief sprinkles rather than the torrential downpours you'd get later in spring. Most days stay completely dry
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - April sits in that sweet spot after Mardi Gras madness but before summer tourism kicks in, so you'll find hotel rates typically 20-30% lower than February-March peak
- Crawfish season hits its stride - April is when local crawfish are at their absolute peak quality and restaurants across Houma are running full boils. You're catching Louisiana seafood culture at its most authentic moment
Considerations
- Humidity makes it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests - that 70% humidity means the actual feel is closer to 27-29°C (80-84°F) by afternoon, and if you're not used to Gulf Coast moisture, it takes a few days to adjust
- Unpredictable weather patterns - those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month, and April in Louisiana is notorious for morning sunshine turning into afternoon clouds. Pack layers and don't trust the morning forecast for evening plans
- Mosquitoes emerge as temperatures warm - by mid-April, Louisiana's state bird (as locals joke) is out in force, especially near the bayous and wetlands that make Houma special. Bring repellent or you'll regret it
Best Activities in April
Bayou Swamp Tours
April weather is actually ideal for getting out on the water - temperatures are warm enough that you're comfortable in the boat, but not so hot that the wildlife retreats to shade. Alligators are increasingly active as they come out of winter dormancy, and you'll spot significantly more birds migrating through the wetlands. The lower rainfall means water levels are manageable and visibility is better than summer months. Morning tours around 8-9am catch the best wildlife activity before afternoon warmth.
Crawfish Boil Experiences
April is peak crawfish season in South Louisiana, and Houma sits right in the heart of crawfish country. Local restaurants and outdoor venues run full boils throughout the month, and the quality of mudbugs is noticeably better than earlier spring. The comfortable evening temperatures (around 18-20°C or 64-68°F) make outdoor eating actually pleasant. This is cultural immersion you can't replicate in other months - crawfish season is short and April represents the sweet spot before prices climb in May.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Water temperatures reach comfortable levels by April (around 20-22°C or 68-72°F), and the minimal rainfall means bayou currents are calmer than they'll be once spring storms intensify. The moderate air temperature means you can paddle for 2-3 hours without overheating, and morning humidity is still tolerable. Wildlife viewing is excellent as birds nest along waterways and alligators sun themselves on banks. Avoid midday when UV index hits 8 - stick to early morning or late afternoon sessions.
Fishing Charters
April marks the beginning of prime inshore fishing season in Terrebonne Parish. Redfish and speckled trout are actively feeding as water warms, and the weather is stable enough that charter cancellations are rare (unlike summer thunderstorm season). The comfortable temperatures mean you can fish all day without heat exhaustion becoming a factor. Charter captains know April patterns well, and success rates tend to be higher than winter months when fish are sluggish.
Southdown Plantation House and Museum Visits
Indoor cultural activities make perfect backup plans for those 10 rainy days, and even on clear days, the afternoon humidity makes air-conditioned museum time appealing. The Southdown Plantation House offers insight into sugar plantation history and Terrebonne Parish culture. April sees lighter crowds than school group season (March) but isn't yet summer tourist rush. The comfortable morning temperatures (17-20°C or 63-68°F) make the walk around the grounds pleasant before heading inside.
Wildlife Photography in Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
April offers some of the year's best conditions for photographing South Louisiana ecosystems. Migratory birds pass through in significant numbers, alligators are visible and active, and the vegetation is lush but not yet overgrown like summer. The moderate temperatures mean you can hike refuge trails comfortably in early morning or late afternoon. That UV index of 8 provides strong natural light without the harsh overhead sun of summer. Bring telephoto lenses for wildlife and wide-angle for landscape shots of cypress swamps.
April Events & Festivals
Crawfish Festival Season
While Houma's main festivals happen in other months, April sees numerous smaller crawfish boils and community gatherings across Terrebonne Parish. Local fire departments, churches, and community centers host weekend boils as fundraisers. These aren't heavily advertised tourist events but rather authentic local gatherings where you'll experience genuine Louisiana hospitality. Expect live Cajun music, cold beer, and pounds of crawfish boiled with corn, potatoes, and spices.