Things to Do in Houma in August

August Weather in Houma

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

152 mm (6.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak swamp tour season - August's lower water levels create ideal conditions for wildlife viewing with alligators concentrated in accessible channels and birds actively feeding
Festival season kicks off - Houma's cultural calendar begins with pre-fall celebrations, live music venues, and seafood festivals before the busy autumn tourist rush
Prime fishing conditions - August marks peak redfish and speckled trout season in Terrebonne Parish waters with calm morning conditions perfect for charter trips
Comfortable accommodation rates - August sits in shoulder season pricing, offering 20-30% savings on hotels before September's peak hunting and fishing season drives prices up

Considerations

Afternoon heat and humidity peak around 2-4pm making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - locals avoid extended outdoor time during these hours
Thunderstorms arrive quickly in late afternoons, typically lasting 30-45 minutes but can disrupt boat tours and outdoor dining plans
Hurricane season awareness required - while direct hits are rare, weather monitoring becomes essential for trip planning and some tour operators may cancel on short notice

Best Activities in August

Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours

August's receding water levels concentrate wildlife into main channels, making alligator and bird sightings more reliable. Early morning tours (7-9am) avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms while catching peak wildlife activity. Water temperatures around 28°C (82°F) keep alligators active and visible.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators with covered boats and life jackets. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person for 90-minute experiences. Morning slots fill fastest - afternoon tours after 2pm risk weather delays.

Bayou Cuisine and Cooking Experiences

August brings peak blue crab and shrimp season, making it ideal for authentic Cajun cooking classes and seafood tours. Indoor venues provide air-conditioned comfort while showcasing seasonal ingredients at their freshest. Local restaurants feature special August menus highlighting summer harvests.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes run $75-120 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including meals. Book 7-10 days ahead as class sizes are limited. Evening classes (5-8pm) are most popular and avoid daytime heat.

Charter Fishing in Terrebonne Bay

August delivers prime inshore fishing conditions with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder actively feeding in cooler morning waters. Dawn departures (5:30am) provide calm conditions and avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Water visibility peaks before summer algae blooms.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters typically cost $400-600 for groups up to 4 people, full-day $800-1200. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend slots. Licensed captains provide equipment - just bring snacks, drinks, and sun protection.

Historic Plantation and Cultural Tours

Air-conditioned bus tours and indoor plantation house visits provide comfortable exploration during August heat. Many historic sites offer special summer programming and extended hours. Garden tours are best early morning when temperatures are manageable at 24-26°C (75-79°F).

Booking Tip: Combined plantation and cultural tours range $35-65 per person for 4-6 hour experiences. Book through operators offering climate-controlled transportation. Afternoon tours include more indoor time at museums and visitor centers.

Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

Early morning paddling (6-10am) takes advantage of cooler temperatures and glass-calm bayou conditions. August's consistent water levels make navigation easier through cypress swamps and coastal marshes. Wildlife viewing peaks during these cooler hours.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals typically cost $40-60 per day, guided tours $65-85 per person for 2-3 hours. Book morning time slots and choose operators providing sun shelters and hydration stops. Self-guided requires basic navigation skills.

Evening Music and Entertainment

August evenings come alive with outdoor concerts, cajun dance halls, and waterfront dining as temperatures drop to comfortable 26-28°C (79-82°F) after 7pm. Live music venues showcase local talents, and many restaurants offer extended patio hours with cooling fans.

Booking Tip: Cover charges for live music venues range $10-25. Dinner reservations recommended for popular waterfront restaurants, especially Friday-Sunday. Many venues don't take reservations - arrive by 6:30pm for best seating.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August

Blessing of the Fleet Preparation Activities

While the main Blessing of the Fleet occurs in spring, August features boat blessing ceremonies and fishing fleet preparations for fall season. Local marina events and seafood industry celebrations showcase Houma's maritime heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, especially on water tours

Packable rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms arrive quickly and last 30-45 minutes with little warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - boat decks and bayou boardwalks can be slippery when wet

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for boat tours and swamp visits where shade is limited

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - mosquitoes and no-see-ums are active during dawn and dusk hours

Light cotton or linen pants - protection from sun and insects while remaining cool in 32°C (90°F) temperatures

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat tours and kayaking, as equipment may get splashed

Small daypack or dry bag - for carrying water, snacks, and essentials during outdoor activities

Electrolyte supplements or sports drinks - high humidity increases dehydration risk during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Book swamp tours departing before 9am - not only for cooler weather, but this is when alligators are most active and visible before retreating to shade

Locals eat seafood on weekdays - weekend restaurant prices can be 15-20% higher, and Tuesday-Thursday offers the freshest catches from Monday boat returns

Download offline maps before bayou tours - cell service is spotty in remote areas, and GPS becomes essential for self-guided activities

Bring frozen water bottles on boat tours - they double as ice packs for keeping cool and provide cold drinks as they melt in the August heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4pm when heat index peaks and afternoon thunderstorms typically develop

Wearing dark colors on boat tours - they absorb heat making you uncomfortable, and light colors also reflect sunlight better on open water

Underestimating hydration needs - the combination of heat, humidity, and sun exposure requires drinking water every 15-20 minutes during outdoor activities