Things to Do in Houma in December

December Weather in Houma

19°C (66°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect crawfish season begins - December marks the start of Louisiana's prime crawfish harvest with mudbugs at peak flavor and lowest prices of the season
Comfortable outdoor temperatures for bayou tours and fishing - highs of 19°C (66°F) make December ideal for extended time on the water without summer's oppressive heat and humidity
Holiday celebrations unique to Cajun culture including bonfires on the levee Christmas Eve tradition and réveillon dinners featuring local seafood specialties
Hunting and fishing seasons overlap perfectly - December offers excellent redfish, speckled trout, duck, and deer hunting opportunities with cooler weather reducing insect activity

Considerations

Frequent rain and fog can cancel or delay swamp tours - December averages 10 rainy days with morning fog common, particularly affecting early morning wildlife viewing
Shorter daylight hours limit outdoor activities - sunset occurs around 5:15 PM, reducing time for fishing charters and outdoor excursions
Hurricane season effects may still linger - while officially over, some tourism infrastructure damaged earlier in the year may still be under repair

Best Activities in December

Bayou Wildlife and Swamp Tours

December's cooler temperatures make alligators less active but more predictable - they bask in sunny spots during the warmest part of the day (11am-2pm). Bird watching is exceptional as migrating waterfowl join year-round herons and egrets. Morning fog creates dramatic photography conditions but can delay tours until 9-10am for safety.

Booking Tip: Book airboat tours 5-7 days ahead as December weather frequently causes cancellations and rescheduling. Tours typically cost $35-55 per adult. Choose afternoon departures (1-3pm) for best wildlife activity and clearer conditions. Look for operators offering weather guarantees and indoor museum components as backup.

Crawfish Farm Experiences and Cooking Classes

December marks the beginning of crawfish season when farmers flood fields and begin harvesting. This is the only time of year you can witness the actual farming process. Local restaurants start featuring fresh crawfish in traditional dishes like étouffée and bisque, with prices at their annual lowest before peak season demand.

Booking Tip: Farm tours typically cost $25-40 per person and must be booked through local visitor centers as most are family operations without online booking. Cooking classes range $75-120 and fill quickly during holiday weeks. Book immediately upon arrival or 2-3 weeks ahead for holiday periods.

Saltwater Fishing Charters

December offers some of Louisiana's best inshore fishing with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder active in cooler water temperatures. Fish feed aggressively before winter, and comfortable 19°C (66°F) highs make 6-8 hour charters pleasant. Weather windows between fronts provide 2-3 consecutive calm days perfect for Gulf access.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters typically cost $400-600 for up to 4 people, full-day $800-1200. Book 10-14 days ahead but maintain flexibility - captains will reschedule for weather. Look for operators providing cold weather gear and heated cabins. Peak fishing occurs 2 hours before/after tide changes.

Historic Plantation and Cultural Heritage Tours

Cool December weather makes walking tours of sugar plantations comfortable, and December coincides with the end of sugar cane harvest season - many plantations offer demonstrations of traditional syrup-making processes. Indoor museum components provide perfect rainy day alternatives while learning about Cajun, Creole, and Native American cultural intersections.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours typically cost $15-25 per adult with combination packages $35-50. Most operate rain or shine with substantial indoor components. Book cultural centers and museums as backup plans - many offer December holiday programming featuring traditional Cajun music and craft demonstrations.

Seasonal Festival and Holiday Celebrations

December features unique Cajun Christmas traditions including bonfires on the levee Christmas Eve (dating to 1800s French tradition), réveillon dinners at local restaurants, and holiday boat parades through bayou communities. These authentic cultural experiences occur nowhere else in the United States and showcase living traditions rather than tourist recreations.

Booking Tip: Levee bonfire viewing is free but requires arriving by 4pm for parking within walking distance. Réveillon dinners cost $45-85 per person and require reservations made in November. Holiday boat parades vary by community - check with local visitor centers for 2025 schedules as dates shift annually.

Indoor Cultural and Culinary Experiences

December's rainy days make indoor activities essential. Local museums feature excellent exhibits on wetland ecology, oil industry history, and multicultural heritage. Cooking classes focus on warming winter dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and bread pudding using seasonal ingredients. Many restaurants offer behind-the-scenes tours during slower December periods.

Booking Tip: Museum admission typically costs $8-15 per adult with combination tickets $20-30. Cooking classes range $60-100 per person and often include meals. Restaurant tours are often free but require calling ahead - many chefs available for informal talks during December's slower pace. Perfect for rainy day backup plans.

December Events & Festivals

December 24

Christmas Bonfires on the Levee

Traditional Cajun Christmas Eve celebration where communities build massive bonfires along the Mississippi River levees to light Papa Noël's way. Dating to early 1800s French settlers, each bonfire is a work of art often shaped like houses or cabins. Viewing areas provide food vendors and live Cajun music.

Throughout December

Réveillon Dinner Traditions

Traditional Creole Christmas celebration featuring elaborate multi-course dinners after midnight Christmas mass. Local restaurants offer authentic réveillon menus throughout December featuring turtle soup, oysters, duck, and traditional desserts paired with local wines and cocktails.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof boots essential - with 89mm (3.5 inches) of rain across 10 days, you'll encounter muddy conditions at swamps, farms, and outdoor festivals

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 8°C (46°F) rising to 19°C (66°F) require flexibility, especially on water where temperatures feel 3-5 degrees cooler

Rain jacket with hood - December showers are frequent but usually brief, lasting 30-60 minutes with little warning

Insect repellent still necessary - cooler weather reduces mosquito activity but doesn't eliminate them, especially near standing water

Waterproof phone case or bag - essential for swamp tours and fishing charters where spray and humidity can damage electronics

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - 8°C (46°F) dawn temperatures make sunrise fishing trips and early swamp tours uncomfortably cold without proper gear

Non-slip shoes with good tread - wet boardwalks, boat docks, and muddy paths become treacherous with December's frequent moisture

Sunglasses despite lower UV - reflection off water intensifies even winter sun, and UV index of 3 still requires eye protection on extended outdoor excursions

Cash in small bills - many local experiences, farm tours, and festival vendors operate cash-only, particularly family-run operations

Cooler or insulated bag - if purchasing fresh crawfish, local seafood, or specialty foods, you'll need proper storage for transport

Insider Knowledge

Most locals schedule outdoor activities for the narrow window between cold fronts - typically 2-3 day stretches of calm weather. Ask your hotel to help track weather patterns for optimal timing.

December crawfish prices start high (around $4-5 per pound) but drop significantly after New Year's as harvest increases - if visiting late December, wait until January for better seafood deals.

Many family-run swamp tour operators offer informal scheduling - call morning-of to check conditions rather than booking rigid advance times, as they know daily weather patterns better than online systems.

Local restaurants offer their most authentic dishes in December when tourist crowds thin - this is when chefs experiment with traditional family recipes not found on summer tourist menus.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor tours too far in advance without weather flexibility - December's unpredictable conditions mean rigid scheduling often leads to disappointment and cancellation fees

Expecting summer-level wildlife activity on swamp tours - December alligators are lethargic and birds less active, but many tourists complain when December tours don't match July experiences

Underdressing for water activities - even at 19°C (66°F) air temperature, wind and spray on boats make conditions feel much colder than anticipated