Things to Do in Houma in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Houma
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) make February perfect for outdoor exploration without the brutal summer heat - you can actually walk around midday without melting, which is saying something for Louisiana
- February sits right in the shoulder season between Mardi Gras chaos and spring break crowds, meaning you'll find better accommodation rates (typically 20-30% below peak) and locals actually have time to chat with you
- The bayou wildlife viewing peaks in February as migratory birds settle in and alligators become more active with warming temperatures - guides report this as one of the best months for spotting without the mosquito swarms of summer
- Crawfish season kicks into high gear by mid-February, with prices dropping to around $2-3 per pound at local markets compared to $5-6 in off-season months - restaurants start featuring boils on their regular menus rather than just special occasions
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are genuinely unpredictable - February weather in Houma tends to swing wildly between 11°C (52°F) mornings and 20°C (68°F) afternoons, and you might get a cold front that stalls for three days straight with drizzle
- The humidity at 70% combined with variable conditions means you're constantly adjusting layers - what feels comfortable at 9am will have you peeling off jackets by noon, then reaching for them again by 5pm when temperatures drop
- Some fishing charters reduce their schedules in February due to unpredictable weather patterns, and you might find yourself with a cancelled trip if a front moves through - booking flexibility is crucial this month
Best Activities in February
Bayou Swamp Tours
February is actually ideal for swamp tours because the cooler mornings mean alligators are out sunbathing by 10am to warm up, and the lower humidity makes the two-hour boat rides genuinely comfortable. The water levels are typically stable after winter rains but before spring flooding, giving you clear views into the cypress groves. Wildlife is active but mosquitoes are still dormant - you get the best of both worlds. Most tours run 9am-3pm windows, with the 10am-noon slot offering the best wildlife activity.
Kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway
The mild February temperatures make paddling actually enjoyable - you'll work up a light sweat without overheating, and the 20°C (68°F) highs mean you're comfortable in a long-sleeve rashguard. Water temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F), so you're not worried about capsizing like you would be in January. The winds tend to be calmer in morning hours before noon, and you'll often have entire stretches to yourself. Sunset paddles around 5:30-6pm are spectacular as temperatures cool to that perfect 15°C (59°F) range.
Cajun Cooking Classes
February is prime time for cooking classes because it's peak crawfish season and instructors are working with the freshest local ingredients. You'll learn to prepare étouffée, jambalaya, and proper crawfish boils using techniques passed down through generations. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including the meal, and the indoor setting makes them perfect backup plans for those rainy days (which happen about every third day in February). The smaller class sizes this month mean more one-on-one instruction than you'd get during summer tourist season.
Terrebonne Parish Fishing Charters
February redfish and speckled trout fishing can be excellent when weather cooperates - the fish are starting to move into shallower waters as temperatures warm, and you're not competing with summer's heavy charter traffic. The key is booking with captains who offer flexible rescheduling, because those cold fronts will shut down fishing for 1-2 days at a time. Four-hour morning trips (leaving 6:30-7am) give you the best shot at calm conditions before afternoon winds pick up. You'll fish the marshes and bayous rather than heading offshore.
Southdown Plantation and Museum Tours
The historic plantation and sugar museum makes an excellent indoor option for those rainy February days, and the cooler temperatures make the grounds tours comfortable when weather clears. February typically sees fewer school groups than spring months, so you can actually hear the guides and ask questions. The museum's sugar production exhibits are particularly relevant in February as it's just after grinding season ends. Plan 2-3 hours for a thorough visit including the grounds.
Downtown Houma Art Walk and Antique Shopping
The monthly art walk (first Friday evening) showcases local artists in downtown galleries, and February's mild evenings make the walking route between venues actually pleasant. The antique shops along Main Street are treasure troves of Cajun and Creole artifacts, vintage fishing gear, and Louisiana folk art. Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-2pm) are best for serious shopping when owners have time to share provenance stories. Budget 2-4 hours depending on your interest level.
February Events & Festivals
Houma-Terrebonne Mardi Gras Parades
Houma hosts several family-friendly Mardi Gras parades in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday (which falls on March 4 in 2026, so parades run mid-to-late February). Unlike New Orleans' massive crowds, these parades maintain a genuine community feel where you'll catch throws from people who actually live here. The Krewe of Houmas parade is the largest, typically drawing 50,000-60,000 people along the route through downtown. Locals set up ladders and chairs days in advance - it's a whole culture unto itself.
Crawfish Season Opening
While not a single event, mid-February marks when restaurants and homes start hosting weekly crawfish boils as the season hits its stride. You'll see hand-painted signs appearing on restaurant marquees advertising pound prices, and local fire stations and churches start scheduling weekend fundraiser boils. This is when locals actually eat crawfish (not just tourists) because prices drop and quality peaks. Join a boil at a VFW hall or church parking lot for the most authentic experience - typically $12-15 per person for all-you-can-eat.