Things to Do in Houma in March

March Weather in Houma

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Shrimp season peaks in March - fresh Louisiana shrimp at lowest prices of the year, with daily boats bringing catches directly to local docks
Perfect weather for outdoor activities - comfortable 22°C (72°F) highs without summer's oppressive heat and humidity that reaches 38°C (100°F) by June
Fewer tourists than summer months - restaurants and fishing charters have immediate availability, and local attractions aren't crowded with vacation visitors
Festival season begins - multiple authentic Cajun celebrations start ramping up without the massive crowds that descend during peak summer festival season

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - March sees 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours that can disrupt planned swamp tours or outdoor dining
Water activities limited - Gulf waters still cool at 18°C (64°F) making swimming uncomfortable, and some charter boats reduce schedules
Muddy conditions in wetlands - recent winter rains make some walking trails in wildlife refuges soggy and difficult to navigate

Best Activities in March

Louisiana Swamp Tours

March offers ideal conditions for swamp exploration with comfortable temperatures and active wildlife. Alligators become more visible as waters warm, and migratory birds are still present. The cooler air means less mosquito activity compared to summer months.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Prices range $25-45 per person for 2-hour tours. Morning tours (8-10am) offer best wildlife viewing and avoid afternoon rain potential. Look for operators with covered boats and licensed guides.

Fresh Shrimp Fishing Charters

Peak shrimp season makes March exceptional for both eating and catching Louisiana brown shrimp. Charter boats target productive waters, and many trips include on-boat cooking of your catch. Calm spring weather provides comfortable conditions before summer heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters typically cost $400-600 for up to 6 people. Book 10-14 days ahead as local demand is high during shrimp season. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon weather and get best shrimp activity.

Cajun Cultural Experience Tours

March weather is perfect for visiting outdoor cultural sites and historic villages. Many local festivals begin their seasons, and you can experience authentic Cajun music, food preparation, and crafts without summer's extreme heat that makes outdoor demonstrations uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours range $30-60 per person for half-day experiences. Many include traditional meals. Book through certified cultural centers for authentic experiences. Some require advance notice for meal preparations.

Wildlife Refuge Photography Tours

March offers exceptional bird photography opportunities as winter migrants overlap with early spring arrivals. Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge shows peak activity, and comfortable walking temperatures allow for extended hiking without summer's heat exhaustion risk.

Booking Tip: Self-guided refuge visits are free, but guided photography tours cost $75-120 for 4-hour sessions. Bring telephoto lens and waterproof boots. Early morning tours (6-10am) provide best lighting and animal activity.

Bayou Kayaking Adventures

Cool March temperatures make paddling comfortable for 3-4 hour trips. Water levels are typically good from winter rains, and you'll avoid summer's intense sun and afternoon thunderstorms. Spanish moss-draped waterways are particularly scenic in spring light.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $35-50 per day, guided tours $65-85 per person. Book rentals 2-3 days ahead for weekends. Choose tours that provide dry bags and safety equipment. Avoid afternoon bookings due to rain potential.

Historic Plantation and Garden Tours

March timing is ideal for plantation gardens as azaleas and early spring flowers bloom, but before summer heat makes outdoor walking uncomfortable. Many historic sites offer special spring programs and extended hours as tourist season begins.

Booking Tip: Tours range $15-35 per person with some offering combination packages. Book online for discounts. Allow 2-3 hours per site. Morning tours avoid afternoon rain and provide better photography lighting.

March Events & Festivals

Various weekends in March

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Spring Events

Local civic center hosts various community festivals and cultural events throughout March, featuring authentic Cajun music, local artisans, and traditional food demonstrations by community members

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy wetland trails and sudden rain on 10+ rainy days

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 8°C (46°F) but afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), requiring flexible dressing

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - afternoon downpours are frequent and can last 30-45 minutes

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 still requires protection, especially during water activities with reflection

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes emerge in warmer afternoons around wetland areas

Waterproof phone case - essential for swamp tours and kayaking, protects against rain and water spray

Comfortable walking shoes - separate from boots, for indoor attractions and restaurant visits

Light sweater for evenings - temperatures drop significantly after sunset, especially near water

Quick-dry clothing fabrics - humid conditions and potential rain make cotton problematic

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - March offers excellent bird watching opportunities in refuges

Insider Knowledge

Visit seafood markets between 2-4pm when daily shrimp boats return - you'll get the freshest catch at lowest prices before restaurants buy inventory

Local restaurants offer 'March shrimp specials' with significantly lower prices than summer tourist menus - ask servers about daily boat catches

Pack extra socks and keep spare pair in car - wetland tours and muddy conditions will soak through even waterproof boots

Many local festivals in March are community events, not tourist attractions - bring cash as many vendors don't accept cards, and prices are much lower than summer festivals

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon outdoor activities - March rain typically arrives 2-5pm, disrupting swamp tours and kayaking plans

Wearing cotton clothing - high humidity and frequent rain make cotton uncomfortable and slow-drying throughout the day

Expecting summer festival schedules - many major tourist festivals don't start until May, so March events are smaller community celebrations