Things to Do in Houma in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Houma
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F) make outdoor exploration actually pleasant - you can walk the downtown historic district or bike along the bayou without that oppressive summer heat that hits Louisiana by May
- March catches the tail end of crawfish season when prices drop but quality stays high - local boils typically run 15-20% cheaper than February peak, and you'll find pounds going for around $3-4 versus $5-6 during Mardi Gras madness
- Fishing conditions are genuinely excellent as redfish and speckled trout move into shallow waters with warming temperatures - charter captains report March as one of their most consistent months for catches, with morning trips (6am-11am) producing the best results
- You're visiting during shoulder season, which means accommodation rates drop 25-35% compared to February Mardi Gras pricing and you'll actually get tables at popular seafood restaurants without the hour-plus waits that plague peak season
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - that 10-day rain forecast means you might get light drizzle one day and actual downpours the next, and cold fronts can still push through dropping temperatures to 10°C (50°F) for a day or two before bouncing back
- March sits in an awkward spot between major festivals - you'll miss Mardi Gras (February) and arrive before the summer festival season kicks off in May, so if you're specifically after that Louisiana festival energy, this isn't your month
- Mosquitoes start becoming active as temperatures warm and standing water from occasional rains creates breeding grounds - not the biblical swarms of summer, but enough that you'll want repellent for evening activities near the bayou
Best Activities in March
Bayou Swamp Tours
March hits a sweet spot for swamp tours - water levels are typically stable after winter rains, visibility is decent, and wildlife becomes more active as temperatures warm. Alligators start emerging from winter lethargy (you'll spot them sunning on banks during warmer afternoons), and bird migration is underway with herons, egrets, and ibis all visible. The 70% humidity feels manageable in March versus the suffocating summer months. Morning tours (7am-9am) offer the best wildlife viewing as animals are most active before midday heat.
Inshore Fishing Charters
March is legitimately one of the best fishing months in Terrebonne Parish. Speckled trout and redfish move into shallow marshes as water warms, and the variable weather actually helps - overcast days with light wind create ideal conditions. Half-day charters (4-5 hours) departing at sunrise produce the most consistent catches. The cooler mornings around 14°C (57°F) mean you'll want layers, but by 10am you're typically stripping down to t-shirts as temperatures climb to the low 20s°C (low 70s°F).
Cajun Cooking Classes
Perfect indoor backup activity for those rainy days (and you'll likely get 2-3 during your visit). March means crawfish are still readily available and affordable, so you'll work with actual seasonal ingredients rather than frozen substitutes. Classes typically run 2.5-3 hours and cover crawfish étouffée, gumbo, or jambalaya basics. The humidity outside makes the air-conditioned cooking environment especially appealing, and you'll leave with recipes and techniques that actually work at home.
Wetlands Birding Tours
March catches spring migration as birds move north through Louisiana's coastal wetlands. You'll spot roseate spoonbills, various heron species, and if you're lucky, migrating warblers passing through. The variable weather means some days are better than others - overcast mornings with light wind are ideal, while rainy days obviously reduce visibility. Tours typically cover 8-16 km (5-10 miles) of wetlands by boat or kayak. Bring binoculars if you have them, though most operators provide equipment.
Historic Downtown Walking Tours
March weather makes walking tours actually comfortable - those 23°C (73°F) afternoons are pleasant for exploring downtown's 19th-century architecture and learning about Houma's role in Louisiana's oil and fishing industries. The variable conditions mean you'll want to check morning forecasts and plan walks for drier windows. Tours typically cover 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) over 90 minutes, focusing on the Courthouse Square area and historic homes. UV index of 8 means sunscreen is non-negotiable even on cloudy days.
Cajun Music Venue Experiences
March means you'll catch authentic Cajun and zydeco music at local venues without the summer tourist crowds. Weekend nights feature live bands at several downtown spots, and the music scene is genuinely local rather than tourist-focused. The 70% humidity indoors can get intense when venues are packed, but March crowds are manageable. Shows typically run 8pm-midnight, with the best energy building after 9:30pm once locals finish dinner. Cover charges are minimal or nonexistent, though you're expected to buy drinks.
March Events & Festivals
Crawfish Season Peak Availability
While not a specific festival, March represents the tail end of peak crawfish season when you'll find the best combination of quality and value. Local restaurants run daily boils, and you'll see hand-painted signs advertising pounds for $3-4 along Highway 90. This is when locals host backyard boils most weekends, and some restaurants offer all-you-can-eat specials. The experience is more authentic than organized festivals - just look for busy parking lots at seafood spots between 5pm-8pm on Friday and Saturday nights.