Things to Do in Houma in May

May Weather in Houma

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

127 mm (5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Prime fishing season - May marks the beginning of redfish spawning runs in the brackish waters, with charter captains reporting 40% higher catch rates than winter months
Comfortable outdoor temperatures before summer heat peaks - daytime highs of 32°C (90°F) are perfect for marsh tours and swamp walks without the brutal August heat
Spring migration brings peak bird watching opportunities with over 150 species active in the coastal marshes, including rare painted buntings and prothonotary warblers
Tourist season hasn't peaked yet - accommodation rates average 25-30% lower than summer months, and you won't fight crowds at Southdown Plantation or wildlife refuges

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive 60% of days, typically between 2-5pm, lasting 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours that can flood low-lying areas temporarily
Humidity consistently above 70% makes it feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) warmer than actual temperature, especially uncomfortable for visitors from dry climates
Mosquito and no-see-um activity peaks in marshland areas during dawn and dusk hours, requiring constant insect protection

Best Activities in May

Coastal Marsh Fishing Charters

May is absolutely prime time for redfish and speckled trout in Houma's brackish waters. Water temperatures hit the sweet spot of 21-24°C (70-75°F), triggering feeding activity. Charter captains report this as their most consistent month, with 4-6 hour trips yielding keeper fish 80% of the time. Morning charters (6am-10am) avoid afternoon storms and peak heat.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as local captains fill slots quickly in May. Half-day charters typically run ฿4,000-6,500 per boat (up to 4 people). Look for captains with Coast Guard licenses and local guide certifications. Check current availability in booking section below.

Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours

Perfect weather window before summer heat makes the swamp unbearable. Morning tours (8am-11am) showcase active wildlife - alligators basking, herons feeding, and cypress trees in full leaf. Water levels are optimal after spring rains but before summer drought. The 70% humidity that's uncomfortable in town actually feels refreshing under the swamp canopy.

Booking Tip: Book airboat or pontoon tours 10-14 days ahead during May peak season. Tours typically cost ฿1,200-2,000 per adult for 2-hour excursions. Choose operators with wildlife permits and experienced Cajun guides. Morning slots fill first - see current options below.

Wildlife Photography Tours

May offers the year's best combination of active wildlife and comfortable shooting conditions. Spring migration overlaps with resident species, giving photographers shots at 150+ bird species. Early morning light (6-9am) is spectacular, and afternoon storms create dramatic sky backdrops. Bring telephoto lenses for alligator and bird shots.

Booking Tip: Specialized photo tours run ฿2,500-4,000 for 4-6 hour excursions. Book with guides who know wildlife behavior patterns and can predict animal locations. Many fishing guides also offer photography-focused trips. Check current specialized tours below.

Plantation and Cultural Heritage Tours

Ideal indoor/outdoor combination for May's variable weather. Southdown Plantation's gardens are in peak bloom, while air-conditioned museum spaces provide storm shelter. The Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum and historic downtown walking tours work perfectly between weather systems. Cultural centers showcase May's traditional crawfish season celebrations.

Booking Tip: Self-guided options available, but guided tours (฿800-1,500 per person) provide insider stories about Cajun culture and plantation history. Book combination tickets for multiple sites. Indoor venues perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans.

Kayak Eco-Tours through Coastal Marshes

May's moderate temperatures and active wildlife make paddling ideal before summer heat. Launch sites like Cocodrie and Dulac offer protected waters perfect for beginners. Morning paddling (7am-11am) avoids storms and afternoon winds. Wildlife viewing includes dolphins, pelicans, and marsh birds in their most active season.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically ฿1,800-3,000 for 3-4 hours including equipment. Book with outfitters providing Coast Guard-approved gear and experienced marsh guides. Check tidal charts - incoming tides make paddling easier. Current tour options available below.

Cajun Cooking Classes and Food Experiences

May marks peak crawfish season - the absolute best time to learn authentic Cajun cooking. Local ingredients are at their freshest, and outdoor boil events happen throughout the month. Cooking classes focus on seasonal specialties like crawfish étouffee, boiled seafood, and spring vegetable dishes. Indoor venues provide perfect storm shelter.

Booking Tip: Hands-on cooking classes range ฿1,500-2,500 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book at culinary schools or cultural centers offering traditional techniques. Many include market tours and recipe cards. Some restaurants offer behind-the-scenes experiences.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Crawfish Season Peak

While not a single event, May represents the absolute peak of Louisiana's crawfish season. Local restaurants, markets, and community centers host weekly crawfish boils. This is when locals teach visitors proper pinching and sucking techniques, and prices are at their lowest for the year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon storms dump 25-50mm (1-2 inches) in 30 minutes, but pass quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 means burns happen in 15-20 minutes on the water

Moisture-wicking shirts in light colors - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic blends dry faster

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat tours and sudden downpours

Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers - marsh tours involve muddy, uneven surfaces with occasional sharp shells

DEET-based insect repellent (25%+ concentration) - mosquitoes and no-see-ums are relentless at dawn/dusk in wetlands

Small umbrella that fits in day pack - more convenient than rain jacket for brief afternoon showers

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves for evening - protection from insects during sunset activities

Polarized sunglasses - essential for reducing glare on water during fishing and boat tours

Small cooler or insulated bag - keeping drinks and snacks cool in 32°C (90°F) heat with high humidity

Insider Knowledge

Book outdoor activities for 6am-11am slots - this avoids both afternoon storms and peak heat, when wildlife is most active anyway

Locals never plan outdoor events after 2pm in May - follow their lead and use afternoons for museums, shopping, or indoor cultural sites

Download offline maps before swamp tours - cell service is spotty in the Atchafalaya Basin, and GPS helps identify wildlife viewing spots

Bring cash for seafood markets and roadside stands - many family-run businesses don't accept cards, and you'll find the freshest crawfish and shrimp at these spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton clothing to marsh tours - it stays wet and uncomfortable in high humidity, synthetic materials dry much faster

Booking only afternoon activities - storms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor plans and making some areas temporarily inaccessible

Skipping insect repellent because it's not summer yet - May is actually peak season for mosquitoes and no-see-ums in wetland areas