Things to Do in Houma in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Houma
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season temperatures - daytime highs around 22°C (72°F) are comfortable for walking tours and outdoor activities without the summer heat that sends locals indoors between 11am-3pm
- Minimal rainfall with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total - those 10 rainy days typically mean brief morning drizzles rather than afternoon downpours, so you can plan full-day activities without weather backup plans
- Bayou fishing hits peak season as redfish and speckled trout move into shallow waters with cooling temperatures - local charter captains report this as their most consistent month for catches
- Significantly lower accommodation rates compared to spring festival season (typically 30-40% less) while still getting pleasant weather - you're visiting before the major holiday rush but after the oppressive summer humidity breaks
Considerations
- That 13°C (55°F) overnight low actually feels colder than it sounds due to 70% humidity - the dampness penetrates lightweight clothing, and most older buildings in downtown Houma lack central heating
- Unpredictable weather swings are common in November as cold fronts push through - you might experience 22°C (72°F) one day and 16°C (61°F) the next, making packing more challenging than stable-weather months
- Some swamp tour operators reduce schedules or close weekdays after the first week of November when school groups stop booking - call ahead rather than assuming daily departures
Best Activities in November
Bayou Fishing Charters
November marks the beginning of prime inshore fishing season as water temperatures drop to 18-21°C (64-70°F) and redfish, speckled trout, and flounder become more active in shallow bayou waters. The cooler, drier conditions mean fewer mosquitoes than summer months and calmer mornings on the water. Charter captains report this as their most reliable month for catches before December cold snaps push fish to deeper channels.
Wetlands Wildlife Photography Tours
November brings migratory bird populations to coastal Louisiana - you'll spot roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, and various duck species that aren't here during summer months. The lower humidity creates clearer air for photography, and that 22°C (72°F) daytime temperature means you can stay out for 3-4 hour tours without overheating. Morning light between 7-9am is exceptional this time of year, with mist rising off the bayous creating atmospheric shots.
Cajun Cooking Classes
November is gumbo season in Houma - locals start making big pots as temperatures cool, and you'll find cooking classes focusing on cold-weather Cajun dishes rather than the lighter seafood boils of summer. This is also when fresh Louisiana oysters come back into season after the summer ban, so you'll work with ingredients at their peak. The comfortable indoor activity works perfectly for those occasional drizzly mornings.
Plantation Home Tours Along Bayou Lafourche
The 35 km (22 mile) stretch along Bayou Lafourche features several historic plantation homes with November bringing ideal touring weather - cool enough for outdoor grounds exploration without summer's 35°C (95°F) heat and humidity that makes walking the properties uncomfortable. Fall foliage adds color to the live oak alleys, and smaller November crowds mean more personal attention from docents who actually have time to answer questions.
Kayaking Through Cypress Swamps
November offers the most comfortable paddling conditions of the year - that 22°C (72°F) temperature means you won't overheat, while minimal rainfall keeps water levels stable and visibility clear. Cypress trees display fall colors through mid-November before dropping needles, and the cooler water temperatures mean alligators are less active and more predictable than summer months. Mosquito populations drop significantly after the first cold snap, usually around early November.
Downtown Houma Historic Walking Tours
The comfortable November temperatures make this the ideal month for the 3.2 km (2 mile) self-guided downtown walking route past 19th-century buildings, the Southdown Plantation, and working shrimp boat docks. You'll actually want to be outside during midday hours, unlike summer when locals avoid walking between 11am-4pm. The Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum and Regional Military Museum provide air-conditioned breaks if those occasional drizzles roll through.
November Events & Festivals
Thanksgiving Week Boucherie Demonstrations
Several local farms and cultural centers host traditional Cajun boucherie demonstrations during Thanksgiving week, showing the historic whole-hog butchering and cooking process that was essential to Cajun culture. You'll see cracklins made fresh, boudin stuffed, and various cuts prepared using techniques passed down through generations. These aren't tourist shows - they're actual community events where locals gather, though visitors are welcomed.