Things to Do in Houma in November

November Weather in Houma

22°C (72°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hunting and fishing weather - November marks peak duck season with cooler temperatures bringing migrating waterfowl to Louisiana's coastal marshes. Water temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) create ideal conditions for redfish and speckled trout.
Authentic Cajun festival season without summer heat - La Boucherie des Cajuns and other traditional celebrations happen in comfortable 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures instead of sweltering summer humidity.
Shrimp season finale brings lowest seafood prices - November marks the end of brown shrimp season, meaning restaurants offer peak freshness at reduced prices before winter closure. Expect 20-30% lower menu prices than summer tourist season.
Optimal airboat and swamp tour conditions - Cool, stable weather with minimal afternoon thunderstorms means clearer water visibility and more active wildlife. Alligators are still moving before winter dormancy but mosquitoes are nearly gone.

Considerations

Frequent drizzle disrupts outdoor plans - With 10 rainy days averaging light precipitation, outdoor activities like fishing charters get cancelled 15-20% more often than drier months. Always have indoor backup plans.
Shorter daylight limits swamp tours - Sunset by 5:30pm means most airboat tours end by 4pm, reducing available tour times. Morning tours (8-11am) become premium bookings.
Cooler water reduces swimming appeal - Gulf water temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F), making beach activities less comfortable. Most locals switch to land-based recreation.

Best Activities in November

Louisiana Marsh Fishing Charters

November offers Louisiana's finest inshore fishing with cooler water temperatures bringing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder into shallow marshes. The 18-20°C (64-68°F) water temperature is ideal for sight fishing, and reduced summer boat traffic means less competition for prime spots. Weather is stable enough for full-day trips but comfortable enough to fish all day without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed charter captains. Full-day trips typically cost $1,200-1,800 for up to 4 people, half-day runs $600-900. Look for captains with Coast Guard licenses and local knowledge of winter fishing patterns. Reference booking widget for current charter availability.

Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours

Cool November weather creates perfect swamp touring conditions with active wildlife and minimal insects. Alligators are still mobile before winter slowdown, and migrating birds create excellent wildlife viewing. The 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures mean comfortable boat rides without summer's oppressive humidity, though shorter days limit tour times to daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8-11am) offer best wildlife activity and lighting for photos. Typical costs range $35-65 per adult for 2-hour tours. Book through operators with heated boats for cooler mornings. Check current tour schedules in booking section below as winter hours are shorter.

Cajun Cultural Heritage Tours

November's comfortable weather makes visiting outdoor heritage sites, historic sugar plantations, and rural Cajun communities ideal. Cooler temperatures allow for longer walking tours of places like Southdown Plantation without summer heat fatigue. This timing coincides with sugar cane harvest season, offering authentic agricultural experiences unavailable other times.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours typically cost $45-75 per person for half-day experiences. Many combine plantation visits with traditional cooking demonstrations. Book through certified cultural guides who provide French-English interpretation. See current cultural tour options in booking widget below.

Duck Hunting Expeditions

Peak waterfowl migration makes November prime duck hunting season in Terrebonne Parish marshes. Cool fronts push birds south into Louisiana's coastal wetlands, creating world-class hunting opportunities. Early morning temperatures around 12°C (54°F) provide ideal conditions for duck movement and hunter comfort.

Booking Tip: Guided hunts cost $200-400 per hunter per day, including boats, decoys, and bird cleaning. Book through licensed outfitters with marsh access rights. Hunts start before dawn and typically end by noon. Non-residents need Louisiana hunting licenses ($55) plus federal duck stamps ($25).

Bayou Food Trail Experiences

November's shrimp season finale means restaurants feature peak-freshness seafood at reduced prices. Comfortable walking weather makes food trail tours through downtown Houma and nearby communities enjoyable without summer heat. Traditional boucherie season also brings authentic Cajun meat preservation demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-95 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including multiple restaurant stops. Private group tours range $300-500 for up to 8 people. Book through local culinary guides who have restaurant relationships for behind-the-scenes access. Check current food tour availability in booking section.

Coastal Birding Expeditions

November migration brings thousands of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds through Louisiana's coastal marshes. Cooler weather means comfortable all-day birding without heat stress, and reduced foliage provides better visibility. Morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) create ideal conditions for bird activity and photography.

Booking Tip: Guided birding tours cost $125-200 per person for full-day marsh expeditions, $75-125 for half-day trips. Look for guides certified by Louisiana Ornithological Society with specialized marsh boats. Early morning departures (6am) are essential for peak bird activity. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during migration season.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Holiday Craft Fair

Local artisans showcase traditional Cajun crafts, woodworking, and holiday decorations. Features live Cajun music, local food vendors, and handmade items perfect for authentic Louisiana souvenirs. Indoor venue provides perfect rainy-day activity.

Throughout November

Sugar Cane Harvest Festivals

Rural communities around Houma celebrate the end of sugar cane season with traditional food, music, and mill tours. Visitors can observe actual cane processing and taste fresh-pressed cane syrup. Timing varies by farm but typically occurs throughout November.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket - November drizzle is frequent but light, lasting 1-2 hours. Louisiana rain is warm so you need breathable, not heavy-duty protection

Insulated fishing boots or waterproof hiking boots - Marsh tours and fishing charters require stepping in 10-15 cm (4-6 inch) deep water regularly

Layering pieces for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - Mornings start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), dress in removable layers

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite low UV - Water reflection in marshes intensifies sun exposure even on cloudy days common in November

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes are reduced but not eliminated in coastal marshes, especially during warmer afternoon periods

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - Essential for boat tours and fishing charters where spray and rain are common

Quick-dry pants and shirts - Cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity, synthetic materials dry within 30-60 minutes

Warm hat or cap for early morning activities - 6am fishing departures and duck hunts can feel much colder than daytime temperatures

Binoculars - November wildlife viewing and birding opportunities are exceptional but require magnification for marsh distances

Cash in small bills - Many fishing guides, local restaurants, and craft vendors operate cash-only, especially in rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Book fishing charters for Tuesday-Thursday to save 20-30% over weekend rates, and captains are less rushed so provide better instruction and local knowledge during slower midweek periods

Visit local grocery stores like Piggly Wiggly or Super Fresh for authentic Cajun seasonings and ingredients at 40-50% less than tourist shop prices. Locals stock up on these items year-round

Time restaurant visits for 11:30am lunch - many authentic Cajun restaurants run out of daily specials by 1pm, especially seafood dishes featuring fresh morning catches

November is when locals process their own boucherie (traditional meat preservation) - ask at visitor center about watching authentic demonstrations that tourists never see during summer visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only afternoon swamp tours - November sunset at 5:30pm means tours end abruptly, and wildlife is less active. Morning tours offer 2x more animal sightings and better photos

Assuming all seafood restaurants are the same - November marks huge quality differences as some serve frozen summer catch while others feature fresh end-of-season shrimp and crab. Ask when seafood was caught

Overpacking for cold weather - First-time visitors see Louisiana November temperatures and pack winter coats. Humidity makes 12°C (54°F) feel like 16°C (61°F), and you'll overheat quickly