Things to Do in Houma in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Houma
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature swing for all-day comfort - mornings start crisp at 18°C (64°F), ideal for farmers market browsing and walking tours, then warm to 27°C (81°F) by afternoon without the oppressive heat you'd get in summer months
- Minimal rainfall with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total and just 10 rainy days means you can actually plan outdoor activities with confidence - when rain does hit, it typically passes in 15-20 minutes rather than washing out your entire afternoon
- Post-hurricane season timing means the bayou ecosystem is thriving and wildlife viewing peaks - alligators are active in the warmer afternoon temps, and migratory birds start arriving in the wetlands, making this arguably the best month for swamp tours
- Fall festival season hits full stride with genuine local celebrations rather than tourist-focused events - you'll catch authentic Cajun and Creole culture when locals are celebrating their own harvest traditions, not performing for visitors
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with afternoon warmth creates a sticky feeling that catches first-timers off guard - the temperature might read comfortable at 27°C (81°F), but it feels warmer, and cotton clothing gets damp quickly during any physical activity
- October sits in an awkward shoulder season for some attractions - summer operations are winding down but winter schedules haven't kicked in yet, so some charter fishing operations and tour companies run reduced schedules or close midweek
- The 9°C (16°F) temperature swing between morning and evening means you're constantly adjusting layers - what feels perfect at 9am when you leave your hotel becomes too warm by noon, then you're searching for that jacket again by 7pm at dinner
Best Activities in October
Bayou Swamp Tours
October hits the sweet spot for swamp exploration. Water levels have stabilized after summer storms, visibility is excellent, and wildlife activity peaks as alligators take advantage of the warm afternoons while migratory birds start arriving. The 27°C (81°F) afternoon temps mean gators are basking and easy to spot, unlike cooler months when they're lethargic. Morning tours at 8-9am catch the 18°C (64°F) coolness with mist rising off the water, while afternoon departures offer better wildlife action. The low tourist season means smaller groups, typically 6-8 people instead of the packed 15-person boats you'd get in spring.
Wetlands Wildlife Photography Expeditions
The variable October weather actually works in your favor for photography - you get dramatic cloud formations without the flat harsh light of summer, and the mix of warm and cool temps creates morning fog that photographers dream about. The UV index of 8 means golden hour extends nicely, and the lower humidity compared to summer months reduces lens fog issues. Migratory species overlap with resident birds, giving you the widest variety of subjects. Water levels are predictable, so you can plan compositions around exposed cypress knees and shoreline details.
Cajun Cooking Classes and Market Tours
October brings peak harvest season for local ingredients - fresh Gulf shrimp are running strong, sugarcane harvest is underway, and fall vegetables hit farmers markets. The comfortable morning temps around 18-20°C (64-68°F) make market walking pleasant, and you'll actually find locals shopping rather than just tourist-focused vendors. Cooking classes benefit from the weather too - standing over a hot stove making gumbo or jambalaya isn't miserable like it would be in July humidity. You're learning techniques using ingredients at their seasonal best, which matters more than visitors realize.
Cycling the Bayou Back Roads
October delivers ideal cycling weather with morning starts in the 18-20°C (64-68°F) range before warming up - you can cover 25-40 km (15-25 miles) before the afternoon heat and humidity become factors. The minimal rainfall means roads are consistently dry, and the low tourist season means less vehicle traffic on the scenic back roads along the bayou. Fall colors start showing in the hardwoods mixed among the cypress, and the flat terrain means even casual cyclists can handle full-day rides. Wildlife spotting from a bike is surprisingly good as you move quietly along the water.
Festival and Cultural Event Attendance
October is when locals celebrate their own culture rather than staging shows for tourists. Multiple towns around Houma host harvest festivals, blessing of the fleet ceremonies, and Cajun music gatherings that happen regardless of visitor attendance. The comfortable evening temperatures around 20-22°C (68-72°F) make outdoor festival attendance pleasant, and you'll experience authentic food, music, and traditions. These events showcase working culture - shrimpers, sugarcane farmers, and fishing families celebrating their livelihoods, not heritage tourism performances.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding the Bayou Waterways
The calm October weather with minimal rainfall creates ideal paddling conditions - water is clear, current is manageable, and you avoid both the storm risks of summer and the cold water of winter. Morning sessions starting around 8am give you glass-smooth water and wildlife activity, while afternoon paddles benefit from the 27°C (81°F) warmth without being oppressive. The 70% humidity means you'll work up a sweat, but the bayou breeze keeps it manageable. Low water traffic in October means you're sharing the waterways primarily with locals fishing, not jet skis and party boats.
October Events & Festivals
Terrebonne Parish Harvest Festival Season
Multiple small towns throughout the parish host harvest celebrations featuring working shrimpers and farmers rather than staged entertainment. You'll find genuine blessings of fishing fleets, sugarcane harvest demonstrations, and Cajun music sessions where locals actually dance rather than just tourists watching performances. Food vendors serve family recipes, not festival circuit standards. Each town's festival has slightly different character based on their primary industry - shrimping, sugarcane, or fishing.
Fall Fishing Rodeos and Tournaments
October marks prime fishing season, and several local organizations run weekend tournaments that visitors can enter or watch. These are working competitions where serious anglers compete for substantial prizes, creating excellent opportunities to see Gulf fishing culture firsthand. Weigh-ins typically happen late afternoon at local marinas with food vendors and live music. Even if you don't fish, the marina atmosphere during tournament weekends offers authentic glimpses of commercial and recreational fishing communities.