Things to Do in Houma in October

October Weather in Houma

27°C (81°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Post-hurricane season recovery means calmer waters and clearer skies - visibility for fishing and water activities improves dramatically after September storms clear out
Ideal temperature range 21-27°C (70-81°F) for outdoor activities - comfortable enough for all-day fishing charters without the oppressive summer heat
Lower humidity at 70% compared to summer months makes walking tours of downtown and bayou boardwalks much more pleasant
Peak seafood season - October brings fresh shrimp, oysters, and crab as commercial boats return to full operations after summer storms

Considerations

Still 10 rainy days per month with afternoon thunderstorms that can cancel swamp tours and outdoor activities with little warning
Hurricane season technically continues until November 30th - while rare, late-season storms can disrupt travel plans
Higher accommodation prices than summer months as weather improves and festival season begins

Best Activities in October

Bayou Swamp Tours

October's cooler temperatures 21-27°C (70-81°F) make 2-3 hour airboat rides comfortable, and alligators are more active before winter dormancy. Water levels stabilize after summer storms, improving wildlife viewing opportunities. Morning tours (8-10am) avoid afternoon rain showers that occur 30% of October days.

Booking Tip: Book airboat tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators with insurance. Tours typically cost $35-55 per person. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Look for operators offering hotel pickup from New Orleans (1 hour drive).

Fishing Charter Expeditions

Post-storm waters in October offer exceptional redfish, speckled trout, and flounder fishing. Calmer Gulf conditions and comfortable temperatures make 6-8 hour offshore charters ideal. Local shrimp boats return to full operation, creating feeding opportunities that attract larger fish species.

Booking Tip: Deep sea charters cost $800-1,200 for 6-person boats, inshore trips $400-600. Book 14 days ahead during October peak season. Choose operators with weather guarantee policies - afternoon storms can develop quickly. Most include equipment and cleaning services.

Cajun Food Trail Tours

October marks peak seafood season with fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters, and blue crabs. Comfortable walking temperatures make multi-stop food tours feasible. Local restaurants feature seasonal gumbo competitions and fresh-harvest ingredients. Indoor venues provide perfect backup during afternoon rain showers.

Booking Tip: Food tours range $65-95 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through operators offering indoor venue alternatives for rainy weather. Look for tours including transportation between locations - downtown Houma venues are walkable, but rural Cajun restaurants require driving.

Cultural Heritage Center Visits

October's moderate humidity 70% makes outdoor heritage site exploration comfortable. The Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum and Southdown Plantation showcase sugar cane harvest season. Climate-controlled indoor exhibits provide excellent rainy day alternatives during October's 10 wet days.

Booking Tip: Museum admissions typically $8-15 per adult. Most open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. No advance booking required for individual visits. Combination tickets for multiple heritage sites save 20-30%. Allow 2-3 hours per major museum location.

Photography Boat Tours

October's clearer post-storm skies and golden hour lighting create ideal conditions for bayou photography. Wildlife activity increases as temperatures cool from summer highs. Spanish moss and cypress trees show seasonal color changes. Stable weather patterns mean better trip completion rates.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused boat tours cost $45-75 per person for 2-3 hours. Book sunset tours for optimal lighting - October sunset around 6:30pm. Choose operators with covered boats for equipment protection during brief rain showers. Professional guides familiar with wildlife behavior patterns recommended.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Fall Festival

Local celebration featuring Cajun music, craft vendors, and traditional Louisiana food competitions. Family-friendly event showcasing regional culture with live bands and dance demonstrations.

Late October

Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival

Annual celebration of the two industries that built Houma - shrimp fishing and oil. Features blessing of the fleet ceremony, carnival rides, live music, and abundant local seafood prepared by community organizations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - October brings 89mm (3.5 inches) of rain over 10 days, mostly brief afternoon thunderstorms

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even with October's moderate temperatures and occasional cloud cover

Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during active outdoor tours

Closed-toe water shoes for swamp tours - shallow bayou areas have sharp oyster shells and debris

Compact umbrella - afternoon storms develop quickly and tour boats offer limited covered seating

Long pants for evening activities - temperatures drop to 21°C (70°F) and mosquitoes remain active in bayou areas

Camera with waterproof case or bag - boat spray and sudden rain showers can damage electronics

Cash in small bills - many local seafood stands, boat operators, and festival vendors don't accept cards

Insect repellent with DEET - October mosquitoes and no-see-ums are still active, especially near water

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - dock areas and heritage sites have potentially wet wooden walkways

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations along Grand Caillou Road for authentic bayou experiences - most tourists stay in generic chain hotels near Highway 90

Visit working shrimp docks at Chauvin (20 minutes south) around 4-6pm when boats return with daily catches - locals sell directly from boats at wholesale prices

October is sugar cane harvest season - drive rural roads like Highway 315 to see massive harvesting equipment and traditional Louisiana agriculture still operating

Local restaurants serve 'October specials' featuring fresh Gulf seafood - ask servers about daily catches rather than ordering from standard tourist menus

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm - October thunderstorms typically develop between 2-5pm and can last 30-60 minutes

Wearing white or light colors on swamp tours - bayou mud and boat spray will stain clothing permanently

Expecting New Orleans-style tourist infrastructure - Houma is a working town with limited tour operators, so booking ahead is essential