Things to Do in Houma in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Houma
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Bayou fishing peaks in September - redfish and speckled trout are actively feeding before cooler months, with morning water temperatures around 26-28°C (79-82°F) creating ideal conditions. Local charter captains report this as one of the most productive months.
- Louisiana shrimp season is in full swing, meaning seafood restaurants and markets have the freshest Gulf shrimp at their lowest prices of the year. You'll find 2.3 kg (5 lb) bags of fresh shrimp for around $25-35 at dockside markets, compared to $45-60 in peak tourist months.
- Crowds are minimal - September falls between summer family vacations and October festival season, so you'll have boat launches, restaurants, and cultural sites largely to yourself. Accommodation prices drop 25-40% compared to March-May rates.
- Early fall migration brings exceptional birdwatching opportunities in the coastal wetlands. September is when you'll spot both summer residents preparing to leave and early winter arrivals, with species counts often exceeding 80 varieties in a single day along the bayous.
Considerations
- Hurricane season peaks in September - statistically the most active month for Gulf storms. While Houma doesn't get hit every year, you need flexible travel insurance and should monitor forecasts starting 7-10 days before your trip. Expect possible evacuation orders that can disrupt plans entirely.
- Heat and humidity remain intense throughout the month. That 70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures means outdoor activities between 11am-4pm feel exhausting. Locals largely avoid midday outdoor plans, and you should too.
- Mosquitoes are relentless in September, particularly around dawn and dusk near the bayous and wetlands. The combination of warm temperatures, standing water from occasional rain, and marsh environments creates ideal breeding conditions. You'll need DEET-based repellent with at least 30% concentration for any outdoor activity.
Best Activities in September
Bayou Fishing Charters
September offers some of the year's best inshore fishing as redfish, speckled trout, and flounder feed aggressively before fall. Water temperatures in the 26-28°C (79-82°F) range keep fish active all day, though early morning trips from 6am-11am avoid the midday heat. The lower tourist numbers mean you can often book charters with just 2-3 days notice instead of the 2-week minimum in spring. Tides are particularly favorable in September, with strong morning incoming tides pushing baitfish into the bayous.
Wetlands Airboat Tours
The variable September weather actually works in your favor for airboat tours - occasional cloud cover keeps temperatures more comfortable while still providing good visibility across the marshes. Wildlife is highly active as alligators feed heavily before their metabolism slows in fall, and you'll spot far more birds than in summer heat. Morning tours from 7am-9am offer the coolest conditions and most active wildlife. The lower water levels typical of September mean you'll navigate through narrower channels where wildlife viewing is more intimate.
Cajun Cooking Classes and Food Experiences
September is when fresh Gulf shrimp, blue crabs, and oysters are all simultaneously available at peak quality and lowest prices. Local cooking classes take advantage of this abundance, and you'll work with ingredients that are genuinely at their best. The indoor nature of cooking classes also provides a perfect midday activity when outdoor heat is least pleasant. Many classes include market tours to local seafood docks where you'll see shrimp boats unloading their catch - something that happens daily in September but less frequently in other months.
Kayak Tours Through Cypress Swamps
September's slightly lower water levels create better defined channels through the cypress swamps, making navigation easier for beginners while still providing plenty of water depth. The variable weather means you'll often paddle under partial cloud cover, which is far more comfortable than the relentless summer sun. Wildlife spotting is excellent as herons, egrets, and ibis are actively feeding, and you might spot river otters which become more active as temperatures moderate. Early morning tours from 7am-10am avoid afternoon heat and catch the best light filtering through the cypress canopy.
Cultural Heritage Center Tours
The Houma region's cultural centers and museums provide excellent air-conditioned refuge during the midday heat while offering deep insights into Cajun, Creole, and Native American cultures. September is ideal for these indoor experiences, and the lower tourist numbers mean you'll often get semi-private attention from docents and guides. The Southdown Plantation House and Regional Museum of Art are particularly worth visiting, and September's smaller crowds mean you can spend time with exhibits without feeling rushed.
Sunset Fishing or Photography from Bayou Overlooks
September sunsets over the bayous and marshes are spectacular, with the variable weather creating dramatic cloud formations and the lower humidity providing clearer visibility than summer months. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels around 6pm-7pm, making evening activities genuinely pleasant. The golden hour light is exceptional for photography, and if you're fishing from shore or piers, the evening bite for redfish and speckled trout picks up significantly as temperatures cool. Locals consider September evenings the most enjoyable time to be outdoors.
September Events & Festivals
Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
Held over Labor Day weekend in neighboring Morgan City (about 30 minutes from Houma), this is one of Louisiana's oldest harvest festivals celebrating the region's two main industries. You'll find blessing of the fleet ceremonies, shrimp cook-offs, Cajun music on multiple stages, and carnival rides. The festival draws about 100,000 people over the four-day weekend, so it's worth experiencing if you're in the area, though accommodations in both Morgan City and Houma book solid months ahead for this weekend specifically.