Things to Do in Houma in September

September Weather in Houma

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

127 mm (5.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Prime fishing season - September marks peak redfish and speckled trout activity in Terrebonne Parish marshes, with water temperatures at 26-28°C (79-82°F) creating ideal feeding conditions
Shrimp season opening - Commercial shrimp boats return with fresh brown shrimp catches, making September the absolute best month for authentic Houma seafood at 30-40% lower prices than winter months
Moderate tourist crowds - Summer family tourists have departed but winter snowbird season hasn't started, meaning 50% fewer visitors at popular spots like Southdown Plantation and shorter wait times at restaurants
Perfect swamp tour conditions - Water levels are stable after summer rains but before hurricane season peak, with alligators active in 27°C (81°F) water temperatures and migratory birds beginning to arrive

Considerations

Hurricane season peak - September sits in the most active period of Atlantic hurricane season, with potential for trip disruptions and 2-3 tropical systems typically affecting Louisiana waters
Intense afternoon heat and humidity - Daily temperatures feel like 35-38°C (95-100°F) with 70% humidity, making outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-4pm
Mosquito and bug peak - High humidity and standing water from summer rains create ideal breeding conditions, requiring constant insect protection especially during dawn and dusk activities

Best Activities in September

Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours

September offers ideal swamp conditions with stable water levels and active wildlife. Alligators are highly active in 27°C (81°F) water temperatures, while early fall migration brings herons, egrets, and ibis. Morning tours (7-9am) avoid afternoon heat and provide best wildlife viewing when animals are most active. The combination of post-summer water clarity and pre-winter feeding behavior makes this the year's premium swamp tour month.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots 7-10 days ahead as they fill quickly due to heat avoidance. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person for 90-minute experiences. Look for operators with covered boats and insect netting - essential in September. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Terrebonne Parish Fishing Charters

September is legendary among local anglers - redfish and speckled trout are in peak feeding mode before fall transitions. Water temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F) create perfect conditions, with fish congregating around oil rig structures and marsh edges. Success rates are 80-90% higher than summer months. Early morning charters (5:30-10am) avoid afternoon storms and heat while targeting prime feeding times.

Booking Tip: Charter rates are $400-800 for 4-hour trips accommodating 2-4 people. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend slots, 10-14 days for weekdays. Insist on captains with local parish licenses and storm backup plans. Current fishing charter options available in booking section below.

Bayou Country Cultural Tours

September showcases authentic Cajun culture without summer tourist crowds. Local festivals and boucheries (community meat preparations) occur frequently, and shrimp season opening means fresh seafood demonstrations. Air-conditioned cultural centers and historic homes provide heat relief while exploring Acadian heritage. The slower pace allows genuine interaction with locals and artisans.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost $20-35 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Many operate from climate-controlled vehicles with multiple indoor stops. Book 5-7 days ahead and request tours that include shrimp processing demonstrations unique to September. Check current cultural tour availability in booking section below.

Southdown Plantation House Tours

Lower September crowds mean intimate guided tours of this 1859 sugar plantation mansion without summer rush. Indoor air conditioning provides respite from 32°C (90°F) heat while exploring antebellum history. September also features special exhibits on sugar harvest season, connecting historical context with current agricultural activities around Terrebonne Parish.

Booking Tip: Tours run $12-18 per adult with senior and group discounts available. No advance booking typically required in September due to lower crowds. Allow 90 minutes for complete house and grounds tour. Climate-controlled interior makes this ideal for hot afternoon hours 1-4pm.

Bayou Terrebonne Waterway Tours

September water levels are optimal after summer rains but before fall drawdown, allowing access to narrow bayou channels impossible in other seasons. Cooler early morning temperatures make deck time comfortable while spotting nutria, turtles, and diverse waterfowl. Industrial waterway tours showcase Louisiana's unique oil and seafood coexistence.

Booking Tip: Waterway tours cost $30-55 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Morning departures (8-10am) are essential to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Look for boats with shade covers and beverage service. Book 7-10 days ahead for preferred morning slots through booking section below.

Fresh Seafood Market and Cooking Experiences

September's shrimp season opening creates unmatched fresh seafood opportunities. Local docks receive daily catches of brown shrimp, blue crabs, and gulf fish. Cooking classes feature techniques for preparing just-caught seafood using traditional Cajun methods. Markets are fully stocked and prices are 30-40% lower than peak winter months.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range $45-85 per person including ingredients and meal. Morning market tours (6-9am) show actual commercial boat unloading. Book cooking experiences 10-14 days ahead as class sizes are limited to 8-12 people. Current culinary experience options in booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival

Houma's signature festival celebrating the twin pillars of local economy - offshore oil and commercial fishing. Features fresh shrimp cook-offs, petroleum industry exhibits, live Cajun music, and authentic local food vendors. This is the most authentic cultural experience available to visitors, showcasing real working-class Cajun culture rather than tourist interpretations.

Mid September

Blessing of the Fleet

Catholic ceremony blessing commercial shrimp boats for safe and productive season. Boats decorated with flags parade down Bayou Terrebonne while priests offer maritime blessings. Provides insight into deep spiritual traditions of Louisiana fishing communities and offers unique photography opportunities of working vessels.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index reaches 8 with water reflection intensifying exposure on boats

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protects from UV and mosquitoes while staying cooler than sunscreen alone in 70% humidity

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - afternoon thunderstorms arrive quickly and boat spray is constant on waterway tours

Quality insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquito and no-see-um populations peak in September wetland conditions

Non-slip water shoes or boat shoes - dock surfaces stay wet and slippery, essential for safe boarding of fishing charters and tour boats

Quick-dry shorts and pants - humidity makes cotton stay damp while synthetic materials dry within 30-45 minutes

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, and most tour boats continue operating in light rain

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential sun protection that won't blow off on boat tours in 15-25 km/h (9-15 mph) winds

Electrolyte supplements or sports drinks - 32°C (90°F) temperatures with high humidity cause rapid dehydration during outdoor activities

Cash in small bills - many local seafood docks, small tour operators, and authentic restaurants don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near downtown Houma rather than highway locations - September heat makes walking from air-conditioned spaces essential, and downtown has covered walkways between attractions

Visit seafood docks between 6-8am when commercial boats unload daily catches - you'll see authentic working operations and can buy directly from fishermen at wholesale prices

Locals avoid outdoor activities between 11am-4pm in September - plan indoor cultural sites, shopping, or restaurant meals during peak heat hours

Hurricane tracking becomes daily routine in September - download weather apps with radar and have flexible plans since afternoon storms can delay outdoor tours by 2-3 hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-4pm peak heat hours when locals stay indoors - heat index regularly exceeds 38°C (100°F) making activities dangerous

Underestimating mosquito intensity and not bringing adequate protection - wetland areas have aggressive mosquito populations requiring constant 20-30% DEET coverage

Booking accommodations without hurricane contingency plans or flexible cancellation - September sits in peak hurricane season with potential for 2-3 day weather disruptions