Southwest Louisiana Seasons & Weather

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

What to expect, wear, and eat in every season!

Southwest Louisiana is located in a subtropical climate zone, and with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, predicting the weather can be challenging. (Accurate meteorologists are like hometown heroes.) It's always a good idea to have an umbrella handy for a popup shower. Seasons are interesting in Louisiana's Playground because there is not always a clear "delineation" with the weather, but there is with food - seasons with seasonings for every time of the year!

Spring is also known as "crawfish season" in Southwest Louisiana, so along with bringing your rain gear or sunscreen, bring your appetite for delicious boiled Southwest Louisiana fare! Spring can reminisce about winter some days, so be sure to have a light jacket or windbreaker when you travel. Late spring through early fall, Louisiana blue crabs are definitely on the menu! Crabbing is also a family-fun activity that can be experienced along the Creole Nature Trail as well as birding for the spring migration. A few standouts for events are the Live @ the Lakefront Concert Series, Louisiana Pirate Festival, and the Spring Art Walk! March - May average temperatures are a high of 78°F (25°C) and a low of 60°F (15°C).

As far as Summer goes, the heat is on - as well as the humidity. This is a great time to work on your tan, but you might want to bring a baseball cap or wide brim sun hat especially for exploring local waterways, outdoor attractions, or shelling along Gulf beaches. Again, summer thunderstorms storms are prevalent in the afternoons, but oftentimes, disappear as soon as they arrive. Bring your umbrella, sunglasses, and if you have long hair, pack a clip or hair tie to wrangle the tangles when the humidity kicks in! Getting out on the lake or local waterways can help you beat the heat as well as spending the day at SPAR Waterpark, diving into a delicious snow cone, or grabbing an ice cold daiquiri to cool down. Also, check out brews at Crying Eagle and their Summer Concert Series! June - August average temperatures are a high of 90°F (32°C) and a low of 74°F (23°C).

Fall sweeps in like a breath of fresh air. Many fall festivals pack the calendar since it feels exhilarating to be outside, and it's also football season! In the fall, some people say that it's "gumbo weather." People crank up their stoves and start cooking gumbo - starting with a roux! This delicacy can also be found in local restaurants or at tailgate parties, especially at McNeese football games. During the fall, layering is the best way to go so that you can peel off unneeded layers during the afternoon hours. October through April is the prime season for oysters too! A few fall festivals to put on your calendar are the Cal-Cam Fair, Chuck Fest, and Smoke & Barrel, and fall is also the best time to see migratory neotropical birds along the Creole Nature Trail! September - November average temperatures are a high of 79°F (26°C) and a low of 60°F (15°C).

The most unpredictable season is Winter in Southwest Louisiana. It can be a "shorts and a T-shirt" Christmas, or everyone is bundled up - usually breaking out the warmest coat in the house, which most of the time - is camouflage! During hunting season, some restaurants and meat markets also have meat processing capabilities, and sausage becomes a staple during and post deer season. It's rare for snow to fall, but icy conditions are more usual - through still an oddity. So, the best bet is to follow the weather to see what kind of winter is in store for you during your visit! Shopping events and cultural activities are in abundance as the holiday season approaches. Three of the area’s biggest and most beloved festivals take place in January and February, including the Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival, the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, and the Southwest Louisiana District Livestock Show & Rodeo. With the most beloved event falling within the Winter season, Mardi GrasDecember - February average temperatures are a high of 63°F (17°C) and a low of 74°F (23°C).