Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Crawfish Season 2026: When It Starts and Where to Go for the Best Boiled Crawfish

Boiled Crawfish in season

If you’ve ever planned a Louisiana trip around crawfish season and missed it by a few weeks, you know the pain.

No crawfish. No boils. No tables covered in newspaper. Just regret and frozen tails on a menu.

Crawfish season isn’t a single date on the calendar. It shifts every year based on weather, water levels, and demand. For travelers, food lovers, and first-time visitors, that uncertainty makes planning stressful.

This guide breaks it all down.

You’ll learn when crawfish season 2026 is expected to start, when it peaks, and where to go for the best crawfish experiences in Louisiana from local boil joints to immersive Cajun food tours.

When Does Crawfish Season Start in 2026?

Short answer: Crawfish season 2026 is expected to begin in late January or early February, with peak season running from March through May.

Long answer: Crawfish season depends heavily on Louisiana’s winter weather.

Here’s how it typically works:

Crawfish begin to surface once water temperatures rise above 60°F

Warmer winters = earlier season

Cold snaps = delays and higher prices

If winter 2025-2026 is mild, early crawfish could appear as soon as January. However, availability will be limited, and prices will be high.

Best Months for Crawfish in 2026

Month What to Expect
January Very limited supply, high prices
February Improving availability, still inconsistent
March Reliable supply, better size and pricing,
April Peak season, best quality and value, available at many spring festivals
May Peak flavor, Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge
June End of season, Available thru Father’s Day weekend, hit or miss

If you want the safest bet: Plan your trip between March through May.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

A common mistake visitors make is assuming crawfish season works like oyster season or shrimp season.

It doesn’t.

Early in the season:

  • Crawfish are smaller
  • Prices are higher
  • Some restaurants won’t even serve them yet

Late in the season:

  • Crawfish are larger and sweeter
  • Boils are more consistent
  • Festivals and community boils are in full swing

That’s why locals wait. And why travelers who plan ahead eat better.

Where to Go for the Best Crawfish in Louisiana

Not all crawfish experiences are equal.

Tourist-heavy areas often serve crawfish that are:

  • Overpriced
  • Under-seasoned
  • Shipped in from out of state

If you want the real thing, here’s where to focus.

Acadiana: The Heart of Crawfish Country

If crawfish had a capital, it would be Acadiana.

This region includes:

  • Lafayette
  • Breaux Bridge
  • Scott
  • Martinville

Here, crawfish isn’t a trend. It’s daily life.

Why Acadiana Is Worth the Drive

  • Crawfish are sourced locally
  • Boil recipes are family secrets
  • Portions are generous
  • Prices are fair

You’ll find roadside stands, parking-lot boils, and neighborhood joints that never make national food lists – but should.

This is where a guided experience matters.

A local-led food tour helps you avoid tourist traps and eat where locals actually go.

Crawfish Festivals to Watch in 2026

If your travel dates are flexible, festivals are a great way to experience crawfish season at its peak.

Here are a few annual favorites to keep on your radar:

  • Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (April–May)
  • Scott Crawfish Festival (late April)
  • Mudbug Madness (Shreveport) (May)

These events combine:

  • Massive crawfish boils
  • Cajun music
  • Local vendors
  • Community energy you can’t fake

Festival dates are typically announced early in the year, so check back often as 2026 approaches.

Common Crawfish Season Mistakes Travelers Make

Avoid these, and you’ll already be ahead of most visitors.

  1. Planning Too Early

January crawfish exist—but they’re expensive and inconsistent.

  1. Relying on Google Maps Alone

The best crawfish spots often:

    • Don’t rank well
    • Don’t advertise
    • Don’t look fancy
  1. Assuming Every Restaurant Has Crawfish

Many places only boil on specific days or weekends and its VERY RARE them to boil before 4PM.

  1. Expecting Crawfish at lunch..

Don’t.  Even restaurants that are open all day typically begin boiling crawfish around 4 or 5pm.

  1. Not Asking Locals

Crawfish culture is local-first. The best advice always comes from someone who lives there.

How Cajun Food Tours Helps You Eat Better Crawfish

At Cajun Food Tours, we plan around real crawfish availability, not wishful thinking.

Our tours:

  • Adjust stops based on season conditions
  • Focus on authentic Cajun cooking
  • Take you where locals eat
  • Remove the guesswork from planning
  • If crawfish are running, we find them.

If they’re not, we tell you honestly and still feed you well.

Crawfish Season 2026: Quick Planning Checklist

Before you book anything, ask yourself:

  1. Am I traveling between March and May?
  2. Do I want quantity, quality, or both?
  3. Am I willing to leave tourist areas?
  4. Do I want help finding the best spots?

If the answer to the last question is yes, that’s where local food tours make all the difference.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Eat Better

Crawfish season 2026 will come and go quickly. The people who enjoy it most won’t be the ones who show up randomly. They’ll be the ones who planned around the season, trusted local knowledge, and skipped the tourist traps.

If crawfish is on your Louisiana bucket list, timing and location matter.

And when in doubt, follow the locals.

Want help finding the best crawfish during your trip?

Explore our Cajun Food Tours and let us handle the details while you enjoy the boil.

Previous Post Next Post