Hey y’all, welcome to NOLA Eats Daily – your go-to spot for all things delicious in New Orleans! If there’s one thing that gets Louisianians fired up more than Mardi Gras, it’s almost crawfish season.
Those spicy, succulent mudbugs are the star of backyard boils, festival feasts, and restaurant platters across the state. But when exactly can you expect the best crawfish in 2026? Let’s dive in.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about crawfish season in Louisiana.
What To Know About Crawfish Season In Louisiana
Louisiana is known for the red swamp crawfish and the white river crawfish.
In the Pelican State, crawfish season often moves around a bit. One of the deciding factors is the weather: When it’s cold the season is delayed; when it’s warmer, the season is
When Is Crawfish Season In Louisiana?
Crawfish season in Louisiana typically runs from late fall to early summer, with peak availability from mid-January to May. Specifically:
The Typical Crawfish Season Timeline
Crawfish season in Louisiana isn’t set in stone – Mother Nature calls the shots with weather, water levels, and temperatures playing big roles. Generally:
The season winds down in June to early July, tapering off as summer heat takes over.
Early season kicks off around mid-January to February, when the first harvests hit the market. Supplies are limited, sizes might be smaller, and prices higher.
Peak season – the sweet spot we all wait for – runs from March through May. This is when crawfish are plentiful, big, juicy, and affordable. Expect the best boils around Mardi Gras, Easter, and Jazz Fest!
What’s the Outlook for 2026?
Good news, crawfish lovers! As of late 2025, LSU AgCenter experts like Todd Fontenot are optimistic about a normal season in 2026.
After some challenging years with droughts, blizzards, and other weather woes, conditions look promising. Crawfish are already emerging from burrows in south Louisiana, and as long as we avoid prolonged deep freezes, supplies should ramp up nicely in January and February.
Most of Louisiana’s crawfish come from farms (often rotated with rice fields), so production is more predictable than wild harvests. Expect reasonable prices and solid quality, barring any surprise weather events.
When Are Crawfish The Biggest?
Crawfish are typically the largest around springtime — the third week of March to the first of June. After that, they shrink to a normal size that are not as big but just as enjoyable.
Where To Get Crawfish In Louisiana
Here are some of the best places to find crawfish this time of year.
Frankie and Johnny’s
321 Arabella St New, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 243-1234
Here’s what one customer says about Frankie and Johnny’s: “This place is really good and always busy so expect a wait. My crawfish rating is as follow 7 in Flavor and 9 in Size. Crawfish could be a bit more spicy but the size was perfect. The seafood gumbo 8 it’s pretty thick could use a bit more chunks of seafood meat in it. The chargrilled oyster was perfect and a 10 in sizes.”
Cooter Brown’s Tavern
509 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 866-9104
Here’s what one customer says about Cooter Brown’s: “The food here is amazing! It only got 4 stars because it took a while for our food to come and it wasn’t as hot as preferred but the taste was great! Highly recommend the chicken wings and boudin balls!”
Cajun Seafood
New Orleans Locations:
- 1479 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
- 2730 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125
- 1901 Almonaster Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
- 7020 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
Here’s what one customer says about Cajun Seafood: “Don’t let the exterior fool you. This place is one of the best in the area for shrimp and crawfish. The stew was good. The crawfish were hot. I wish I could have gone twice while I was there. The ordering was confusing at first but we ended up with what we wanted.”
Melba’s Old School Poboys
1525 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 267-7765
Here’s what one patron says about Melba’s: “Omg this place hot the spot! I went for a daiquiri, I left with 3 half gallons of daiquiri, a meal, and 6 pounds of crawfish! The staff was nice, they got people in and out as fast as they could. Food taste great, drinks are tasty! I can’t wait to go back.”
Superior Seafood & Oyster
4338 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 293-3474
Here’s what one patron has to say about Superior Seafood. “Wow. We absolutely LOVED this place. I couldn’t recommend this place enough. Addison was our server (I think that’s how you spell it) but she was amazing and so helpful! I would definitely ask for her when you come! Although all the servers seem amazing. We will definitely be back before our trip is over and ask for her. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was top tier. Highly recommend.”
Final Word
Spicy crawfish are the timeless delicacy that everyone loves in Louisiana. But many people oftentimes don’t know where and when to get them.
Crawfish season is one of the most joyful times in Louisiana. There are crawfish boils, parties, sales at fisheries and so many other things.
If you’re fortunate enough to attend a crawfish boil, remember to experience the full flavor of the Louisiana delicacy by sucking the head!!
Where Can I Find Some Crawfish In New Orleans?
You can always check out a local crawfish festival in one of the many south Louisiana cities that have them. Here are some other places to buy crawfish in New Orleans.
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