Crawfish Season In Louisiana: Everything You Need To Know

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Spicy crawfish are the timeless delicacy that everyone loves in Louisiana. But many people oftentimes don’t know where and when to get them.

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 February to May. Specifically:

End of Season: By June or July, the season typically winds down as warmer temperatures reduce crawfish quality and availability, though some supplies may linger into early summer.

Start of Season: Crawfish season often begins in November or December, when cooler temperatures prompt crawfish to emerge from their burrows in Louisiana’s bayous, swamps, and farms.

Peak Season: The best time for crawfish is February through May, when they are most abundant, plump, and flavorful. March and April are especially prime due to ideal water conditions and high yields.

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

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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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.