Alligator Brumation: When do Gators Hibernate in Louisiana?

The Cold-Blooded Truth About Winter Tours

If you’re visiting New Orleans between December and February, you need to manage your expectations. Alligators are reptiles. They don’t have internal heating. When the water temperature drops below 70°F, they enter a state called brumation.

What is Brumation?

It’s like hibernation, but lighter. Gators stop eating and slows their metabolism down to a crawl. They bury themselves in mud tunnels or sit at the bottom of the swamp to conserve energy.

The Temperature Thresholds

• Below 60°F: Almost zero chance of sightings. They are dormant.
• 60°F - 70°F: Low activity. You might see them sunning on logs to warm up, but they won’t be swimming.
• Above 75°F: High activity. Feeding and swimming resume.

Pro Tip: In winter, book a tour for mid-day (12 PM - 2 PM). The sun is highest, and gators are most likely to surface for warmth. Morning tours will be too cold.

Are Winter Tours Worth It?

Yes, but for the scenery, not the gators. The cypress trees lose their needles, giving the swamp a haunting, skeletal look that is incredible for photography. Plus, migratory birds like bald eagles and hawks are active.

Verified by the Bayou Swamps Research Team. Data updated for 2026.