Louisiana Coast Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Louisiana

The Louisiana coast is one of the most complex and dynamic shorelines in the United States, shaped almost entirely by the Mississippi River and its massive sediment load. The river's delta extends far into the Gulf of Mexico, and the surrounding landscape is a vast network of marshes, bayous, and barrier islands that are actively subsiding and eroding. Offshore, an extensive network of oil and gas platforms provides structure in the otherwise featureless Gulf, and the river's freshwater plume can extend over 100 miles into open water, visible from satellite as a distinct color boundary where brown, sediment-laden water meets the blue Gulf.

NOAA Stations Near Louisiana Coast

• Southwest Pass Entrance W, LA (256) (42084)
• Trinity Shoal, LA (255) (42091)
• Pilottown, LA (PILL1)
• LUKE OFFSHORE TEST PLATFORM - 63 NM South of Dauphin Island, AL (42040)

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track near the Louisiana coast?

Big Buoy tracks real-time water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, swell period, and atmospheric pressure from 44 stations across the region, including Southwest Pass (Mississippi mouth), Trinity Shoal, Pilottown, and the Luke Offshore Platform. You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather outlooks covering the coast from the Mississippi Delta through the Terrebonne marshes.

How does the Mississippi River affect conditions on the Louisiana coast?

The Mississippi River's massive freshwater discharge dominates conditions on the Louisiana coast. The river plume can extend over 100 miles into the Gulf, creating dramatic salinity and water clarity boundaries visible from satellite. After heavy upstream rainfall, the plume expands and salinity can drop to near zero for miles offshore. Shifting sediment constantly changes channel depths and bar conditions at the passes. These factors make monitoring water clarity and river discharge essential.

What conditions should I check before heading out on the Louisiana coast?

Wind direction and speed are the most important variables — wind-driven tides far exceed the minimal astronomical tide and can raise or lower marsh water levels by several feet. Check river discharge levels and water clarity conditions since the Mississippi plume changes dramatically with upstream rainfall. During hurricane season (June–November), monitor tropical weather closely — the low-lying marsh coast is extremely vulnerable to storm surge. Bar conditions at the passes shift with sediment and can change rapidly. Big Buoy shows real-time data from 44 NOAA stations across the region plus weather forecasts for planning.

What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Louisiana Coast?

Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Louisiana Coast area — including Southwest Pass Entrance W, LA (256) (42084), Trinity Shoal, LA (255) (42091), Pilottown, LA (PILL1), LUKE OFFSHORE TEST PLATFORM - 63 NM South of Dauphin Island, AL (42040). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Louisiana Coast.

What marine conditions are available for Louisiana Coast?

Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Louisiana Coast.

Is Big Buoy free to use for Louisiana Coast marine conditions?

Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Louisiana Coast are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.