Berwick, Louisiana, is a charming town located in St. Mary Parish, in the southern part of the state. Nestled along the western banks of the Lower Atchafalaya River, Berwick is part of the United States and boasts a rich history and vibrant community. The town is situated approximately 70 miles southwest of Baton Rouge and about 90 miles west of New Orleans, placing it within a region known for its cultural richness and natural beauty.
Berwick spans an area of around 6.5 square miles and has a population of approximately 4,500 residents. The town’s small size fosters a tight-knit community atmosphere, where local events and gatherings play a significant role in daily life. Berwick is characterized by its blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an appealing place for both residents and visitors.
The economy of Berwick is supported by various industries, with a significant emphasis on oil and gas production, shipbuilding, and marine services due to its strategic location along the Atchafalaya River. The town is also within commuting distance of major employers in the nearby city of Morgan City. Berwick does not host any major universities within its boundaries, but it benefits from the presence of nearby institutions such as Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
One of the notable landmarks in Berwick is the historic Berwick Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships along the river since the 1800s. Additionally, the Everett S. Berry Memorial Lighthouse Park offers a beautiful recreational area for residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic river views. The town also celebrates its maritime heritage through various festivals and events throughout the year, further enhancing its cultural appeal.
Berwick’s location along the river provides ample opportunities for water-based recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and bird watching. The town’s combination of historical significance, economic vitality, and natural beauty makes it a unique and inviting destination in southern Louisiana.
Climate and Weather Overview
Berwick experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. The area receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the summer months being particularly wet. The weather in Berwick is influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to rapid changes in weather conditions and an increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
| Month | Avg. Temp (°F) | Avg. Precipitation (in) | Avg. Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52 | 5.0 | 10 |
| February | 56 | 4.3 | 11 |
| March | 62 | 5.1 | 12 |
| April | 69 | 4.5 | 12 |
| May | 76 | 4.3 | 13 |
| June | 81 | 7.2 | 11 |
| July | 83 | 7.0 | 10 |
| August | 83 | 7.0 | 10 |
| September | 79 | 6.4 | 10 |
| October | 70 | 4.2 | 11 |
| November | 61 | 4.6 | 10 |
| December | 54 | 5.0 | 10 |
January
January in Berwick is relatively mild, with average temperatures around 52°F. Precipitation is significant, averaging 5.0 inches, and the month typically sees about 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Severe winter weather is rare, but heavy rainfall and occasional cold fronts can occur, leading to wet and chilly conditions.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Visiting local museums, enjoying the warmth of cafes, and participating in community events.
- Outdoor: Fishing, bird watching, and taking scenic walks along the riverbanks.
February
February remains mild, with average temperatures around 56°F. Precipitation is slightly lower at 4.3 inches, and the month averages about 11 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: While severe weather is uncommon, heavy rains and thunderstorms can still occur.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in community workshops and local events.
- Outdoor: Exploring parks, fishing, and enjoying early spring flowers.
March
March brings warmer weather, with average temperatures around 62°F. Precipitation increases to 5.1 inches, with a mix of rain and occasional thunderstorms. The month has about 12 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Spring storms can bring heavy rain, but severe weather remains infrequent.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Visiting local art galleries and historical exhibits.
- Outdoor: Early spring hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
April
April sees further warming, with average temperatures around 69°F. Precipitation remains high at 4.5 inches, mostly as rain. The month averages about 12 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Spring storms can be frequent, sometimes bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Exploring local theaters and cultural exhibits.
- Outdoor: Hiking, fishing, participating in community clean-up events, and enjoying the blossoming spring flora.
May
May is warmer, with average temperatures around 76°F. It is one of the wetter months, with 4.3 inches of precipitation. The month typically sees about 13 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Thunderstorms can occur more frequently, with occasional heavy rainfall.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Attending local theater performances and community gatherings.
- Outdoor: Gardening, hiking, fishing, and attending outdoor markets and festivals.
June
June brings hot temperatures, averaging 81°F. Precipitation is high at 7.2 inches, with frequent thunderstorms. The month averages about 11 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: The risk of severe weather, including tropical storms and hurricanes, begins to increase.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Visiting local history museums and community centers.
- Outdoor: Boating, fishing, hiking, and enjoying local outdoor concerts and events.
July
July is the hottest month, with average temperatures around 83°F. Precipitation remains high at 7.0 inches, and the month averages 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Hurricane season peaks, with an increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in indoor community events and workshops.
- Outdoor: Swimming, boating, fishing, and attending summer festivals and farmers’ markets.
August
August remains hot with average temperatures around 83°F. Precipitation is similar to July at 7.0 inches, and the month averages 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: The risk of hurricanes and tropical storms remains high.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Exploring local cultural institutions and historical sites.
- Outdoor: Boating, fishing, attending outdoor fairs, and participating in community sports events.
September
September sees slightly cooler temperatures, averaging 79°F. Precipitation remains high at 6.4 inches, and the month has about 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Hurricane season continues, with potential for severe weather.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in educational workshops and local community events.
- Outdoor: Enjoying the river, fishing, and attending harvest festivals.
October
October brings cooler temperatures, averaging 70°F. Precipitation decreases to 4.2 inches, and the month averages 11 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: The risk of hurricanes decreases towards the end of the month.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Exploring local arts and crafts fairs and community events.
- Outdoor: Hiking in cooler weather, preparing for winter activities, and enjoying fall festivals and Halloween events.
November
November temperatures drop to an average of 61°F. Precipitation is 4.6 inches, often as rain. The month averages 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Early winter weather conditions can impact travel, but natural disasters are rare.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Enjoying local cafes and libraries, attending holiday markets and community gatherings.
- Outdoor: Early winter sports like hiking in the brisk weather, exploring local parks, and preparing for winter.
December
December is mild with average temperatures around 54°F. Precipitation averages 5.0 inches, mostly as rain. The month has about 10 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: While severe weather is uncommon, heavy rains and occasional cold fronts can occur.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in holiday events and indoor community activities.
- Outdoor: Enjoying winter landscapes, fishing, and holiday shopping at local markets.