Louisiana frost dates
Across Louisiana, the average last spring frost is around March 5 and the average first fall frost around November 15 - roughly 255 frost-free days. USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.
What these dates mean for planting in Louisiana
Counted from the average frost dates above. For every crop, see the full Louisiana planting calendar.
Frost dates by zone in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Colder zones - usually higher or further inland - have later spring and earlier fall frosts than the state average.
Frost dates in nearby states
Questions gardeners ask
When is the last frost in Louisiana?
The statewide average last spring frost is around March 5. There is still roughly a one-in-two chance of frost on that date, so for tender plants a safer date is about two weeks later, around March 19.
When is the first frost in Louisiana?
The average first fall frost is around November 15. Frost-tender crops such as tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash should be harvested or covered before then; an early frost two weeks sooner, around November 1, happens in roughly one year in ten.
How long is the growing season in Louisiana?
About 255 frost-free days on average between the last spring frost and the first fall frost. That is a long season, with room for a spring and a fall garden and long-season crops.
When can I plant tomatoes outside in Louisiana?
Plant tomato transplants outdoors between March 5 – March 22, once nights stay above about 50°F. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Is it safe to plant on the average last frost date?
For hardy crops such as peas, spinach, onions and cabbage, yes - they handle a light frost. For tender crops, no: the average date still carries about a 50% chance of a later frost, so wait one to two weeks or keep row cover ready.
→ Turn these into sowing dates with the Louisiana planting calendar, look up an exact ZIP code, or read how frost dates work. Month by month: what to plant in January · what to plant in February · what to plant in March · what to plant in April · what to plant in May · what to plant in June · what to plant in July · what to plant in August · what to plant in September · what to plant in October · what to plant in November · what to plant in December.
Statewide average from NOAA/NCEI freeze normals. Cautious and gambler dates are about two weeks either side of the average.