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Frost Dates for Louisiana, MO

Last spring frost
Apr 13
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
188 days
Hardiness zone
6a

In an average year around Louisiana, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 13 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 188-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 30 before setting out tender plants.

Last spring frost

Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.

Last spring frost - Louisiana, MO
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) May 12 Apr 27 Apr 11
Freeze (32°F) May 1 Apr 13 Mar 30
Hard (28°F) Apr 18 Apr 2 Mar 17
Severe (24°F) Apr 8 Mar 23 Mar 6
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F May 12 May 7 May 3 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 24 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 11
32°F May 1 Apr 26 Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 3 Mar 30
28°F Apr 18 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 23 Mar 17
24°F Apr 8 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 23 Mar 19 Mar 15 Mar 12 Mar 6
20°F Mar 31 Mar 25 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 13 Mar 10 Mar 6 Mar 3 Feb 25
16°F Mar 21 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 8 Mar 4 Mar 2 Feb 27 Feb 22 Feb 14

First fall frost

Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.

First fall frost - Louisiana, MO
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Sep 25 Oct 12 Oct 25
Freeze (32°F) Oct 5 Oct 23 Nov 5
Hard (28°F) Oct 18 Nov 2 Nov 18
Severe (24°F) Nov 1 Nov 13 Nov 29
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Sep 25 Oct 1 Oct 5 Oct 9 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 25
32°F Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 5
28°F Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 2 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 18
24°F Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 29
20°F Nov 6 Nov 11 Nov 15 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 29 Dec 3 Dec 8
16°F Nov 13 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Dec 14 Dec 20

Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.

Where this data comes from

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Bowling Green 1 E, Mo, about 8.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 895 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
How we calculate these dates

Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Louisiana, MO?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Louisiana, MO is about Apr 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 30.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Louisiana, MO typically arrives about Oct 23. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.

When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?

Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 13 on average, or Mar 30 to be safe most years.

How long is the growing season here?

The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 188 days in a typical year.

Are these dates a forecast for this year?

No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.

Local weather for 63353 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026