Harman US

Frost Dates for New Orleans, LA

Last spring frost
Jan 22
First fall frost
Jan 5
Growing season
348 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around New Orleans, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 22 and the first fall frost is about Jan 5, giving roughly a 348-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 28 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 - New Orleans, LA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Mar 7 Feb 4 Jan 5
Freeze (32°F) Feb 23 Jan 22 Dec 28
Hard (28°F) Feb 11 Jan 18 Dec 26
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Mar 7 Feb 27 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 4 Jan 30 Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 5
32°F Feb 23 Feb 9 Feb 1 Jan 27 Jan 22 Jan 17 Jan 12 Jan 5 Dec 28
28°F Feb 11 Feb 1 Jan 28 Jan 23 Jan 18 Jan 14 Jan 9 Jan 3 Dec 26

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 - New Orleans, LA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 30 Dec 26 Jan 19
Freeze (32°F) Dec 13 Jan 5 Feb 1
Hard (28°F) Dec 23 Jan 11 Feb 4
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 30 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 21 Dec 26 Dec 31 Jan 4 Jan 10 Jan 19
32°F Dec 13 Dec 23 Dec 29 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 15 Jan 20 Feb 1
28°F Dec 23 Dec 31 Jan 3 Jan 7 Jan 11 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 4

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: New Orleans Lakefront Ap, La, about 2.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 9 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 New Orleans, LA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around New Orleans, LA is about Jan 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 28.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around New Orleans, LA typically arrives about Jan 5. 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 Jan 22 on average, or Dec 28 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 348 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 70126 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →

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