Last spring frost
Feb 24
Frost Dates for New Orleans, LA
First fall frost
Dec 1
Growing season
281 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around New Orleans, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 24 and the first fall frost is about Dec 1, giving roughly a 281-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 29 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 12 | Feb 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 24 | Jan 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 6 | Feb 4 | Jan 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 23 | Jan 22 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 |
| 32°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 29 |
| 28°F | Mar 6 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 4 |
| 24°F | Feb 23 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 |
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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 9 | Dec 1 | Jan 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 26 | Jan 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 8 | Jan 5 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
| 32°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 25 | Jan 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 26 |
| 24°F | Dec 8 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 27 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 3 |
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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Slidell, La, about 13 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 10 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Feb 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around New Orleans, LA typically arrives about Dec 1. 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 Feb 24 on average, or Jan 29 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 281 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 70129 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026