Last spring frost
Mar 2
Frost Dates for Franklinton, LA
First fall frost
Nov 23
Growing season
265 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Franklinton, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 23, giving roughly a 265-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 5 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 7 | Mar 17 | Feb 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 2 | Feb 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 11 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 2 | Jan 28 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 |
| 32°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 |
| 28°F | Mar 14 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 2 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 12 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 28 |
| 16°F | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 5 | Jan 2 |
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) | Oct 30 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 23 | Dec 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 12 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 6 | Jan 2 | Feb 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Dec 1 |
| 32°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 15 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 18 | Feb 1 |
| 20°F | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Jan 1 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 8 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 23 | Jan 30 |
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: Bogalusa, La, about 15.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 100 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 Franklinton, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Franklinton, LA is about Mar 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Franklinton, LA typically arrives about Nov 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 Mar 2 on average, or Feb 5 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 265 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 70438 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026