Last spring frost
Feb 26
Frost Dates for Lafayette, LA
First fall frost
Nov 28
Growing season
279 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Lafayette, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 28, giving roughly a 279-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 3 | Mar 11 | Feb 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 26 | Jan 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 5 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 26 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 17 |
| 32°F | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 |
| 28°F | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 16 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Feb 27 | Feb 16 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 20 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 |
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 13 | Dec 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 28 | Dec 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 14 | Jan 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 5 | Jan 3 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 4 |
| 32°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 18 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 18 |
| 24°F | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 27 | Feb 8 |
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: Lafayette, La, about 3.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 25 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 Lafayette, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lafayette, LA is about Feb 26. 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 Lafayette, LA typically arrives about Nov 28. 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 26 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 279 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 70503 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026