Last spring frost
Feb 20
Frost Dates for Iota, LA
First fall frost
Dec 4
Growing season
291 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Iota, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 20 and the first fall frost is about Dec 4, giving roughly a 291-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 18 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) | Mar 28 | Mar 5 | Feb 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 20 | Jan 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 3 | Jan 31 | Dec 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 19 | Jan 21 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 7 |
| 32°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 18 |
| 28°F | Mar 3 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 11 | Dec 30 |
| 24°F | Feb 19 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 10 | Jan 2 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 | Jan 13 | Jan 9 | Jan 6 | Jan 2 | 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 3 | Nov 20 | Dec 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 4 | Jan 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 26 | Jan 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 13 | Jan 5 | Feb 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 |
| 32°F | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Jan 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 25 |
| 24°F | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 26 | Feb 5 |
| 20°F | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 21 | Jan 29 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Crowley 2 Ne, La, about 11.2 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 Iota, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Iota, LA is about Feb 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Iota, LA typically arrives about Dec 4. 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 20 on average, or Jan 18 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 291 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 70543 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026