Last spring frost
Feb 10
Frost Dates for Hayes, LA
First fall frost
Dec 11
Growing season
307 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Hayes, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 10 and the first fall frost is about Dec 11, giving roughly a 307-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 10 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 22 | Feb 27 | Feb 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 10 | Jan 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 24 | Jan 25 | Dec 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 10 | Jan 17 | Dec 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 22 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 1 |
| 32°F | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 10 |
| 28°F | Feb 24 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 25 |
| 24°F | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 |
| 20°F | Feb 6 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 7 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 |
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 7 | Nov 26 | Dec 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 11 | Jan 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Jan 1 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 16 | Jan 7 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 17 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 6 | Jan 9 | Jan 12 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 29 | Feb 5 |
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: Lake Arthur 7 Sw, La, about 4.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 11 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 Hayes, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hayes, LA is about Feb 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hayes, LA typically arrives about Dec 11. 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 10 on average, or Jan 10 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 307 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 70549 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026