Last spring frost
Feb 14
Frost Dates for Lake Charles, LA
First fall frost
Dec 7
Growing season
299 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Lake Charles, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 14 and the first fall frost is about Dec 7, giving roughly a 299-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 16 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 24 | Mar 2 | Feb 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 14 | Jan 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 27 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 12 | Jan 17 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 24 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 8 |
| 32°F | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 |
| 28°F | Feb 28 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Feb 12 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 26 |
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 4 | Nov 23 | Dec 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 7 | Jan 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 3 | Jan 3 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 19 | Jan 9 | Feb 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 |
| 32°F | Nov 14 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 |
| 28°F | Dec 3 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | 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 Charles, La, about 7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 13 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 Lake Charles, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lake Charles, LA is about Feb 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lake Charles, LA typically arrives about Dec 7. 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 14 on average, or Jan 16 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 299 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 70601 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026