Last spring frost
Feb 21
Frost Dates for Darrow, LA
First fall frost
Dec 5
Growing season
291 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Darrow, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 21 and the first fall frost is about Dec 5, giving roughly a 291-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 23 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 6 | Feb 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 21 | Jan 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 5 | Feb 1 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 24 | Jan 22 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 28 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 10 |
| 32°F | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 5 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Feb 24 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | 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) | Nov 3 | Nov 20 | Dec 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 5 | Jan 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 28 | Jan 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 9 | Jan 6 | Feb 2 |
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 2 | Dec 10 |
| 32°F | Nov 14 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 28 | Jan 6 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 29 |
| 24°F | Dec 9 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Jan 16 | Jan 19 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 |
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: Donaldsonville 4 Sw, La, about 5.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 30 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 Darrow, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Darrow, LA is about Feb 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Darrow, LA typically arrives about Dec 5. 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 21 on average, or Jan 23 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 70725 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026