Last spring frost
Feb 9
Frost Dates for St. Gabriel, LA
First fall frost
Dec 13
Growing season
308 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around St. Gabriel, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 9 and the first fall frost is about Dec 13, giving roughly a 308-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 12 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 19 | Feb 28 | Feb 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 10 | Feb 9 | Jan 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 27 | Dec 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 1 |
| 32°F | Mar 10 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 |
| 28°F | Feb 27 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Dec 30 |
| 24°F | Feb 12 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 14 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 13 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | Jan 5 |
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 6 | Nov 27 | Dec 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 13 | Jan 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 27 | Jan 10 | Feb 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 20 |
| 32°F | Nov 16 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 28°F | Dec 4 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 30 | Feb 8 |
| 20°F | Jan 2 | Jan 4 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 21 | 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: Carville 2 Sw, La, about 4.7 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 St. Gabriel, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around St. Gabriel, LA is about Feb 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around St. Gabriel, LA typically arrives about Dec 13. 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 9 on average, or Jan 12 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 308 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 70776 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026