Last spring frost
Mar 19
Frost Dates for Arcadia, LA
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
237 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Arcadia, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 19 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 237-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 26 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) | Apr 23 | Apr 6 | Mar 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 19 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 4 | Feb 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 14 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 |
| 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Feb 18 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 27 |
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) | Oct 18 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 9 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 23 | Dec 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 8 | Jan 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 18 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 27 | Feb 8 |
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: Bienville 3 Ne, La, about 15.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 307 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 Arcadia, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Arcadia, LA is about Mar 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Arcadia, LA typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 Mar 19 on average, or Feb 26 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 237 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 71001 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026