Last spring frost
Mar 14
Frost Dates for Benton, LA
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
246 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Benton, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 14 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 246-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 22 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 14 | Mar 27 | Mar 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 14 | Feb 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 28 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 7 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Feb 25 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 21 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 25 |
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 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 14 | Dec 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | Dec 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 19 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 |
| 24°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 8 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | Feb 3 |
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: Benton 5E, La, about 2.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 200 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 Benton, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Benton, LA is about Mar 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 22.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Benton, LA typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 14 on average, or Feb 22 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 246 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 71006 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026