Last spring frost
Mar 6
Frost Dates for Gilliam, LA
First fall frost
Nov 19
Growing season
257 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Gilliam, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 6 and the first fall frost is about Nov 19, giving roughly a 257-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 15 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 9 | Mar 21 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 6 | Feb 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 21 | Jan 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 3 | Feb 1 | Jan 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 |
| 28°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 4 |
| 20°F | Feb 18 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 28 |
| 16°F | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 29 |
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 23 | Nov 7 | Nov 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 19 | Dec 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 3 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 28 | Dec 26 | Jan 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Nov 28 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 18 |
| 20°F | Dec 10 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 20 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | 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: Mooringsport 1 N, La, about 11.7 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 Gilliam, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gilliam, LA is about Mar 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gilliam, LA typically arrives about Nov 19. 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 6 on average, or Feb 15 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 257 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 71029 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026