Last spring frost
Mar 9
Frost Dates for Richwood, LA
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
248 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Richwood, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 9 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 248-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 21 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 12 | Mar 26 | Mar 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 9 | Feb 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 25 | Jan 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 7 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 5 |
| 32°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 |
| 28°F | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Jan 30 |
| 24°F | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 27 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 13 | Jan 10 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 |
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 2 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 26 | Dec 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 17 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 24 |
| 24°F | Nov 20 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 28 | Feb 6 |
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: Monroe Delta Cc, La, about 6.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 70 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 Richwood, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Richwood, LA is about Mar 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Richwood, 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 9 on average, or Feb 21 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 248 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 71202 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026