Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for Sterlington, LA
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Sterlington, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 241-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 15 | Mar 31 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 15 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 2 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 10 | Feb 11 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 8 | Jan 2 | Dec 28 |
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 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 12 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 26 | Dec 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 12 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Jan 16 | Jan 27 | Feb 4 |
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: Bastrop, La, about 10.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 150 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 Sterlington, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sterlington, LA is about Mar 15. 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 Sterlington, LA typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 15 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 241 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 71280 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026