Last spring frost
Mar 2
Frost Dates for Alexandria, LA
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
260 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Alexandria, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 260-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 6 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 19 | Feb 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 2 | Feb 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 15 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 27 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 32°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 6 |
| 28°F | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Feb 27 | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 17 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 30 | Dec 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 |
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 6 | Nov 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 1 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 25 | Jan 25 |
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 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 | Jan 25 |
| 20°F | Dec 8 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 5 |
| 16°F | Dec 19 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 24 | Feb 2 |
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: Alexandria Intl Ap, La, about 3.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 84 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 Alexandria, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Alexandria, LA is about Mar 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Alexandria, LA typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 2 on average, or Feb 6 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 260 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 71303 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026