Last spring frost
Feb 28
Frost Dates for Simmesport, LA
First fall frost
Nov 24
Growing season
270 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Simmesport, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 24, giving roughly a 270-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 31 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 7 | Mar 16 | Feb 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 28 | Jan 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 7 | Jan 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 25 | Dec 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 |
| 32°F | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 |
| 28°F | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 9 |
| 24°F | Feb 27 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Dec 27 |
| 20°F | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 5 | 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 30 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 24 | Dec 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 12 | Jan 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 2 | Jan 3 | Feb 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 32°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 | Jan 11 |
| 24°F | Dec 2 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 20°F | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 19 | Jan 28 | 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: Bunkie, La, about 19.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 80 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 Simmesport, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Simmesport, LA is about Feb 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 31.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Simmesport, LA typically arrives about Nov 24. 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 Feb 28 on average, or Jan 31 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 270 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 71369 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026