Last spring frost
Mar 1
Frost Dates for Forest Hill, LA
First fall frost
Nov 22
Growing season
267 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Forest Hill, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 1 and the first fall frost is about Nov 22, giving roughly a 267-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 1 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 6 | Mar 16 | Feb 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 1 | Feb 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 10 | Jan 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 25 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 |
| 32°F | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 10 |
| 24°F | Feb 25 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 4 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 |
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 8 | Nov 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 22 | Dec 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 7 | Jan 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 31 | Feb 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 13 |
| 28°F | Nov 14 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 30 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | 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: Lsu Dean Lee Rsch Stn, La, about 10.3 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 Forest Hill, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Forest Hill, LA is about Mar 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Forest Hill, LA typically arrives about Nov 22. 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 1 on average, or Feb 1 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 267 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 71430 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026