Last spring frost
Mar 3
Frost Dates for McNary, LA
First fall frost
Nov 25
Growing season
268 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around McNary, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 3 and the first fall frost is about Nov 25, giving roughly a 268-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 4 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 10 | Mar 20 | Feb 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 3 | Feb 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 14 | Jan 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 27 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 32°F | Mar 28 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 4 |
| 28°F | Mar 12 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 |
| 24°F | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Feb 19 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 |
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 27 | Nov 10 | Dec 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 25 | Dec 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 10 | Jan 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 5 | Jan 1 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 32°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 |
| 28°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 |
| 24°F | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 22 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Dec 15 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 | Feb 8 |
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: Elizabeth, La, about 13.5 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 McNary, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McNary, LA is about Mar 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McNary, LA typically arrives about Nov 25. 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 3 on average, or Feb 4 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 268 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 71433 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026