Last spring frost
Mar 8
Frost Dates for Provencal, LA
First fall frost
Nov 18
Growing season
258 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Provencal, LA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 8 and the first fall frost is about Nov 18, giving roughly a 258-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 12 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 11 | Mar 23 | Mar 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 8 | Feb 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 23 | Jan 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 1 | Jan 30 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 2 |
| 32°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 |
| 28°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 7 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 6 | Jan 3 |
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 25 | Nov 7 | Nov 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 18 | Dec 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 2 | Jan 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 24 | Dec 2 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 16 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 20 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Feb 5 |
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: Peason Ridge Range, La, about 10 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 365 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 Provencal, LA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Provencal, LA is about Mar 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Provencal, LA typically arrives about Nov 18. 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 8 on average, or Feb 12 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 258 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 71468 Planting calendar → Louisiana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026