In Louisiana, the last spring frost usually comes between February 20 and March 27, and the first fall frost between November 4 and December 6, depending on where you live. Most of Louisiana is in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 9b.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Louisiana cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9b | Feb. 16 | March 6 | Dec. 19 |
| Baton Rouge | 9a | March 10 | March 21 | Nov. 15 |
| Shreveport | 8b | March 7 | March 19 | Nov. 16 |
| Lafayette | 9a | Feb. 26 | March 10 | Nov. 26 |
| Lake Charles | 9a | Feb. 26 | March 11 | Nov. 28 |
| Monroe | 8b | March 14 | March 25 | Nov. 8 |
| Alexandria | 9a | March 6 | March 18 | Nov. 18 |
| Houma | 9b | Feb. 21 | March 7 | Dec. 6 |
| LaPlace | 9b | Feb. 24 | March 11 | Dec. 3 |
| Slidell | 9a | March 5 | March 19 | Nov. 20 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Louisiana. Among the cities above, New Orleans has the earliest last frost (around February 16) and Monroe the latest (around March 14), about 4 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Louisiana
Most of Louisiana is in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 9b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 282 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Louisiana:
- Zone 8 (about 29% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 9 (about 70% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Louisiana?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Louisiana, the last spring frost comes between February 20 and March 27. In New Orleans, it is around February 16.
When is the first frost in Louisiana?
Across most of Louisiana, the first fall frost comes between November 4 and December 6. In New Orleans, it is around December 19.
What planting zone is Louisiana?
Most of Louisiana is in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 9b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Louisiana?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In New Orleans, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around March 6. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 9.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.