Last frost date in Lake Charles, LA
Expect the last frost in Lake Charles around February 14. Frost after March 11 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 7, which leaves 299 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 14 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 11
- Average first frost
- Dec 7
- Frost-free season
- 299 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 27
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2257°
- FriOct 2358°
- SatOct 2456°
- SunOct 2559°
- MonOct 2658°
- TueOct 2759°
- WedOct 2858°
Planting calendar for Lake Charles
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Louisiana.
TomatoesFeb 21–Mar 7
PumpkinsFeb 28–Mar 14
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 28–Mar 7
CornFeb 21–Mar 7
Sweet potatoesMar 7–Mar 21
WatermelonFeb 28–Mar 14
Green beansFeb 21–Mar 14
ZucchiniFeb 21–Mar 7
OkraMar 7–Mar 21
PeppersFeb 28–Mar 14
BasilFeb 21–Mar 7
Butternut squashFeb 21–Mar 7
CantaloupeFeb 28–Mar 14
EggplantFeb 28–Mar 14
PotatoesJan 17–Jan 31
OnionsJan 3–Jan 24
CarrotsJan 24–Feb 28
LettuceJan 31–Feb 21
BroccoliJan 17–Jan 31
BeetsJan 17–Feb 28
PeasJan 3–Jan 17
CabbageJan 17–Jan 31
RadishesJan 10–Feb 21
Brussels sproutsJan 31–Feb 14
SpinachJan 3–Jan 24
CilantroJan 31–Feb 21
KaleJan 17–Jan 31
Collard greensJan 17–Jan 31
TurnipsJan 17–Jan 31
DillFeb 14–Feb 28
CeleryFeb 21–Feb 28
CauliflowerJan 31–Feb 14
LeeksJan 31–Feb 14
Swiss chardJan 31–Feb 28
ParsleyJan 31–Feb 21
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 17–Jan 31
AsparagusJan 17–Jan 31Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Jan 16 | Feb 14 | Mar 11 | Nov 14 | Dec 7 | Jan 7 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 31 | Jan 27 | Feb 28 | Dec 3 | Jan 3 | Feb 1 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Lake Charles (USW00003937) sits 5.1 miles from the center of Lake Charles at 13 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Lake Charles, LA?
The average last frost date in Lake Charles is February 14, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 11.
When is the first frost in Lake Charles?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 7. One year in ten it arrives before November 14.
How long is the growing season in Lake Charles?
About 299 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lake Charles?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 21 to March 7. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Louisiana
- SulphurFeb 14
- LafayetteFeb 26
- New IberiaFeb 10
- AlexandriaFeb 27
- Baton RougeFeb 28
- ZacharyFeb 25
- St. GeorgeFeb 28
- CentralFeb 25
- PrairievilleFeb 9
- Bayou CaneFeb 5
- HoumaFeb 5
- ShreveportMar 9