Last frost date in New Orleans, LA
The average last frost in New Orleans is January 22. By February 23 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about January 5, which leaves 348 frost-free days. An early freeze before December 13 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Feb 23
- Average first frost
- Jan 5
- Frost-free season
- 348 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 18
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2260°
- FriOct 2362°
- SatOct 2459°
- SunOct 2560°
- MonOct 2660°
- TueOct 2760°
- WedOct 2860°
Planting calendar for New Orleans
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Louisiana.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 15–Mar 1
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 15–Mar 1
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesDec 25–Jan 8
OnionsDec 11–Jan 1
CarrotsJan 1–Feb 5
LettuceJan 8–Jan 29
BroccoliDec 25–Jan 8
BeetsDec 25–Feb 5
PeasDec 11–Dec 25
CabbageDec 25–Jan 8
RadishesDec 18–Jan 29
Brussels sproutsJan 8–Jan 22
SpinachDec 11–Jan 1
CilantroJan 8–Jan 29
KaleDec 25–Jan 8
Collard greensDec 25–Jan 8
TurnipsDec 25–Jan 8
DillJan 22–Feb 5
CeleryJan 29–Feb 5
CauliflowerJan 8–Jan 22
LeeksJan 8–Jan 22
Swiss chardJan 8–Feb 5
ParsleyJan 8–Jan 29
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 25–Jan 8
AsparagusDec 25–Jan 8Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 28 | Jan 22 | Feb 23 | Dec 13 | Jan 5 | Feb 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 26 | Jan 18 | Feb 11 | Dec 23 | Jan 11 | Feb 4 |
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 NEW Orleans Lakefront Airport (USW00053917) sits 5.7 miles from the center of New Orleans at 9 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 New Orleans, LA?
The average last frost date in New Orleans is January 22, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after February 23.
When is the first frost in New Orleans?
The first frost in fall usually comes around January 5. One year in ten it arrives before December 13.
How long is the growing season in New Orleans?
About 348 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in New Orleans?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.