Lafayette, AL frost dates
How Lafayette compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Lafayette falls between March 22 and April 25, a 34-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 18 and November 13.
- The median last frost is 17 days later than the Alabama median of Mar 23.
- Its 204-day growing season is among the shortest of the 574 Alabama places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 11 days later than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 72 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Auburn, AL, 38 km away, the last frost here is 27 days later than there and the growing season is 45 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 22 |
| 50% (median) | April 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 18 |
| 50% (median) | October 30 |
| 90% (late) | November 13 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Lafayette, AL
Lafayette, AL frost dates — last frost Apr 9, first frost Oct 30, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Lafayette, AL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | Sep 4 – Oct 2 |
| Kale | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Broccoli | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cabbage | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Okra | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Basil | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 16 – Nov 20 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Lafayette 2w, AL weather station, 2 km away (elevation 741 ft (226 m)).
Frost dates near Lafayette
- Five Points Apr 2 · Nov 3
- Waverly Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Cusseta Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Lanett Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Camp Hill Apr 11 · Oct 27
- Roanoke Apr 2 · Nov 3
- Wadley Apr 2 · Nov 3
- Valley Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Daviston Mar 26 · Nov 8
- Dadeville Apr 11 · Oct 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lafayette, AL?
The median last spring frost in Lafayette, AL is April 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lafayette, AL?
The median first fall frost is October 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 18.
How long is the growing season in Lafayette, AL?
About 204 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lafayette, AL?
Lafayette, AL is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.