Creole, LA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Creole compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Creole fall between December 23 and February 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 29, or the last frost as late as March 4.
- Nearby Lake Charles, LA, 49 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Mar 2), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 2 |
| 50% (median) | February 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 29 |
| 50% (median) | December 23 |
| 90% (late) | January 19 |
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 Creole, LA
Creole, LA frost dates — last frost Feb 2, first frost Dec 23, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Creole, LA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 10 – Nov 24 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Jan 5 – Feb 9 | Oct 28 – Nov 25 |
| Kale | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 |
| Broccoli | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Cabbage | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Okra | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — |
| Basil | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Oct 28 – Nov 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 29 – Feb 9 | Nov 11 – Dec 2 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 9 | Oct 28 – Nov 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 2 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 9 – Jan 13 |
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 Rockefeller Wl Refuge, LA weather station, 23 km away (elevation 3 ft (1 m)).
Frost dates near Creole
- Grand Chenier Feb 2 · Dec 23
- Bell City Feb 14 · Dec 7
- Hayes Feb 10 · Dec 11
- Hackberry Feb 3 · Dec 24
- Iowa Feb 14 · Dec 7
- Lake Arthur Feb 10 · Dec 11
- Lacassine Feb 19 · Dec 4
- Cameron Feb 3 · Dec 24
- Welsh Feb 19 · Dec 4
- Gueydan Feb 10 · Dec 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Creole, LA?
The median last spring frost in Creole, LA is February 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Creole, LA?
The median first fall frost is December 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 29.
How long is the growing season in Creole, LA?
About 324 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Creole, LA?
Creole, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.