Pilottown, LA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Pilottown compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Pilottown fall between January 9 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 18, or the last frost as late as February 25.
- Compared with New Orleans, LA, 117 km away, the last frost here is 9 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 28 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 18 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | February 5 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Pilottown, LA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Boothville Asos, LA weather station, 22 km away (elevation 3 ft (1 m)).
Frost dates near Pilottown
- Venice Jan 23 · Jan 9
- Boothville Jan 23 · Jan 9
- Buras Jan 25 · Jan 4
- Empire Jan 25 · Jan 4
- Port Sulphur Feb 3 · Dec 28
- Pointe A La Hache Feb 3 · Dec 28
- Grand Isle Feb 8 · Dec 19
- Braithwaite Feb 18 · Dec 6
- Saint Bernard Feb 4 · Dec 15
- New Orleans (Jefferson Parish) Feb 10 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pilottown, LA?
The median last spring frost in Pilottown, LA is January 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pilottown, LA?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 18.
How long is the growing season in Pilottown, LA?
About 351 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pilottown, LA?
Pilottown, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.