Frost dates for 70001 — Metairie, LA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 5 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Metairie compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Metairie fall between December 31 and January 30. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Compared with New Orleans, LA, 10 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | January 31 |
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 Metairie, LA
Frost dates for 70001 — Metairie, LA — last frost Jan 30, first frost Dec 31, 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 Metairie, LA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 7 – Nov 21 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 2 – Feb 6 | Nov 5 – Dec 3 |
| Kale | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Oct 22 – Nov 12 |
| Broccoli | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Cabbage | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Okra | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — |
| Basil | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Oct 8 – Oct 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 26 – Feb 6 | Nov 19 – Dec 10 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 9 – Jan 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 6 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 27 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 17 – Jan 21 |
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 New Orleans Intl Ap, LA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 3 ft (1 m)).
ZIP codes in Metairie: 70001 70002 70003 70004 70005 70006 70009 70010 70011 70033 70055 70060
Frost dates near Metairie
- Kenner Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Westwego Jan 24 · Jan 2
- New Orleans Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Ama Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Marrero Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Saint Rose Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Harvey Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Gretna Feb 1 · Dec 31
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Metairie, LA?
The median last spring frost in Metairie, LA is January 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Metairie, LA?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Metairie, LA?
About 335 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Metairie, LA?
Metairie, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.