Frost dates for 70004 — Metairie, LA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Metairie compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Metairie fall between January 2 and January 24. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 5, or the last frost as late as February 23.
- Compared with New Orleans, LA, 8 km away, the last frost here is 8 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 28 |
| 50% (median) | January 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 5 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | February 1 |
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
Metairie, 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 New Orleans Audubon, LA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Metairie: 70001 70002 70003 70004 70005 70006 70009 70010 70011 70033 70055 70060
Frost dates near Metairie
- New Orleans Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Kenner Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Westwego Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Marrero Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Harvey Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Gretna Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Ama Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Arabi Feb 10 · Dec 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Metairie, LA?
The median last spring frost in Metairie, LA is January 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 23, 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 January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 5.
How long is the growing season in Metairie, LA?
About 343 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.