Frost dates for 70117 — New Orleans, LA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How New Orleans compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in New Orleans fall between December 17 and February 10. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as March 8.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 12 |
| 50% (median) | February 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 17 |
| 90% (late) | January 14 |
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 New Orleans, LA
Frost dates for 70117 — New Orleans, LA — last frost Feb 10, first frost Dec 17, 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 New Orleans, LA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 18 – Dec 2 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Jan 13 – Feb 17 | Oct 22 – Nov 19 |
| Kale | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Oct 8 – Oct 29 |
| Broccoli | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Cabbage | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Okra | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — |
| Basil | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 30 – Jan 20 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 30 – Jan 20 | Oct 22 – Nov 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 6 – Feb 17 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 13 – Jan 20 | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 13 – Jan 20 | — | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 13 – Jan 20 | — | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 13 – Jan 20 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 20 – Feb 17 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 20 – Feb 17 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 20 – Feb 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 27 – Feb 24 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 27 – Feb 17 | Oct 22 – Nov 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 24 – Mar 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 3 – Jan 7 |
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 Chalmette, LA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 3 ft (1 m)).
ZIP codes in New Orleans: 70112 70113 70114 70115 70116 70117 70118 70119 70121 70122 70123 70124 70125 70126 70127 70128 70129 70130 70131 70139 70141 70142 70143 70145 70146 70148 70150 70151 70152 70153 70154 70156 70157 70158 70159 70160 70161 70162 70163 70164 70165 70166 70167 70170 70172 70174 70175 70176 70177 70178 70179 70182 70183 70184 70185 70186 70187 70189 70190 70195
Frost dates near New Orleans
- Arabi Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Chalmette Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Gretna Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Harvey Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Meraux Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Marrero Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Metairie Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Belle Chasse Feb 18 · Dec 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?
The median last spring frost in New Orleans, LA is February 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in New Orleans, LA?
The median first fall frost is December 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in New Orleans, LA?
About 310 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.