Frost dates for 70123 — New Orleans, 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 New Orleans compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in New Orleans 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.
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 New Orleans, LA
Frost dates for 70123 — New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, 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, 6 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
- Metairie Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Kenner Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Westwego Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Ama Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Saint Rose Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Marrero Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Harvey Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Destrehan Jan 30 · Dec 31
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?
The median last spring frost in New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, LA?
About 335 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.