Frost dates for 70128 — New Orleans, LA
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 New Orleans compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in New Orleans fall between January 5 and January 22. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 13, or the last frost as late as February 23.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 28 |
| 50% (median) | January 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 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
New Orleans, 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 Lakefront Ap, LA weather station, 7 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 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
- Chalmette Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Arabi Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Meraux Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Violet Feb 4 · Dec 15
- Gretna Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Metairie Jan 30 · Dec 31
- Harvey Feb 1 · 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 January 22. 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 New Orleans, LA?
The median first fall frost is January 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 13.
How long is the growing season in New Orleans, LA?
About 348 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.