When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?

For ZIP code 70118, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 24, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the New Orleans Audubon, LA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 23.

When is the first frost in New Orleans, LA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 2. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 5, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 70118?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 341 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 70118New Orleans, LA

The average last spring frost in New Orleans is January 24 and the average first fall frost is January 2, giving a typical growing season of about 341 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 24
Average first fall frost: Jan 2
Growing season: 341 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 11 · Feb 6 · Mar 7	Nov 19 · Dec 16 · Jan 15	308 days	98%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 28 · Jan 24 · Feb 23	Dec 5 · Jan 2 · Feb 1	341 days	76%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 29 · Jan 15 · Feb 8	Dec 22 · Jan 8 · Feb 1	365 days	36%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 70118 is matched to the NOAA station New Orleans Audubon, LA, 3.8 km away, at 20 ft elevation (20 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
New Orleans Audubon, LA (used)	20 ft	Jan 24	Jan 2
Terrytown 3S, LA	10 ft	Feb 1	Dec 31
New Orleans Intl Ap, LA	4 ft	Jan 30	Dec 31
Chalmette, LA	3 ft	Feb 10	Dec 17

Frost dates near New Orleans

New Orleans, LA 70125 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Metairie, LA 70004 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Westwego, LA 70096 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Marrero, LA 70073 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Harvey, LA 70059 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Gretna, LA 70054 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Arabi, LA 70032 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Kenner, LA 70063 · last Jan 30, first Dec 31

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?: For ZIP code 70118, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 24, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the New Orleans Audubon, LA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 23.
When is the first frost in New Orleans, LA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 2. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 5, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 70118?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 341 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.