When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?

For ZIP code 70126, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 22, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the New Orleans Lakefront Ap, 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 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 13, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 70126?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 348 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 70126New Orleans, LA

The average last spring frost in New Orleans is January 22 and the average first fall frost is January 5, giving a typical growing season of about 348 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 22
Average first fall frost: Jan 5
Growing season: 348 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 5 · Feb 4 · Mar 7	Nov 30 · Dec 26 · Jan 19	321 days	95%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 28 · Jan 22 · Feb 23	Dec 13 · Jan 5 · Feb 1	348 days	71%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 26 · Jan 18 · Feb 11	Dec 23 · Jan 11 · Feb 4	365 days	34%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 70126 is matched to the NOAA station New Orleans Lakefront Ap, LA, 5.8 km away, at 9 ft elevation (12 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
New Orleans Lakefront Ap, LA (used)	9 ft	Jan 22	Jan 5
Chalmette, LA	3 ft	Feb 10	Dec 17
Terrytown 3S, LA	10 ft	Feb 1	Dec 31
New Orleans Audubon, LA	20 ft	Jan 24	Jan 2

Frost dates near New Orleans

New Orleans, LA 70122 · last Jan 22, first Jan 5
Arabi, LA 70032 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Metairie, LA 70005 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Gretna, LA 70054 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Chalmette, LA 70044 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Harvey, LA 70059 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Marrero, LA 70073 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Meraux, LA 70075 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?: For ZIP code 70126, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 22, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the New Orleans Lakefront Ap, 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 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 13, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 70126?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 348 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.