When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?

For ZIP code 70163, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 1, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Terrytown 3S, LA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 6.

When is the first frost in New Orleans, LA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 31. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 1, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 70163?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 330 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 70163New Orleans, LA

The average last spring frost in New Orleans is February 1 and the average first fall frost is December 31, giving a typical growing season of about 330 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 1
Average first fall frost: Dec 31
Growing season: 330 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 23 · Feb 22 · Mar 16	Nov 17 · Dec 9 · Jan 7	292 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jan 2 · Feb 1 · Mar 6	Dec 1 · Dec 31 · Jan 29	330 days	90%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 29 · Jan 23 · Feb 26	Dec 20 · Jan 8 · Feb 9	361 days	56%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 70163 is matched to the NOAA station Terrytown 3S, LA, 6 km away, at 10 ft elevation (10 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

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

Frost dates near New Orleans

New Orleans, LA 70139 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Gretna, LA 70054 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Harvey, LA 70059 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Marrero, LA 70073 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Arabi, LA 70032 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31
Metairie, LA 70005 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Westwego, LA 70096 · last Jan 24, first Jan 2
Chalmette, LA 70043 · last Feb 1, first Dec 31

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in New Orleans, LA?: For ZIP code 70163, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 1, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Terrytown 3S, LA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 6.
When is the first frost in New Orleans, LA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 31. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 1, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 70163?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 330 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.