Frost dates for 71323Center Point, LA
The average last spring frost in Center Point is March 16 and the average first fall frost is November 8, giving a typical growing season of about 239 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 16
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 8
- Growing season
- 239 days
Safer after Apr 6 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 26 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 5 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.
| 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) | Mar 10 · Mar 31 · Apr 18 | Oct 18 · Oct 31 · Nov 14 | 215 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 25 · Mar 16 · Apr 6 | Oct 26 · Nov 8 · Nov 28 | 239 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 31 · Feb 28 · Mar 20 | Nov 3 · Nov 22 · Dec 16 | 269 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Center Point
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Apr 21 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Jul 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Mar 16 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 2 – Mar 31 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 15 – Jul 29 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 – May 16 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 15 – May 16 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 – Jul 19 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 15 – May 16 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 8 – May 1 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – Mar 31 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – Apr 15 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 2 – Jan 29 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 2 – Mar 31 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 26 – Mar 1 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 2 – Mar 31 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 9 – Jul 19 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 8 – Aug 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 16 – Feb 13 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – Mar 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 29 – Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 29 – Aug 29 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – May 1 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 29 – Sep 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 6 – Mar 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 15 – Sep 19 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – Apr 5 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 29 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 2 – Mar 22 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 22 – Aug 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 16 – May 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 29 – Aug 14 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 29 – Nov 29 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 71323 is matched to the NOAA station Alexandria Esler Rgnl Ap, LA, 18 km away, at 112 ft elevation (27 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria Esler Rgnl Ap, LA (used) | 112 ft | Mar 16 | Nov 8 |
| Lsu Dean Lee Rsch Stn, LA | 70 ft | Mar 1 | Nov 22 |
| Alexandria 5 Sse, LA | 85 ft | Mar 3 | Nov 22 |
| Alexandria, LA | 87 ft | Feb 27 | Nov 27 |
Frost dates near Center Point
- Ruby, LA 71365 · last Mar 3, first Nov 22
- Pineville, LA 71360 · last Mar 3, first Nov 22
- Effie, LA 71331 · last Mar 16, first Nov 8
- Deville, LA 71328 · last Mar 16, first Nov 8
- Echo, LA 71330 · last Feb 28, first Nov 24
- Libuse, LA 71348 · last Mar 16, first Nov 8
- Marksville, LA 71351 · last Feb 28, first Nov 24
- Alexandria, LA 71302 · last Mar 3, first Nov 22
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Center Point, LA?
- For ZIP code 71323, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 16, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Alexandria Esler Rgnl Ap, LA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 6.
- When is the first frost in Center Point, LA?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 8. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 26, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 71323?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 239 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.