Frost dates for 71373Vidalia, LA
The average last spring frost in Vidalia is March 16 and the average first fall frost is November 9, giving a typical growing season of about 237 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 16
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 9
- Growing season
- 237 days
Safer after Apr 6 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 27 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 6 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 · Apr 2 · Apr 19 | Oct 19 · Oct 31 · Nov 14 | 213 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 25 · Mar 16 · Apr 6 | Oct 27 · Nov 9 · Nov 27 | 237 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 7 · Mar 1 · Mar 21 | Nov 5 · Nov 22 · Dec 11 | 264 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Vidalia
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 20 |
| 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 30 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 – May 16 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 15 – May 16 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 – Aug 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 1 – Jul 20 |
| 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 10 – Jul 20 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 9 – Aug 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 16 – Feb 13 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – Mar 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 30 – Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Aug 30 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – May 1 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Sep 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 6 – Mar 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 16 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 13 – Apr 5 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Sep 30 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 2 – Mar 22 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 23 – Aug 30 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 16 – May 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 30 – Aug 15 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 30 – Nov 30 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 71373 is matched to the NOAA station Natchez, MS, 12.2 km away, at 195 ft elevation (133 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natchez, MS (used) | 195 ft | Mar 16 | Nov 9 |
| Jonesville Locks, LA | 70 ft | Mar 6 | Nov 22 |
| St Joseph 3 N, LA | 78 ft | Mar 13 | Nov 10 |
| Meadville, MS | 345 ft | Mar 15 | Nov 12 |
Frost dates near Vidalia
- Natchez, MS 39122 · last Mar 16, first Nov 9
- Ferriday, LA 71334 · last Mar 16, first Nov 9
- Sibley, MS 39165 · last Mar 16, first Nov 9
- Clayton, LA 71326 · last Mar 16, first Nov 9
- Washington, MS 39190 · last Mar 16, first Nov 9
- Waterproof, LA 71375 · last Mar 13, first Nov 10
- Monterey, LA 71354 · last Mar 6, first Nov 22
- Wildsville, LA 71377 · last Mar 6, first Nov 22
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Vidalia, LA?
- For ZIP code 71373, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 16, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Natchez, MS weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 6.
- When is the first frost in Vidalia, LA?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 27, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 71373?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 237 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.