Frost Dates for Lafayette, LA 70501
Lafayette has 5 ZIP codes. The Lafayette, LA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 18 · First fall frost December 3 · 288 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
Frost probability for 70501
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 20 | February 18 | January 22 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 9 | December 3 | December 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (4.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Lafayette
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| February | Last frost around February 18. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| March | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| November | First fall frost approaching (around December 3). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| December | First frost around December 3. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
What grows in a 288-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Lafayette, LA (ZIP 70501)?
The median last spring frost date for Lafayette, LA (ZIP code 70501) is around February 18. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Lafayette, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Lafayette, LA is around December 3. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Lafayette, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Lafayette is about 288 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.
What USDA hardiness zone is Lafayette, LA?
Based on frost date patterns, Lafayette falls approximately in 9a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Lafayette, LA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 18). For Lafayette, that's roughly December 24 to January 7. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Lafayette, LA 70506 (6.1 mi)
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- Frost dates for Broussard, LA 70518 (8.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Duson, LA 70529 (10.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Youngsville, LA 70592 (11 mi)
- When to plant in Lafayette, LA: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in LA
- When to plant Peppers in LA
- When to plant Cucumbers in LA
- When to plant Zucchini in LA
- When to plant Butternut Squash in LA
- When to plant Basil in LA
- When to plant Sweet Corn in LA
- Look up another ZIP