Frost Dates for Lake Charles, LA 70601
Lake Charles has 7 ZIP codes. The Lake Charles, LA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 19 · First fall frost December 3 · 287 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
Frost probability for 70601
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 16 | February 19 | February 1 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 9 | December 3 | December 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (11.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Lake Charles
| 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 19. 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 287-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Lake Charles, LA (ZIP 70601)?
The median last spring frost date for Lake Charles, LA (ZIP code 70601) is around February 19. 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 Lake Charles, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Lake Charles is about 287 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 Lake Charles, LA?
Based on frost date patterns, Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, LA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 19). For Lake Charles, that's roughly December 25 to January 8. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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- When to plant in Lake Charles, LA: month-by-month guide
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