Frost Dates for Opelousas, LA 70570
Last spring frost February 24 · First fall frost November 29 · 278 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
Frost probability for 70570
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 20 | February 24 | January 31 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 8 | November 29 | December 20 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (39.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Opelousas
| 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 24. 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 | First fall frost approaching (around November 29). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| November | First frost around November 29. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| December | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
What grows in a 278-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Opelousas, LA (ZIP 70570)?
The median last spring frost date for Opelousas, LA (ZIP code 70570) is around February 24. 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 Opelousas, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Opelousas, LA is around November 29. 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 Opelousas, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Opelousas is about 278 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 Opelousas, LA?
Based on frost date patterns, Opelousas 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 Opelousas, LA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 24). For Opelousas, that's roughly December 30 to January 13. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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