Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Elizabeth, LA
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring
As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.
While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.
Key dates for your spring planting:
- By April 13, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around March 25, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before March 13, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them
If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | Jan 14 | Dec 27 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | Feb 9 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 | Dec 16 | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 24° | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 10 | -- |
| Last 28° | Mar 17 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 |
| Last 32° | Apr 1 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 |
| Last 36° | Apr 13 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Elizabeth, LA, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.
The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:
These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | Jan 6 | Jan 25 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 10 | Jan 20 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 24° | Nov 29 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 | Jan 26 | -- |
| First 28° | Nov 8 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 |
| First 32° | Oct 30 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 |
| First 36° | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Oberlin Fire Twr, LA 18.3 mi
- Rosepine Rsch Stn, LA 34.0 mi
- De Ridder, LA 34.1 mi
- Leesville, LA 36.2 mi
- Alexandria, LA 38.9 mi
- Bunkie, LA 43.1 mi
- Jennings, LA 47.0 mi
- Alexandria Fcwos, LA 50.5 mi
- Crowley, LA 53.2 mi
- De Quincy, LA 55.5 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.