USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Louisiana hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 8a-9b · most of Louisiana is zone 9a · Southeast region
LouisianaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Louisiana spans zones 8a-9b. The map shades the state from the northern parishes near Shreveport (zone 8a) through to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans (zone 9b). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 9a — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Louisiana. Louisiana is hot, humid, and subtropical with a very long season. Drainage, heat, and humidity drive plant choice far more than cold.
| USDA zone range | Zones 8a-9b |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 9a |
| Coldest area | the northern parishes near Shreveport (zone 8a) |
| Warmest area | the Gulf Coast and New Orleans (zone 9b) |
| Average last spring frost | mid-March |
| Average first fall frost | mid-November |
Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (1991-2020 normals). Frost averages: NOAA/NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals. Local ZIP-level zones and frost dates can differ from these statewide figures.
Louisiana hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Louisiana with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | Zone 9b |
| Baton Rouge | Zone 9a |
| Shreveport | Zone 8b |
| Lafayette | Zone 9a |
Need your exact zone? Run the ZIP-code zone finder for a precise half-zone and frost dates for your address.
ZIP-code zones in Louisiana
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Harvey 70058 — Zone 9b
- Kenner 70065 — Zone 9b
- Marrero 70072 — Zone 9b
- New Orleans 70112 — Zone 9b
- New Orleans (Mid-City) 70119 — Zone 9b
- New Orleans (Gentilly) 70126 — Zone 9b
- Houma 70360 — Zone 9b
- Lafayette 70501 — Zone 9a
- Lake Charles 70601 — Zone 9a
- Baton Rouge 70802 — Zone 9a
- Baton Rouge (Southeast) 70808 — Zone 9a
- Baton Rouge (East) 70816 — Zone 9a
- Shreveport 71101 — Zone 8b
- Shreveport (South) 71105 — Zone 8b
- Monroe 71201 — Zone 8b
What Louisiana's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Louisiana winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Louisiana spans 8a-9b, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Louisiana that means at least zone 9a; gardeners in the northern parishes near Shreveport (zone 8a) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around mid-March and first fall frost around mid-November, set out tomatoes, peppers, and basil after the last frost and protect them before the first.
- Adjust for your microclimate. Urban heat, a south-facing slope, or a cold valley pocket can shift your effective zone and frost dates by a half-zone or more from the statewide figure.
Find your exact zone in Louisiana
The 8a-9b range is statewide. Growli pins your hardiness zone and frost dates to your exact ZIP code and sends a push notification before any forecast frost night for your saved location.
Frequently asked questions
What hardiness zone is Louisiana?
Louisiana spans USDA hardiness zones 8a-9b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 9a. The coldest areas are the northern parishes near Shreveport (zone 8a) and the warmest are the Gulf Coast and New Orleans (zone 9b).
When is the last frost in Louisiana?
Across most of Louisiana the average last spring frost falls around mid-March and the first fall frost around mid-November. These are statewide averages — colder, higher areas run later in spring and earlier in fall, so check a ZIP-level estimate for your exact spot.
What grows well in Louisiana?
Louisiana is hot, humid, and subtropical with a very long season. Drainage, heat, and humidity drive plant choice far more than cold. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 8a-9b range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 9a for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 9 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Louisiana have more than one hardiness zone?
Hardiness zones track the average annual coldest temperature, which changes with latitude, elevation, distance from water, and urban heat. That is why Louisiana ranges from the northern parishes near Shreveport (zone 8a) to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans (zone 9b) — a span of 8a-9b — even though it is a single state.
Did Louisiana's hardiness zone change in 2023?
The USDA updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in November 2023 using 1991-2020 climate data. About half the country, including parts of Louisiana, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 8a-9b range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.