Weather in Lafayette, Louisiana
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—83°69°
- SundayMay 17Overcast16%83°71°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—85°74°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast15%88°72°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers73%88°72°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast57%87°71°
- FridayMay 22Overcast65%87°72°
- PM 2.5
- 8.4 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 11.0 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.9 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 74.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:30 AM
- Moonset
- 1:16 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Lafayette at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 9°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 16 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Lafayette's warmest temperatures (~82°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~51°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in June (7.0 inches) and drops to its lowest point in March (3.8 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51° | 6.1″ | 7 |
| February | 55° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| March | 62° | 3.8″ | 5 |
| April | 68° | 5.5″ | 5 |
| May | 75° | 4.9″ | 6 |
| June | 81° | 7.0″ | 9 |
| July | 82° | 6.3″ | 10 |
| August | 82° | 6.5″ | 8 |
| September | 78° | 5.2″ | 6 |
| October | 70° | 5.0″ | 5 |
| November | 60° | 4.8″ | 6 |
| December | 53° | 5.2″ | 6 |
Regional context
Lafayette falls within a humid subtropical climate region — part of a group that experiences similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions across nearby cities.
Similar climates: New Orleans, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Shreveport, LA, Lake Charles, LA, Metairie, LA.
Naturalist notes
Late spring brings the return of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Lafayette's gardens and woodlands.
Southern Magnolia trees begin their spectacular blooming period, filling the air with their distinctive fragrance.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Lafayette?
- Lafayette's last spring frost typically falls around mid-March, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Lafayette?
- June is the wettest month with about 7.0 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 65 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Lafayette?
- August is typically warmest, averaging about 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Lafayette?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 51°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Lafayette?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Lafayette get?
- Lafayette averages about 78 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Lafayette?
- Lafayette's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Lafayette, Louisiana experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 51°F while July averages 82°F — a 31°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Lafayette receives about 65 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 78 rainy days.
Latitude (30.2°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation determine the rhythm of the year — shaping what grows here, when frost is likely, and the daily weather patterns.