Weather in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—85°70°
- SundayMay 17Light Showers24%87°74°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle11%88°76°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle26%88°74°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers74%88°73°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle66%87°72°
- FridayMay 22Overcast63%89°73°
- PM 2.5
- 9.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 12.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.9 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 87.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:35 AM
- Moonset
- 1:21 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Lake Charles at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°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 Lake Charles's peak heat (~84°F mean) while January delivers the year's coldest temperatures (~53°F). June sees maximum rainfall at 6.5 inches, with February recording the driest conditions at 3.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53° | 5.9″ | 6 |
| February | 57° | 3.3″ | 5 |
| March | 63° | 3.7″ | 5 |
| April | 69° | 4.4″ | 5 |
| May | 76° | 5.4″ | 5 |
| June | 82° | 6.5″ | 8 |
| July | 84° | 5.7″ | 8 |
| August | 84° | 6.2″ | 7 |
| September | 80° | 5.2″ | 6 |
| October | 71° | 4.8″ | 5 |
| November | 61° | 4.1″ | 5 |
| December | 55° | 4.6″ | 6 |
Regional context
Lake Charles belongs to the humid subtropical climate region — sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: New Orleans, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Shreveport, LA, Lafayette, LA, Metairie, LA.
Naturalist notes
Late April brings the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to Lake Charles, their migration timed with blooming native flowers.
Southern magnolia trees begin their fragrant flowering cycle in May, marking the transition into full summer heat.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Lake Charles?
- Spring's final frost typically occurs around mid-March in Lake Charles, while the first fall frost returns around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Lake Charles?
- June ranks as the wettest month with about 6.5 inches of rain on average; annual totals reach roughly 60 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Lake Charles?
- August typically records the highest temperatures, averaging about 84°F.
- What is the coldest month in Lake Charles?
- January brings the coldest weather, averaging about 53°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Lake Charles?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March; warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Lake Charles get?
- Lake Charles experiences about 71 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Lake Charles?
- Lake Charles's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Lake Charles, Louisiana experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 53°F while July averages 84°F — a 31°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation reaches about 60 inches across roughly 71 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography shapes the local weather patterns through latitude (30.2°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation — factors that determine what grows here, when frost threatens, and daily weather conditions.