Weather in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—83°70°
- SundayMay 17Showers28%84°69°
- MondayMay 18Thunderstorm24%87°75°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle73%90°73°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle72%89°71°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle69%89°71°
- FridayMay 22Overcast76%89°71°
- PM 2.5
- 10.4 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 12.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 13.8 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 72.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:26 AM
- Moonset
- 1:13 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Baton Rouge at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 9°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 18 (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
July brings Baton Rouge's warmest temperatures (~82°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~50°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in June (6.5 inches) and drops to its lowest point in November (4.0 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50° | 5.8″ | 7 |
| February | 54° | 4.7″ | 6 |
| March | 61° | 4.4″ | 6 |
| April | 67° | 4.9″ | 5 |
| May | 75° | 5.6″ | 6 |
| June | 80° | 6.5″ | 9 |
| July | 82° | 4.7″ | 9 |
| August | 82° | 6.1″ | 8 |
| September | 78° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| October | 69° | 4.2″ | 4 |
| November | 59° | 4.0″ | 5 |
| December | 53° | 5.2″ | 7 |
Regional context
Baton Rouge 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, Shreveport, LA, Lafayette, LA, Lake Charles, LA, Metairie, LA.
Naturalist notes
Late April brings the distinctive calls of wood thrushes returning to Baton Rouge's woodlands, marking the height of spring migration.
Southern magnolia trees begin opening their large white blooms in May, filling the air with their characteristic lemony fragrance.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Baton Rouge?
- The last spring frost in Baton Rouge typically occurs around mid-March, with the first fall frost arriving around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Baton Rouge?
- June receives the most rainfall with about 6.5 inches on average; Baton Rouge gets roughly 61 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Baton Rouge?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 82°F.
- What is the coldest month in Baton Rouge?
- January is usually the coldest month, averaging about 50°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Baton Rouge?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Baton Rouge get?
- Baton Rouge experiences about 78 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Baton Rouge?
- Baton Rouge's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Baton Rouge, Louisiana experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 50°F while July averages 82°F — a 31°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Baton Rouge receives about 61 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 78 rainy days.
Geography shapes the local weather patterns through latitude (30.4°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation — all factors that influence what grows here, when frost is likely, and daily weather conditions.