Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Gilbert, SC
First fall frost
Nov 18
Growing season
244 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Gilbert, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 18, giving roughly a 244-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 14 | Apr 1 | Mar 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 7 | Feb 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 16 | Feb 15 | Jan 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 |
| 32°F | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 16 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 |
| 16°F | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 18 | Dec 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 4 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 29 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 3 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Batesburg, Sc, about 9.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 660 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gilbert, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gilbert, SC is about Mar 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gilbert, SC typically arrives about Nov 18. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 20 on average, or Feb 28 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 244 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 29054 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026