Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Kershaw, SC
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
237 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Kershaw, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 237-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 5 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 17 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 23 | Mar 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 11 | Feb 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 22 | Jan 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 18 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Dec 28 |
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 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Dec 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 20 | Jan 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 17 |
| 20°F | Dec 9 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 25 | Feb 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 25 | Jan 31 | Feb 8 |
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: Wateree Dam, Sc, about 9.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 230 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 Kershaw, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Kershaw, SC is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Kershaw, SC typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 23 on average, or Mar 5 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 237 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 29175 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026