Last spring frost
Mar 22
Frost Dates for Columbia, SC
First fall frost
Nov 15
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Columbia, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 22 and the first fall frost is about Nov 15, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 2 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 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 22 | Mar 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 8 | Feb 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 20 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 |
| 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 26 | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 6 |
| 16°F | Feb 27 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | 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 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 12 | Nov 30 | Dec 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 23 | Dec 18 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 28 |
| 24°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 1 | Feb 12 |
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: Sandhill Rsch - Elgin, Sc, about 1.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 440 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 Columbia, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Columbia, SC is about Mar 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Columbia, SC typically arrives about Nov 15. 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 22 on average, or Mar 2 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 239 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 29229 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026