Last spring frost
Mar 1
Frost Dates for Dale, SC
First fall frost
Dec 6
Growing season
284 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Dale, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 1 and the first fall frost is about Dec 6, giving roughly a 284-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 1 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) | Mar 31 | Mar 13 | Feb 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 1 | Feb 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 10 | Jan 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 1 | Jan 29 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 |
| 32°F | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 9 |
| 24°F | Mar 1 | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 |
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) | Nov 5 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 6 | Jan 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 29 | Jan 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 16 | Jan 8 | Feb 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 |
| 32°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 4 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 26 |
| 24°F | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 8 |
| 20°F | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 23 | Jan 30 | Feb 6 |
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: Edisto Is Middleton Plantation, Sc, about 10.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 12 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 Dale, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dale, SC is about Mar 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Dale, SC typically arrives about Dec 6. 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 1 on average, or Feb 1 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 284 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 29446 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026