Last spring frost
Mar 10
Frost Dates for St. Stephen, SC
First fall frost
Nov 26
Growing season
265 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around St. Stephen, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 10 and the first fall frost is about Nov 26, giving roughly a 265-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 14 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 10 | Mar 25 | Mar 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 10 | Feb 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 22 | Jan 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 5 | Jan 31 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 10 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 |
| 32°F | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 14 |
| 28°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 24°F | Mar 5 | Feb 26 | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Feb 19 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 24 |
| 16°F | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 10 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 22 |
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 31 | Nov 13 | Dec 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 26 | Dec 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 13 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 3 | Jan 1 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 |
| 32°F | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 22 |
| 28°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 6 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 19 | Jan 25 | Jan 30 |
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: Moncks Corner 4 N, Sc, about 11 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 49 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 St. Stephen, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around St. Stephen, SC is about Mar 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around St. Stephen, SC typically arrives about Nov 26. 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 10 on average, or Feb 14 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 265 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 29479 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026