Last spring frost
Mar 13
Frost Dates for Sullivan's Island, SC
First fall frost
Nov 30
Growing season
262 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Sullivan's Island, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 13 and the first fall frost is about Nov 30, giving roughly a 262-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 19 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 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 13 | Feb 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 1 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 9 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 32°F | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 19 |
| 28°F | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 20 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Feb 21 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 13 | Jan 8 | Jan 4 | Dec 29 |
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 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 11 | Nov 30 | Dec 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 16 | Jan 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 5 | Jan 2 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 |
| 32°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 10 |
| 24°F | Dec 5 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Jan 27 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Jan 29 | Feb 7 |
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: Sullivans Is, Sc, about 1.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5 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 Sullivan's Island, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sullivan's Island, SC is about Mar 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Sullivan's Island, SC typically arrives about Nov 30. 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 13 on average, or Feb 19 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 262 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 29482 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026