Last spring frost
Mar 7
Frost Dates for Charleston, SC
First fall frost
Nov 27
Growing season
266 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Charleston, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 7 and the first fall frost is about Nov 27, giving roughly a 266-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 12 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 6 | Mar 21 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 7 | Feb 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 20 | Jan 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 |
| 28°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 24°F | Mar 3 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Feb 11 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 17 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | 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) | Nov 1 | Nov 13 | Dec 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 27 | Dec 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 15 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 32°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Dec 4 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 18 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Dec 14 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 18 | Jan 23 | Jan 31 |
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: Charleston Intl Ap, Sc, about 9.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 40 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 Charleston, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Charleston, SC is about Mar 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Charleston, SC typically arrives about Nov 27. 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 7 on average, or Feb 12 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 266 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 29492 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026