Last spring frost
Mar 30
Frost Dates for Dovesville, SC
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Dovesville, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 30 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 13 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 25 | Apr 10 | Mar 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 30 | Mar 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 18 | Feb 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 5 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 |
| 16°F | Mar 3 | Feb 21 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | 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) | Oct 17 | Oct 29 | Nov 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 24 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 24 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 27 | Feb 8 |
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: Darlington, Sc, about 5.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 150 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 Dovesville, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dovesville, SC is about Mar 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Dovesville, SC typically arrives about Nov 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 30 on average, or Mar 13 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 221 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 29540 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026