Last spring frost
Apr 1
Frost Dates for Clemson University, SC
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
217 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Clemson University, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 1 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 217-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 16 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 30 | Apr 14 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Apr 1 | Mar 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 19 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 4 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 2 | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | 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) | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 13 | Dec 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 29 | Dec 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Dec 6 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 5 |
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: Clemson Univ, Sc, about 1.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 800 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 Clemson University, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Clemson University, SC is about Apr 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Clemson University, SC typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 Apr 1 on average, or Mar 16 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 217 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 29634 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026