Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Fair Play, SC
First fall frost
Nov 15
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Fair Play, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 15, giving roughly a 241-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 1 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 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 20 | Mar 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 7 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 20 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 27 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 3 |
| 16°F | Feb 24 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | 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 22 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Dec 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 19 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 29 |
| 24°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 9 |
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: Hartwell, Ga, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 805 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 Fair Play, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fair Play, SC is about Mar 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fair Play, SC typically arrives about Nov 15. 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 20 on average, or Mar 1 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 241 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 29643 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026