Harman US

Frost Dates for Gray Court, SC

Last spring frost
Mar 29
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
222 days
Hardiness zone
8a

In an average year around Gray Court, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 222-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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.

Last spring frost - Gray Court, SC
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 30 Apr 11 Mar 26
Freeze (32°F) Apr 14 Mar 29 Mar 10
Hard (28°F) Mar 31 Mar 15 Feb 21
Severe (24°F) Mar 21 Mar 1 Jan 31
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 30 Apr 22 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 1 Mar 26
32°F Apr 14 Apr 8 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 25 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 10
28°F Mar 31 Mar 26 Mar 21 Mar 18 Mar 15 Mar 10 Mar 6 Feb 28 Feb 21
24°F Mar 21 Mar 16 Mar 11 Mar 6 Mar 1 Feb 25 Feb 19 Feb 8 Jan 31
20°F Mar 14 Mar 4 Feb 26 Feb 17 Feb 8 Feb 2 Jan 29 Jan 20 Jan 11
16°F Feb 28 Feb 18 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 26 Jan 20 Jan 16 Jan 9 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.

First fall frost - Gray Court, SC
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 14 Oct 26 Nov 7
Freeze (32°F) Oct 24 Nov 5 Nov 20
Hard (28°F) Nov 2 Nov 17 Dec 6
Severe (24°F) Nov 15 Dec 3 Dec 30
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 7
32°F Oct 24 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 20
28°F Nov 2 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 26 Dec 1 Dec 6
24°F Nov 15 Nov 20 Nov 26 Nov 29 Dec 3 Dec 7 Dec 12 Dec 20 Dec 30
20°F Nov 29 Dec 4 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 9 Jan 18
16°F Dec 8 Dec 20 Dec 28 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 11 Jan 16 Jan 21 Feb 1

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Fountain Inn 2 Sw, Sc, about 8.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 830 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

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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 Gray Court, SC?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gray Court, SC is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Gray Court, SC typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 29 on average, or Mar 10 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 222 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 29645 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026