Last spring frost
Mar 25
Frost Dates for Starr, SC
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
235 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Starr, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 25 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 235-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 6 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 21 | Apr 7 | Mar 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 25 | Mar 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 11 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 20 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 20 |
| 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 28°F | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 26 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 21 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 27 |
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 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 12 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 25 | Dec 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 14 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 20 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 19 | Jan 27 | Feb 6 |
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 Dam, Ga, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 690 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 Starr, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Starr, SC is about Mar 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Starr, SC typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 25 on average, or Mar 6 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 235 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 29684 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026