Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Fort Mill, SC
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
218 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Fort Mill, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 218-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 28 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 31 | Mar 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 18 | Feb 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 4 | Feb 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 15 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 8 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 3 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 2 |
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 14 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 1 | Dec 29 |
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 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 19 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Rock Hill York Co Ap, Sc, about 7.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 669 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 Fort Mill, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Mill, SC is about Mar 31. 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 Fort Mill, SC typically arrives about Nov 4. 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 31 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 218 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 29715 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026