Last spring frost
Feb 28
Frost Dates for Beaufort, SC
First fall frost
Dec 3
Growing season
279 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Beaufort, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 28 and the first fall frost is about Dec 3, giving roughly a 279-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 2 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) | Mar 31 | Mar 14 | Feb 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 28 | Feb 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 8 | Jan 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 27 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 32°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 8 |
| 24°F | Feb 27 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 2 | Dec 26 |
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) | Nov 4 | Nov 18 | Dec 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 3 | Jan 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 27 | Jan 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 12 | Jan 7 | Feb 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 32°F | Nov 14 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 28 |
| 24°F | Dec 12 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 29 | Feb 7 |
| 20°F | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Jan 16 | Jan 21 | Jan 27 | 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: Beaufort Mcas, Sc, about 7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 37 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 Beaufort, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Beaufort, SC is about Feb 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Beaufort, SC typically arrives about Dec 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 Feb 28 on average, or Feb 2 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 279 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 29941 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026