Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Ridgeland, SC
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Ridgeland, SC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 233-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 23 | Apr 7 | Mar 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 23 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 7 | Feb 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 18 | Jan 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 19 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 10 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 20 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 | Dec 28 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 |
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 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 6 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 22 | Dec 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 8 | Jan 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 13 |
| 32°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 26 | Feb 3 |
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: Yemassee 1 N, Sc, about 22.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 44 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 Ridgeland, SC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ridgeland, SC is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ridgeland, SC typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 23 on average, or Feb 28 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 233 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 29943 Planting calendar → South Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026