In South Carolina, the last spring frost usually comes between March 15 and April 14, and the first fall frost between October 27 and November 19, depending on where you live. Most of South Carolina is in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 9a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for South Carolina cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 8b | March 24 | April 3 | Nov. 9 |
| Charleston | 9a | Feb. 17 | March 4 | Dec. 20 |
| Rock Hill | 8a | April 2 | April 11 | Oct. 31 |
| Greenville | 8a | April 3 | April 12 | Nov. 2 |
| Sumter | 8b | March 31 | April 7 | Nov. 2 |
| Hilton Head Island | 9b | March 9 | March 20 | Dec. 1 |
| Florence | 8b | March 27 | April 5 | Nov. 8 |
| Spartanburg | 8a | April 14 | April 23 | Oct. 26 |
| Myrtle Beach | 8b | March 29 | April 7 | Nov. 7 |
| Aiken | 8b | March 27 | April 5 | Nov. 7 |
Frost dates vary a lot across South Carolina. Among the cities above, Charleston has the earliest last frost (around February 17) and Spartanburg the latest (around April 14), about 8 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in South Carolina
Most of South Carolina is in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 9a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 243 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in South Carolina:
- Zone 8 (about 89% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 9 (about 11% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in South Carolina?
It depends on where you live. Across most of South Carolina, the last spring frost comes between March 15 and April 14. In Columbia, it is around March 24.
When is the first frost in South Carolina?
Across most of South Carolina, the first fall frost comes between October 27 and November 19. In Columbia, it is around November 9.
What planting zone is South Carolina?
Most of South Carolina is in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 9a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in South Carolina?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Columbia, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 3. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 8.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.