Frost dates for 29425 — Charleston, SC
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Charleston compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Charleston fall between December 30 and February 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as March 4.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 5 |
| 50% (median) | February 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 90% (late) | January 25 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Charleston, SC
Frost dates for 29425 — Charleston, SC — last frost Feb 4, first frost Dec 30, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Charleston, SC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 12 – Nov 26 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 7 – Feb 11 | Nov 4 – Dec 2 |
| Kale | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Broccoli | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Cabbage | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Okra | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — |
| Basil | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Nov 4 – Nov 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 31 – Feb 11 | Nov 18 – Dec 9 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | Nov 4 – Nov 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 16 – Jan 20 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Charleston City, SC weather station, 2 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 m)).
ZIP codes in Charleston: 29401 29402 29403 29406 29407 29409 29412 29413 29414 29416 29417 29422 29423 29424 29425 29492
Frost dates near Charleston
- Sullivans Island Mar 13 · Nov 30
- North Charleston Mar 7 · Nov 27
- Mount Pleasant Mar 13 · Nov 30
- Folly Beach Mar 13 · Nov 30
- Johns Island Mar 7 · Nov 27
- Isle Of Palms Mar 13 · Nov 30
- Hanahan Mar 7 · Nov 27
- Charleston Afb Mar 7 · Nov 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Charleston, SC?
The median last spring frost in Charleston, SC is February 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Charleston, SC?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Charleston, SC?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.