Last frost date in Columbia, SC
Expect the last frost in Columbia around March 22. Frost after April 10 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 15, which leaves 239 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 10
- Average first frost
- Nov 15
- Frost-free season
- 239 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 8
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2245°
- FriOct 2346°
- SatOct 2446°
- SunOct 2545°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2850°
Planting calendar for Columbia
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across South Carolina.
TomatoesMar 29–Apr 12
PumpkinsApr 5–Apr 19
SunflowersMar 22–Apr 12
CucumbersApr 5–Apr 12
CornMar 29–Apr 12
Sweet potatoesApr 12–Apr 26
WatermelonApr 5–Apr 19
Green beansMar 29–Apr 19
ZucchiniMar 29–Apr 12
OkraApr 12–Apr 26
PeppersApr 5–Apr 19
BasilMar 29–Apr 12
Butternut squashMar 29–Apr 12
CantaloupeApr 5–Apr 19
EggplantApr 5–Apr 19
PotatoesFeb 22–Mar 8
OnionsFeb 8–Mar 1
CarrotsMar 1–Apr 5
LettuceMar 8–Mar 29
BroccoliFeb 22–Mar 8
BeetsFeb 22–Apr 5
PeasFeb 8–Feb 22
CabbageFeb 22–Mar 8
RadishesFeb 15–Mar 29
Brussels sproutsMar 8–Mar 22
SpinachFeb 8–Mar 1
CilantroMar 8–Mar 29
KaleFeb 22–Mar 8
Collard greensFeb 22–Mar 8
TurnipsFeb 22–Mar 8
DillMar 22–Apr 5
CeleryMar 29–Apr 5
CauliflowerMar 8–Mar 22
LeeksMar 8–Mar 22
Swiss chardMar 8–Apr 5
ParsleyMar 8–Mar 29
Tulip bulbsNov 1–Dec 6
GarlicOct 25–Nov 29
Daffodil bulbsOct 18–Nov 29
StrawberriesFeb 22–Mar 8
AsparagusFeb 22–Mar 8Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 2 | Mar 22 | Apr 10 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 28 | Nov 12 | Nov 30 | Dec 28 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Sandhill Rsch - Elgin (USC00387666) sits 6.6 miles from the center of Columbia at 440 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Columbia, SC?
The average last frost date in Columbia is March 22, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 10.
When is the first frost in Columbia?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 15. One year in ten it arrives before November 1.
How long is the growing season in Columbia?
About 239 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Columbia?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 29 to April 12. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in South Carolina
- St. AndrewsMar 16
- LexingtonMar 25
- SumterMar 24
- AikenMar 19
- Rock HillMar 27
- FlorenceMar 19
- Fort MillMar 31
- North AugustaFeb 27
- GreenwoodMar 26
- Moncks CornerMar 10
- SummervilleMar 22
- SpartanburgApr 8