Last frost date in Sumter, SC
Expect the last frost in Sumter around March 24. Frost after April 7 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 7, which leaves 230 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 28 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 7
- Average first frost
- Nov 7
- Frost-free season
- 230 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 13
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2245°
- FriOct 2348°
- SatOct 2448°
- SunOct 2547°
- MonOct 2645°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2851°
Planting calendar for Sumter
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across South Carolina.
TomatoesMar 31–Apr 14
PumpkinsApr 7–Apr 21
SunflowersMar 24–Apr 14
CucumbersApr 7–Apr 14
CornMar 31–Apr 14
Sweet potatoesApr 14–Apr 28
WatermelonApr 7–Apr 21
Green beansMar 31–Apr 21
ZucchiniMar 31–Apr 14
OkraApr 14–Apr 28
PeppersApr 7–Apr 21
BasilMar 31–Apr 14
Butternut squashMar 31–Apr 14
CantaloupeApr 7–Apr 21
EggplantApr 7–Apr 21
PotatoesFeb 24–Mar 10
OnionsFeb 10–Mar 3
CarrotsMar 3–Apr 7
LettuceMar 10–Mar 31
BroccoliFeb 24–Mar 10
BeetsFeb 24–Apr 7
PeasFeb 10–Feb 24
CabbageFeb 24–Mar 10
RadishesFeb 17–Mar 31
Brussels sproutsMar 10–Mar 24
SpinachFeb 10–Mar 3
CilantroMar 10–Mar 31
KaleFeb 24–Mar 10
Collard greensFeb 24–Mar 10
TurnipsFeb 24–Mar 10
DillMar 24–Apr 7
CeleryMar 31–Apr 7
CauliflowerMar 10–Mar 24
LeeksMar 10–Mar 24
Swiss chardMar 10–Apr 7
ParsleyMar 10–Mar 31
Tulip bulbsOct 24–Nov 28
GarlicOct 17–Nov 21
Daffodil bulbsOct 10–Nov 21
StrawberriesFeb 24–Mar 10
AsparagusFeb 24–Mar 10Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 5 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Oct 28 | Nov 7 | Nov 26 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 21 | Dec 14 |
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 Sumter (USC00388440) sits 2.2 miles from the center of Sumter at 177 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 Sumter, SC?
The average last frost date in Sumter is March 24, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 7.
When is the first frost in Sumter?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 7. One year in ten it arrives before October 28.
How long is the growing season in Sumter?
About 230 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Sumter?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 31 to April 14. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in South Carolina
- ColumbiaMar 22
- FlorenceMar 19
- St. AndrewsMar 16
- LexingtonMar 25
- Moncks CornerMar 10
- SummervilleMar 22
- Goose CreekMar 7
- North CharlestonMar 7
- HanahanMar 7
- Rock HillMar 27
- ConwayMar 15
- Fort MillMar 31