Frost Dates for Hilton Head Island, SC
In Hilton Head Island, SC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 3 and the average first fall frost around Dec 9, for a growing season of about 282 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 20, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Beaufort Wwtp, SC weather station, 14 miles away, elevation 25 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 20 | Nov 21 |
| 20% | Mar 14 | Nov 28 |
| 30% | Mar 9 | Dec 1 |
| 40% | Mar 6 | Dec 5 |
| 50% | Mar 3 | Dec 9 |
| 60% | Feb 28 | Dec 14 |
| 70% | Feb 22 | Dec 20 |
| 80% | Feb 13 | Dec 27 |
| 90% | Feb 2 | Jan 4 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 16 | Nov 26 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 3 | Dec 9 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 9 | Dec 28 |
Planting calendar for Hilton Head Island
Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Sow or transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Fall sowing Oct 14 – Nov 11
Fall sowing Oct 14 – Nov 4
Fall sowing Sep 30 – Oct 14
Sow or transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Fall sowing Sep 30 – Oct 28
Transplant Feb 17 – Mar 3
Fall sowing Sep 16 – Sep 30
Transplant Feb 10 – Feb 24
Fall sowing Sep 16 – Sep 30
Fall sowing Sep 16 – Sep 30
Fall sowing Oct 28 – Nov 18
Fall sowing Sep 30 – Oct 14
Plant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Based on the average last frost (Mar 3) and first frost (Dec 9). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.