Frost Dates for Sumter, SC
In Sumter, SC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 24 and the average first fall frost around Nov 7, for a growing season of about 230 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 7, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sumter, SC weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 177 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% | Apr 7 | Oct 28 |
| 20% | Apr 3 | Nov 1 |
| 30% | Mar 31 | Nov 2 |
| 40% | Mar 28 | Nov 5 |
| 50% | Mar 24 | Nov 7 |
| 60% | Mar 21 | Nov 10 |
| 70% | Mar 18 | Nov 14 |
| 80% | Mar 14 | Nov 19 |
| 90% | Mar 5 | Nov 26 |
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) | Apr 3 | Oct 31 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 24 | Nov 7 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 13 | Nov 21 |
Planting calendar for Sumter
Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Sow or transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Sow or transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Sow or transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Sow or transplant Feb 24 – Mar 10
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Oct 10
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Oct 3
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 12
Sow or transplant Feb 24 – Mar 10
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 26
Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 17
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 12
Plant Feb 24 – Mar 10
Based on the average last frost (Mar 24) and first frost (Nov 7). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.