Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Charleston, MS

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By April 21, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 10, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 3, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Feb 26 Feb 16 Feb 9 Feb 3 Jan 27 Jan 21 Jan 13 Jan 1 --
Last 20° Mar 10 Mar 1 Feb 23 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 8 Feb 2 Jan 27 Jan 16
Last 24° Mar 13 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 23 Feb 19 Feb 15 Feb 10 Feb 4
Last 28° Apr 1 Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 15 Mar 10 Mar 6 Mar 2 Feb 24 Feb 17
Last 32° Apr 13 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 22 Mar 17
Last 36° Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 12 Apr 10 Apr 8 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 30

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Charleston, MS, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around October 22, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 2, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 12, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past November 12 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Dec 3 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 27 Jan 2 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 28 --
First 20° Nov 20 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 17 Dec 22 Dec 28 Jan 5 Jan 16
First 24° Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 21
First 28° Oct 31 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 28 Dec 4
First 32° Oct 17 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 17
First 36° Oct 6 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 5

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.