The South Carolina year in pollen

When does ragweed season end in South Carolina?

Ragweed season in South Carolina typically ends with the first frost, around November 19. The coldest corners of the state see frost by mid-November; the mildest hold out until late December.

Ragweed keeps releasing pollen until a freeze kills the plants, which is why the season has no fixed end date — it ends when the cold arrives. More on how frost ends ragweed season.

Tree pollen in South Carolina

Tree pollen in South Carolina starts in mid-January, and eastern red cedar is usually first out. Oak — the bigger problem for most people — follows March to May. Mild springs pull the start earlier.

Grass season

Grass pollen in South Carolina runs April to September, heaviest early May to late June. Cool-season grasses flower in the first wave; warm-season grasses like Bermuda pick up through summer, which stretches the season. More on grass seasons.

First frost — and ragweed's end — city by city

The first frost sweeps across South Carolina over several weeks, and ragweed season ends with it. Based on 30 years of NOAA frost records (1991–2020).

Common questions

When does ragweed season end in South Carolina?

Ragweed season in South Carolina typically ends with the first frost, around November 19. The coldest corners of the state see frost by mid-November; the mildest hold out until late December.

When does allergy season end in South Carolina?

The last big wave of the South Carolina pollen year is ragweed, so the season ends with the first frost, around November 19. Tree pollen is done by May, grass mostly by September.

When does tree pollen start in South Carolina?

Tree pollen in South Carolina starts in mid-January, and eastern red cedar is usually first out. Oak — the bigger problem for most people — follows March to May. Mild springs pull the start earlier.