4-Inch Soil Temperature in South Carolina
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across South Carolina is 83°F, measured at 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 81°F to 85°F. Soil across South Carolina is right at the seasonal normal of 82°F for mid-August, based on 3 of 3 stations with historical records. Last updated August 9, 2026.
Why the 4-Inch Reading
Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations — not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.
Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in South Carolina (3)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Pee Dee (Darlington) | 85°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Youmans Farm (Hampton) | 84°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Blackville 3 W | 81°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in South Carolina (40)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Aiken | 29801 | 81°F |
| Anderson | 29621 | — |
| Beaufort | 29901 | 84°F |
| Boiling Springs | 29316 | — |
| Camden | 29020 | 85°F |
| Charleston | 29401 | 84°F |
| Clemson | 29631 | — |
| Columbia | 29201 | 81°F |
| Conway | 29526 | 85°F |
| Darlington | 29532 | 85°F |
| Duncan | 29334 | — |
| Easley | 29640 | — |
| Florence | 29501 | 85°F |
| Fort Mill | 29707 | — |
| Gaffney | 29340 | — |
| Georgetown | 29440 | 85°F |
| Greenville | 29601 | — |
| Greenwood | 29646 | 81°F |
| Greer | 29650 | — |
| Hartsville | 29550 | 85°F |
| Hilton Head Island | 29925 | 84°F |
| Hodges | 29653 | — |
| Johns Island | 29455 | 84°F |
| Jonesville | 29353 | — |
| Lancaster | 29720 | 85°F |
| Lexington | 29071 | 81°F |
| Mc Cormick | 29835 | 81°F |
| Mount Pleasant | 29464 | — |
| Myrtle Beach | 29572 | 85°F |
| North Augusta | 29841 | 81°F |
| North Charleston | 29405 | 84°F |
| North Myrtle Beach | 29582 | 85°F |
| Orangeburg | 29115 | 81°F |
| Rock Hill | 29730 | — |
| Seneca | 29672 | — |
| Simpsonville | 29680 | — |
| Spartanburg | 29301 | — |
| Summerville | 29483 | 84°F |
| Sumter | 29150 | 85°F |
| West Columbia | 29169 | 81°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for South Carolina
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in South Carolina?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across South Carolina is 83°F, measured at 3 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 81°F to 85°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across South Carolina is right at the seasonal normal of 82°F for mid-August, based on 3 of 3 stations with historical records.
What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?
The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.
Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?
Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.
See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full South Carolina soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.