Frost Dates for Bangor, ME

In Bangor, ME, the average last spring frost is around May 4 and the average first fall frost around Oct 4, for a growing season of about 152 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 17, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMay 450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 17only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 450% chance of frost before this date
Growing season152 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Bangor Intl. Airport, ME weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 148 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.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 17Sep 23
20%May 13Sep 27
30%May 9Sep 30
40%May 7Oct 2
50%May 4Oct 4
60%May 2Oct 7
70%Apr 30Oct 10
80%Apr 27Oct 14
90%Apr 24Oct 21

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.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)May 17Sep 25
Frost / freeze (32°F)May 4Oct 4
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 23Oct 17

Planting calendar for Bangor

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant May 11 – May 25
Peppers
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Basil
Indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6
Transplant May 11 – May 25
Cucumbers
Indoors Apr 6 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant May 11 – May 25
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Apr 6 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant May 11 – May 25
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow May 11 – May 25
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Apr 6 – Apr 13
Sow or transplant May 18 – Jun 1
Green beans
Sow May 11 – May 25
Sweet corn
Sow May 11 – May 25
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Sep 6
Spinach
Sow Mar 23 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 30
Peas
Sow Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Kale
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 23
Broccoli
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Cabbage
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Carrots
Sow Apr 13 – May 4
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Radishes
Sow Mar 30 – Apr 20
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 13
Beets
Sow Apr 13 – May 4
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Plant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Potatoes
Plant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Garlic
Plant Oct 4 – Nov 1

Based on the average last frost (May 4) and first frost (Oct 4). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

LewistonAuburnPortlandSouth PortlandAll Maine towns