Last frost date in Auburn, ME
The average last frost in Auburn is April 25. By May 6 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 19, which leaves 177 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 6
- Average first frost
- Oct 19
- Frost-free season
- 177 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 11
Frost likely tonight, low 30°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2230°frost
- FriOct 2324°hard freeze
- SatOct 2426°hard freeze
- SunOct 2530°frost
- MonOct 2636°possible frost
- TueOct 2730°frost
- WedOct 2832°frost
Planting calendar for Auburn
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Maine.
TomatoesMay 2–May 16
PumpkinsMay 9–May 23
SunflowersApr 25–May 16
CucumbersMay 9–May 16
CornMay 2–May 16
Sweet potatoesMay 16–May 30
WatermelonMay 9–May 23
Green beansMay 2–May 23
ZucchiniMay 2–May 16
OkraMay 16–May 30
PeppersMay 9–May 23
BasilMay 2–May 16
Butternut squashMay 2–May 16
CantaloupeMay 9–May 23
EggplantMay 9–May 23
PotatoesMar 28–Apr 11
OnionsMar 14–Apr 4
CarrotsApr 4–May 9
LettuceApr 11–May 2
BroccoliMar 28–Apr 11
BeetsMar 28–May 9
PeasMar 14–Mar 28
CabbageMar 28–Apr 11
RadishesMar 21–May 2
Brussels sproutsApr 11–Apr 25
SpinachMar 14–Apr 4
CilantroApr 11–May 2
KaleMar 28–Apr 11
Collard greensMar 28–Apr 11
TurnipsMar 28–Apr 11
DillApr 25–May 9
CeleryMay 2–May 9
CauliflowerApr 11–Apr 25
LeeksApr 11–Apr 25
Swiss chardApr 11–May 9
ParsleyApr 11–May 2
Tulip bulbsOct 5–Nov 9
GarlicSep 28–Nov 2
Daffodil bulbsSep 21–Nov 2
StrawberriesMar 28–Apr 11
AsparagusMar 28–Apr 11Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 25 | May 6 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 3 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 2 | Apr 11 | Apr 24 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Lewiston (USC00174566) sits 2.0 miles from the center of Auburn at 180 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Auburn, ME?
The average last frost date in Auburn is April 25, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 6.
When is the first frost in Auburn?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 19. One year in ten it arrives before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Auburn?
About 177 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Auburn?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 2 to May 16. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.