Last frost date in Bangor, ME
In Bangor, the last spring frost comes around May 4 in an average year. Wait until May 17 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 4, which leaves 152 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 23 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 17
- Average first frost
- Oct 4
- Frost-free season
- 152 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 23
Hard freeze likely Fri night, low 25°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2234°possible frost
- FriOct 2325°hard freeze
- SatOct 2428°hard freeze
- SunOct 2533°possible frost
- MonOct 2636°possible frost
- TueOct 2729°frost
- WedOct 2833°possible frost
Planting calendar for Bangor
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Maine.
TomatoesMay 11–May 25
PumpkinsMay 18–Jun 1
SunflowersMay 4–May 25
CucumbersMay 18–May 25
CornMay 11–May 25
Sweet potatoesMay 25–Jun 8
WatermelonMay 18–Jun 1
Green beansMay 11–Jun 1
ZucchiniMay 11–May 25
OkraMay 25–Jun 8
PeppersMay 18–Jun 1
BasilMay 11–May 25
Butternut squashMay 11–May 25
CantaloupeMay 18–Jun 1
EggplantMay 18–Jun 1
PotatoesApr 6–Apr 20
OnionsMar 23–Apr 13
CarrotsApr 13–May 18
LettuceApr 20–May 11
BroccoliApr 6–Apr 20
BeetsApr 6–May 18
PeasMar 23–Apr 6
CabbageApr 6–Apr 20
RadishesMar 30–May 11
Brussels sproutsApr 20–May 4
SpinachMar 23–Apr 13
CilantroApr 20–May 11
KaleApr 6–Apr 20
Collard greensApr 6–Apr 20
TurnipsApr 6–Apr 20
DillMay 4–May 18
CeleryMay 11–May 18
CauliflowerApr 20–May 4
LeeksApr 20–May 4
Swiss chardApr 20–May 18
ParsleyApr 20–May 11
Tulip bulbsSep 20–Oct 25
GarlicSep 13–Oct 18
Daffodil bulbsSep 6–Oct 18
StrawberriesApr 6–Apr 20
AsparagusApr 6–Apr 20Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 24 | May 4 | May 17 | Sep 23 | Oct 4 | Oct 21 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 23 | May 4 | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 2 |
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 Bangor International Airport (USW00014606) sits 2.6 miles from the center of Bangor at 148 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 Bangor, ME?
The average last frost date in Bangor is May 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 17.
When is the first frost in Bangor?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 4. One year in ten it arrives before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Bangor?
About 152 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Bangor?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 11 to May 25. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.