Last frost date in Sanford, ME
The average last frost in Sanford is May 16. By May 29 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about September 30, which leaves 136 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 18 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 29
- Average first frost
- Sep 30
- Frost-free season
- 136 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- May 2
Hard freeze likely Fri night, low 27°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2234°possible frost
- FriOct 2327°hard freeze
- SatOct 2429°frost
- SunOct 2535°possible frost
- MonOct 2639°
- TueOct 2733°possible frost
- WedOct 2835°possible frost
Planting calendar for Sanford
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Maine.
TomatoesMay 23–Jun 6
PumpkinsMay 30–Jun 13
SunflowersMay 16–Jun 6
CucumbersMay 30–Jun 6
CornMay 23–Jun 6
Sweet potatoesJun 6–Jun 20
WatermelonMay 30–Jun 13
Green beansMay 23–Jun 13
ZucchiniMay 23–Jun 6
OkraJun 6–Jun 20
PeppersMay 30–Jun 13
BasilMay 23–Jun 6
Butternut squashMay 23–Jun 6
CantaloupeMay 30–Jun 13
EggplantMay 30–Jun 13
PotatoesApr 18–May 2
OnionsApr 4–Apr 25
CarrotsApr 25–May 30
LettuceMay 2–May 23
BroccoliApr 18–May 2
BeetsApr 18–May 30
PeasApr 4–Apr 18
CabbageApr 18–May 2
RadishesApr 11–May 23
Brussels sproutsMay 2–May 16
SpinachApr 4–Apr 25
CilantroMay 2–May 23
KaleApr 18–May 2
Collard greensApr 18–May 2
TurnipsApr 18–May 2
DillMay 16–May 30
CeleryMay 23–May 30
CauliflowerMay 2–May 16
LeeksMay 2–May 16
Swiss chardMay 2–May 30
ParsleyMay 2–May 23
Tulip bulbsSep 16–Oct 21
GarlicSep 9–Oct 14
Daffodil bulbsSep 2–Oct 14
StrawberriesApr 18–May 2
AsparagusApr 18–May 2Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | May 2 | May 16 | May 29 | Sep 18 | Sep 30 | Oct 10 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 21 | May 2 | May 17 | Sep 28 | Oct 7 | Oct 24 |
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 Sanford 2 NNW (USC00177479) sits 2.6 miles from the center of Sanford at 289 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 Sanford, ME?
The average last frost date in Sanford is May 16, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 29.
When is the first frost in Sanford?
The first frost in fall usually comes around September 30. One year in ten it arrives before September 18.
How long is the growing season in Sanford?
About 136 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Sanford?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 23 to June 6. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.