Soil Temperature in Maine
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Maine is 72°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 70°F to 73°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Maine with soil averaging 72°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Maine
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Maine. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Maine (2)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Maine. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Maine. See the Maine soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town 2 W | 70°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Limestone 4 NNW | 73°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Maine (15)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 04210 | 73°F |
| Augusta | 04330 | 70°F |
| Bangor | 04401 | 70°F |
| Biddeford | 04005 | 73°F |
| Castine | 04420 | 70°F |
| Freeport | 04032 | 73°F |
| Lewiston | 04240 | 73°F |
| Limestone | 04750 | 73°F |
| New Portland | 04954 | 70°F |
| Orono | 04469 | 70°F |
| Portland | 04101 | 73°F |
| Scarborough | 04070 | 73°F |
| South Portland | 04106 | 73°F |
| Waterville | 04901 | 70°F |
| Westbrook | 04092 | 73°F |
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Maine
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Maine
What is the current soil temperature in Maine?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Maine is 72°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 70°F to 73°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Maine?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Maine, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Maine?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.