When Is the Best Time to Pour Concrete?

Mixing and pouring concrete are simple tasks that just about any DIYer can tackle, but there are a few important things to keep in mind regarding when you pour, which can affect the strength and longevity of your concrete slab. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best time to pour concrete and the risks of pouring in the wrong conditions.

When Is the Best Time to Pour Concrete?

The best time to pour concrete is when the temperature will remain between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the day and won’t dip below 40 or rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also choose a time of day when the sun won’t be directly beating on the fresh concrete and increasing evaporation and a day when there’s no rain or snow in the forecast for at least 48 hours.

Factors That Affect the Best Time to Pour Concrete

There are a few key things to consider when choosing the best time to pour concrete for the best results.

Time of Year and Location

First, think about the time of year and the climate in your area. For most homeowners, the late spring or early fall will most consistently have the right temperatures. For those in hotter climates, early spring, late fall, or even winter might be ideal. In colder climates, pouring concrete in the summer might be the only option.

Temperature and Climate

Your location mostly matters because of the temperature in your area. You want to choose a week with no risk of temperatures dipping below 40 degrees or rising above 90 degrees. Ideally, you’re looking for a window of 50 to 60 degrees.

You also need to consider the climate in your area. Avoid pouring concrete in the rainy season, as adding water to curing concrete can slow the curing process and create weaknesses in the slab.

Time of Day

Pouring concrete in warm weather under direct sunlight will increase your mixture's evaporation rate. If the concrete loses moisture too quickly, it won’t cure properly and will be much more likely to crack and crumble prematurely. Aim for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid exposure to intense sunlight.

The Worst Time to Pour Concrete

The worst time for most homeowners to pour concrete is in the dead of winter or the peak of summer. Pouring concrete in freezing temperatures will leave you with weaknesses in the slab and possible surface defects if the mixture freezes. Pouring concrete in the summer means a high potential for too-high temperatures and direct sunlight that speeds up evaporation and weakens the concrete.

On a smaller time scale, it’s also not a good idea to pour concrete in the rain or when rain is expected within the following 48 to 72 hours.

Risks of Pouring Concrete at the Wrong Time

Pouring concrete at the wrong time may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to structural weaknesses that cause your concrete to crack and crumble long before its expected lifespan—even if you choose the right type of concrete for the job. For structural concrete, like home or shed foundations, pouring at the wrong time could increase the risk of instability and major issues with the structures above.

The table below includes some concrete problems you’re more likely to see if you pour at the wrong time and average costs to fix them on a standard one-car driveway. This should put into perspective how important timing is for your concrete project.

Cost to Pour Concrete

It costs between $4 and $15 per square foot to hire a concrete contractor to pour concrete for you, which includes site preparation, installing rebar, building forms, mixing and pouring the concrete, and creating your desired finish. You’ll pay closer to the lower end of the range if you want a standard rectangular slab with an exposed aggregate finish. Polishing, broom finishing, or trowel finishing will push your total to between $3 and $7 per square foot. Installing stained or stamped concrete can cost as much as $15 per square foot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

If you’re comfortable building concrete forms out of wood, have some experience working with concrete, and have access to at least an on-site concrete mixer, you can mix and pour your own concrete to save between $1.50 and $7 per square foot on labor costs. As long as you pour concrete at the right temperature and in the right weather conditions, DIYing small projects like sidewalks and walkway squares isn’t too difficult.

For larger projects like concrete patios, more intricate jobs like home foundations, and more decorative finishes like stamped concrete, always hire a concrete driveway professional near you with access to a concrete mixer for the fastest installation and best results.