diff --git a/esphome/components/apds9306/sensor.py b/esphome/components/apds9306/sensor.py
index 666cede7ff..e3780de425 100644
--- a/esphome/components/apds9306/sensor.py
+++ b/esphome/components/apds9306/sensor.py
@@ -63,8 +63,9 @@ CONFIG_SCHEMA = (
             cv.Optional(CONF_BIT_WIDTH, default="18"): cv.enum(
                 MEASUREMENT_BIT_WIDTHS, lower=True
             ),
-            cv.Optional(CONF_MEASUREMENT_RATE, default="100ms"): cv.enum(
-                MEASUREMENT_RATES, lower=True
+            cv.Optional(CONF_MEASUREMENT_RATE, default="100ms"): cv.All(
+                cv.positive_time_period_milliseconds, 
+                cv.enum(MEASUREMENT_RATES, int=True),
             ),
         }
     )