Best Time To Visit Maine [MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE]

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When you’re planning a trip to Vacationland—dreaming of overflowing lobster rolls, lighthouses dotting a rocky coastline, countryside covered bridges, and going moose spotting in the woods—you want to be sure you’re picking the best time of year to visit.

I grew up with Maine as my backyard, and I can tell you that your visions of how spectacular it can be are entirely accurate.

Now that I no longer live in Maine, I have limited time that I get to spend there each year. So like you, I try to plan my trips around the absolute best time to visit Maine. Each season has its merits, but there are some months that are typically not very pleasant and others that can usually be counted on.

Quick Picks:

🥇 Overall best time of year to visit Maine: July through Mid-October✨ Overall best month to go to Maine: September (after Labor Day) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds🦞 Most popular time to visit Maine: July and August☀️ Best time for summer weather in Maine: July and August🌊 Best time of year to visit coastal Maine without crowds: May to mid-June, or September (after Labor Day)📅 Seasonal businesses open: Memorial Day through mid-October (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) // A few may close after Labor Day🍂 Best time to visit Maine for fall colors: Late September (northern Maine) to third week of October (coastal/southern Maine)👎 Worst time to visit Maine: April and November❄️ Best months for snow in Maine: January and February❔ Wildcard winter month: March

The best time to visit Maine varies depending on what you want to do and where you’re going. My favorite time of year is summer (especially early to mid-August), but for popular destinations I prefer shoulder season or off season.

In this post, you’ll find: details by month, highlights and downsides of each of the four seasons in Maine, as well as when to go to Maine for various activities.

Maine is a big state with varied elevation, so temperatures and weather can be quite different throughout the state. I’ve included average temperatures and snowfall* for each month for six locations around the state (head to the bottom of the post to see these towns on a map).

Trip Planning Resources

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Trip Planning Resources

✨ Find Hotels via Booking.com

✨ Search for Home Rentals via VRBO

✨ Book Tours + Attractions via GetYourGuide

Table of Contents

• What Is the Best Time to Visit Maine? (By Month)
  • Maine in January
  • Maine in February
  • Maine in March
  • Maine in April
  • Maine in May
  • Maine in June
  • Maine in July
  • Maine in August
  • Maine in September
  • Maine in October
  • Maine in November
  • Maine in December
• Maine Seasons (When Is the Best Time to Go?)
  • Visiting Maine in the Summer
  • Visiting Maine in the Fall
  • Visiting Maine in the Winter
  • Visiting Maine in the Spring
• 🦞️When to Go to Maine for Lobster
• 🍂When to Go to Maine for Fall Foliage
• 🐋When to Go to Maine for Whale Watching
• 🥾When to Go to Maine for Hiking
• 🌊When to Go to Maine for Whitewater Rafting
• Maine Map

What Is the Best Time to Visit Maine? (By Month)

Maine in January

January and February are the “dead of winter” months that bring a lot of snow and, often, bitter cold. There are a lot of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the winter—from winter festivals to enjoying the stillness of nature.

Come prepared for the snow and cold (or plan to stop at L.L. Bean), and you should have a great time.

January Events in Maine

• Snodeo in Rangeley (January 30–February 1, 2025)

Maine Weather in January

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 29 / 10 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 31 / 14 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 22 / 2 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 25/ 8 °F
• Portland, Maine: 33 / 16 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 23 / 2 °F

Celsius: These highs range from -5 to 0 °C / Lows range from -17 to -9 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 19″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 18″
• Jackman, Maine: 20″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 21″
• Portland, Maine: 18″
• Rangeley, Maine: 24″

Maine Weather in January

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snowfall
Bangor, Maine	29 °F	10 °F	19″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	31 °F	14 °F	18″
Jackman, Maine	22 °F	2 °F	20″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	25 °F	8 °F	21″
Portland, Maine	33 °F	16 °F	18″
Rangeley, Maine	23 °F	2 °F	24″
	These temps range from -5 to 0 °C	These temps range from -17 to -9 °C

Related: 101 Unforgettable Things to Do in Maine

Maine in February

February is “snow month” in Maine, but like January, it can still bring bitter cold. It’s a great time to visit for winter activities! A big highlight is the U.S. National Toboggan Championship at the Snowbowl in Camden.

One important note is that Maine school vacations fall during mid-February, so family-oriented activities may be more crowded with locals.

February Events in Maine

• U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden (February 6–8, 2026)
• Longfellow Days in Brunswick (February 2–28, 2025)

Maine Weather in February

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 32 / 11 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 33 / 14 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 26 / 2 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 29 / 9 °F
• Portland, Maine: 35 /17 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 27 / 1 °F

Celsius: These highs range from -4 to 2 °C / Lows range from -17 to -8 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 19″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 22″
• Jackman, Maine: 25″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 21″
• Portland, Maine: 18″
• Rangeley, Maine: 25″

Maine Weather in February

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snow
Bangor, Maine	32 °F	11 °F	19″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	33 °F	14 °F	22″
Jackman, Maine	26 °F	2 °F	25″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	29 °F	9 °F	21″
Portland, Maine	35 °F	17 °F	18″
Rangeley, Maine	27 °F	1 °F	25″
	These temps range from -4 to 2 °C	These temps range from -17 to -8 °C

Maine in March

Oy, March in Maine can be a bear. I remember loathing March when I was a teenager, and I’ve confirmed with friends who still live in Maine that my memories of it being awful are accurate. Descriptions used by some of my friends for this awkward in-between month: blah, cold, wet, dead, icky, windy, and lasts forever.

March and November are consistently voted as the worst months in Maine by Mainers.

Part of my disdain for March probably had to do with living in Maine and the fact that I had been shivering for 4+ months by the time it rolled around and I JUST WANTED TO SEE SOMETHING GREEN ALREADY.

Visiting Maine in March may not be so bad, but it largely depends on when in March you go, what part of the state you visit (western and northern Maine are more likely to have snow than the coast), and the particular temperament of that year’s winter.

Snow sports lovers enjoy the warmer temps (read: less extreme cold) combined with a decent chance of still having snow on the ground. It’s a lot more enjoyable to spend the day snowboarding if it’s not -20° F.

The end of March starts to get into mud season (read on in April for more). It’s also usually the month for maple tree tapping, although this can start as early as February and spill over into April.

So, in a nutshell: March in Maine is complicated and highly unpredictable.

March Events in Maine

• Maine Restaurant Week (March 1–12, 2025) is a great time to explore the culinary scene in Portland and southern Maine.
• Maine Maple Weekend (March 22–23, 2025) takes place on the fourth weekend of March every year, and sugarhouses all over the state open their doors to offer samples, tours, demonstrations, and other activities to the public.
• Free Snowmobile Weekend (March 7–9, 2025) is a weekend that allows people with registered snowmobiles in other states or provinces to snowmobile in Maine for free.

Maine Weather in March

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 41 / 21 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 41 / 22 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 35 / 12 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 38 / 19 °F
• Portland, Maine: 43 / 26 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 36 / 10 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 2 to 6 °C / Lows range from -12 to -4 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 12″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 14″
• Jackman, Maine: 18″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 15″
• Portland, Maine: 11″
• Rangeley, Maine: 22″

Maine Weather in March

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snow
Bangor, Maine	41 °F	21 °F	12″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	41 °F	22 °F	14″
Jackman, Maine	35 °F	12 °F	18″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	38 °F	19 °F	15″
Portland, Maine	43 °F	26 °F	11″
Rangeley, Maine	36 °F	10 °F	22″
	These temps range from 2 to 6 °C	These temps range from -12 to -4 °C

Got a trip to Maine on your wish list? Pin this post to your travel board on Pinterest to keep it bookmarked!

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Maine in April

Affectionately dubbed “mud season” due to the ground (finally!) thawing and the snow melting, April in Maine is a slog to get through. River banks overflow and everything is brown (including the still-melting, 20-foot snow banks in grocery store parking lots).

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting in April. It’s my least favorite month, and you won’t get to experience most of what makes Maine incredible.

However, one notable event draws outdoor adventure lovers from all over the country to inland Maine: the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race. It’s the largest paddling event in New England and has been running for more than 50 years.

Another race to check out is the Smalls to the Wall whitewater kayak race at Smalls Falls (one of my favorite places in Maine).

Coastal Maine is still chilly at this time but may be nicer than inland Maine, especially late April, thanks to the tempering effect of the ocean. Some locals love late April through mid-May in Acadia National Park because spring is in the air, and there aren’t many visitors on the island yet.

April Events in Maine

• Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race (April 19, 2025) in the Bangor area
• Smalls to the Wall (April 19, 2025) near Rangeley

Maine Weather in April

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 53 / 33 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 52 / 32 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 48 / 26 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 51 / 31 °F
• Portland, Maine: 54 / 35 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 49 / 25 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 9 to 12 °C / Lows range from -4 to 2 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 5″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 5″
• Jackman, Maine: 9″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 6″
• Portland, Maine: 3″
• Rangeley, Maine: 8″

Average Total Precipitation (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 4″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 4″
• Jackman, Maine: 3″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 3″
• Portland, Maine: 3″
• Rangeley, Maine: 3″

Maine Weather in April

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snow	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	53 °F	33 °F	5″	4″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	52 °F	32 °F	5″	4″
Jackman, Maine	48 °F	26 °F	9″	3″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	51 °F	31 °F	6″	3″
Portland, Maine	54 °F	35 °F	3″	5″
Rangeley, Maine	49 °F	25 °F	8″	3″
	These temps range from 9 to 12 °C	These temps range from -4 to 2 °C

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Maine in May

May in Maine is the month that feels decidedly “spring” to me. While often still chilly, especially in early May, this is a good time of year to visit coastal Maine without the crowds.

Keep in mind that some seasonal businesses in towns that rely on summer tourism don’t open up until Memorial Day weekend. This doesn’t mean it’s a ghost town everywhere, but it’s possible you won’t be able to do everything on your Maine bucket list.

Another note: black flies—which are like little gnats that bite—start to emerge during May.

May is also fiddlehead season in Maine. Fiddleheads are the still-rolled-up fronds of a baby fern that are harvested and cooked as a vegetable dish.

They grow everywhere in the spring, and it’s a very Maine thing to pull over to the side of the road to pick some when you spot a good patch. Whether you go foraging for them yourself, or try a local chef’s take on this rustic delicacy, fiddleheads are a must for your spring trip to Maine!

If you enjoy spring weather and want to beat the summer crowds, May is a nice time to go to Maine. I would personally aim for at least mid-May but before Memorial Day.

May Events in Maine

• Fiddlehead Festival in Farmington (May 3, 2025)
• Fiddlehead Foraging at Pineland Farms (first two weeks of May 2025)
• Fiddlers and Fiddlehead Festival at the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum (May 17, 2025)

Maine Weather in May

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 66 / 43 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 63 / 42 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 62 / 39 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 65 / 42 °F
• Portland, Maine: 64 / 45 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 63 / 37 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 17 to 19 °C / Lows range from 3 to 7 °C

Average Total Precipitation (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 3″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 4″
• Jackman, Maine: 4″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 3″
• Portland, Maine: 4″
• Rangeley, Maine: 4″

Maine Weather in May

Location	Average High	Average Low	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	66 °F	43 °F	3″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	63 °F	42 °F	4″
Jackman, Maine	62 °F	39 °F	4″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	65 °F	42 °F	3″
Portland, Maine	64 °F	45 °F	4″
Rangeley, Maine	63 °F	37 °F	4″
	These temps range from 17 to 19 °C	These temps range from 3 to 7 °C

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Maine in June

June can be hit-or-miss with temperatures. You may get blessed with summery weather, but it can still be chilly at times and isn’t usually hot.

Mid-June brings lupine season—a gorgeous display of pink and purple wildflowers across the state.

Late June is the start of strawberry season, and there are some amazing growers throughout the state.

This month also welcomes two of the most loathed bugs: black flies and June bugs.

In case you’re not acquainted with a June bug, this writer puts it best: “Surely the serenity of the first month of summer merits a harbinger of refinement and delicacy. Instead, it is proclaimed by June bugs — boisterous, rowdy blunderers that bang on the screens, thump at the doors, and whirl around porch lights as though intoxicated by the import of their message.” (Vincent G. Dethier from New England Today Living)

While it’s not my top pick for weather, June is still a good time to visit before the heavy vacation season hits in July and August. Visit in early June before the kids are out of school to catch coastal Maine without as many crowds.

June Events in Maine

• Acadia Birding Festival (May 29–June 1, 2025)

Maine Weather in June

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 74 / 52 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 71 / 51 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 71 / 49 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 74 / 52 °F
• Portland, Maine: 73 / 55 ° F
• Rangeley, Maine: 71 / 48 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 22 to 23 °C / Lows range from 9 to 13 °C

Average Total Precipitation (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 4″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 5″
• Jackman, Maine: 5″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 4″
• Portland, Maine: 4″
• Rangeley, Maine: 4″

Maine Weather in June

Location	Average High	Average Low	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	74 °F	52 °F	4″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	71 °F	51 °F	5″
Jackman, Maine	71 °F	49 °F	5″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	74 °F	52 °F	4″
Portland, Maine	73 °F	55 °F	4″
Rangeley, Maine	71 °F	48 °F	4″
	These temps range from 22 to 23 °C	These temps range from 9 to 13 °C

Maine in July

July is a popular month for travel in Maine, and it’s a great time to head to the beach, go hiking, or do anything outside.

While popular spots are crowded, this is one of my favorite times to be in Maine. (August inches out July for pure summer vibes in my book.)

July is usually warm, sometimes hot and humid, and sometimes chilly.

Even during the warmest months in Maine, I recommend packing a sweatshirt and being prepared for temperature changes. ✨ Head here for my Maine summer packing guide.

Strawberry season usually lasts into the beginning of July, which means delicious, in-season strawberry shortcake on July 4th. (Seriously, try it. You will not regret your decision.)

July is also the start of raspberry and blackberry season, both of which you might find growing wild.

July Events in Maine

• Clam Festival in Yarmouth (July 18–20, 2025)
• Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival on Moosehead Lake (July 23–28, 2025)

Maine Weather in July

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 80 / 59 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 78 / 58 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 76 / 55 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 79 / 59 °F
• Portland, Maine: 79 / 61 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 77 / 53 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 25 to 27 °C / Lows range from 12 to 16 °C

Average Total Precipitation (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 3″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 3″
• Jackman, Maine: 4″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 4″
• Portland, Maine: 4″
• Rangeley, Maine: 4″

Maine Weather in July

Location	Average High	Average Low	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	80 °F	59 °F	3″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	78 °F	58 °F	3″
Jackman, Maine	76 °F	55 °F	4″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	79 °F	59 °F	4″
Portland, Maine	79 °F	61 °F	4″
Rangeley, Maine	77 °F	53 °F	4″
	These temps range from 25 to 27 °C	These temps range from 12 to 16 °C

Maine in August

August brings generally warm weather in Maine, but it tends to not be quite as humid or rainy as July. It’s also the most popular month for tourism on the coast, which means expensive rates and booked out accommodations.

This is the conundrum of traveling to Maine in the summer. It’s amazing, and everyone knows it—so it’s crowded.

Despite the popularity, this is my favorite month to visit. And there are plenty of places to avoid the crowds (even near Acadia).

Early August is wild blueberry season, and please believe me when I tell you that you haven’t had a blueberry until you’ve had a wild blueberry. I recommend eating them with abandon. (Note that some places, for some strange reason, serve high-bush blueberries, so be sure that what you’re getting are wild Maine blueberries.)

Read More: Wondering what to pack for Maine in August? Head here for my Maine summer packing guide!

August Events in Maine

• Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland (July 30–August 3, 2025)
• Wild Blueberry Festival in Machias (August 15–17, 2025)

Maine Weather in August

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 79 / 57 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 77 / 57 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 75 / 53 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 78 / 57 °F
• Portland, Maine: 79 / 60 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 75 / 51 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 24 to 26 °C / Lows range from 11 to 15 °C

Average Total Precipitation (inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 3″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 4″
• Jackman, Maine: 4″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 4″
• Portland, Maine: 4″
• Rangeley, Maine: 4″

Maine Weather in August

Location	Average High	Average Low	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	79 °F	57 °F	3″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	77 °F	57 °F	4″
Jackman, Maine	75 °F	53 °F	4″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	78 °F	57 °F	4″
Portland, Maine	79 °F	60 °F	4″
Rangeley, Maine	75 °F	51 °F	4″
	These temps range from 24 to 26 °C	These temps range from 11 to 15 °C

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Maine in September

Some Mainers say September is the perfect month to visit Maine.

The weeks after Labor Day but before fall foliage are prime—kids are back in school, the warm weather often lingers, and most of the summer’s humidity has dissipated.

Later in the month, the air starts to get crisp and chilly.

September also brings apple season, and there’s simply nothing like fresh, cold apple cider on a fall day!

Plus, there are several big events in September that are worth planning a trip around.

Note that if you’re looking for fall foliage, you probably won’t catch it just yet unless you head far north.

September Events in Maine

• Seaplane Fly-In on Moosehead Lake
• Common Ground Country Fair in Unity (September 19–21, 2025)

Maine Weather in September

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 72 / 49 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 70 / 50 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 68 / 44 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 70 / 48 °F
• Portland, Maine: 72 / 52 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 69 / 44 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 20 to 22 °C / Lows range from 7 to 11 °C

Average Total Precipitation (inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 4″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 4″
• Jackman, Maine: 3″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 4″
• Portland, Maine: 4″
• Rangeley, Maine: 3″

Maine Weather in September

Location	Average High	Average Low	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	72 °F	49 °F	4″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	70 °F	50 °F	4″
Jackman, Maine	68 °F	44 °F	3″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	70 °F	48 °F	4″
Portland, Maine	72 °F	52 °F	4″
Rangeley, Maine	69 °F	44 °F	3″
	These temps range from 20 to 22 °C	These temps range from 7 to 11 °C

Maine in October

This is the month for leaf peeping in Maine! 🍂

October is the best time to visit for fall colors. Some areas and higher elevations may reach peak color in late September, but many parts of Maine are best in early to mid-October.

This is still a great month to get outdoors (from fall hikes to even rafting), though you should be prepared for chilly, crisp temperatures.

October Events in Maine

• Harvest on the Harbor – Maine’s annual food and drink festival in Portland (2025 dates TBA)

Maine Weather in October

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 59 / 39 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 59 / 40 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 54 / 35 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 57 / 38 °F
• Portland, Maine: 60 / 41 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 55 / 34 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 12 to 15 °C / Lows range from 1 to 5 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 1″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 0″
• Jackman, Maine: 3″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 0″
• Portland, Maine: 0″
• Rangeley, Maine: 3″

Average Total Precipitation (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 5″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 5″
• Jackman, Maine: 4″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 5″
• Portland, Maine: 5″
• Rangeley, Maine: 5″

Maine Weather in October

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snow	Precipitation
Bangor, Maine	59 °F	39 °F	1″	5″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	59 °F	40 °F	0″	5″
Jackman, Maine	54 °F	35 °F	3″	4″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	57 °F	38 °F	0″	5″
Portland, Maine	60 °F	41 °F	0″	5″
Rangeley, Maine	55 °F	34 °F	3″	5″
	These temps range from 12 to 16 °C	These temps range from 1 to 5 °C

Maine in November

November is another oddball month (like April) that doesn’t fit neatly in one season. It’s not really fall but not quite winter.

It’s definitely an awkward in-between month that tends to be brown and dreary because the leaves are generally gone and there isn’t typically snow because the deep winter cold hasn’t set in yet.

I don’t typically visit in November apart from Thanksgiving (and we had a Nor’easter the last time I did!), but at least one friend has confirmed that this is one of the worst months of the year in Maine.

While it’s not a top pick, you may consider early November in southern or coastal Maine if you’re not coming from far away and just looking for an inexpensive weekend getaway.

Maine Weather in November

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 46 / 29 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 46 / 29 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 41 / 24 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 43 / 28 °F
• Portland, Maine: 49 / 31 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 41 / 24 °F

Celsius: These highs range from 5 to 9 °C / Lows range from -5 to 0 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 5″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 5″
• Jackman, Maine: 7″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 7″
• Portland, Maine: 3″
• Rangeley, Maine: 9″

Average Total Precipitation (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 4″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 5″
• Jackman, Maine: 3″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 4″
• Portland, Maine: 4″
• Rangeley, Maine: 3″

Maine Weather in November

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snow	Precipitation
Bangor	46 °F	29 °F	5″	4″
Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park)	46 °F	29 °F	5″	5″
Jackman	41 °F	24 °F	7″	3″
Millinocket (Baxter State Park)	43 °F	28 °F	7″	4″
Portland	49 °F	31 °F	3″	4″
Rangeley	41 °F	24 °F	9″	3″
	These temps range from 5 to 9 °C	These temps range from -5 to 0 °C

Maine in December

December can be hit or miss with snow, so a white Christmas isn’t a guarantee.

However, skiing opens at Sugarloaf and Sunday River in November, so you should be able to catch some snow on the mountain if you’re planning a ski vacation.

There are also lots of delightful New England Christmas vibes on the coast with beautiful light displays and events. The Gardens Aglow light show is a worthwhile stop if you’re visiting in December!

December Events in Maine

• Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport (December 4–14, 2025)
• Gardens Aglow light show at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (throughout December 2025)

Maine Weather in December

Average Temperature High / Low:

• Bangor, Maine: 35 / 17 °F
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 36 / 20 °F
• Jackman, Maine: 28 / 11 °F
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 31 / 16 °F
• Portland, Maine: 38 / 22 °F
• Rangeley, Maine: 29 / 11 °F

Celsius: These highs range from -2 to 3 °C / Lows range from -12 to -6 °C

Average Snowfall (Inches):

• Bangor, Maine: 15″
• Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park): 13″
• Jackman, Maine: 23″
• Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park): 20″
• Portland, Maine: 15″
• Rangeley, Maine: 28″

Maine Weather in December

Location	Average High	Average Low	Snowfall
Bangor, Maine	35 °F	17 °F	15″
Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park)	36 °F	20 °F	13″
Jackman, Maine	28 °F	11 °F	23″
Millinocket, Maine (Baxter State Park)	31 °F	16 °F	20″
Portland, Maine	38 °F	22 °F	15″
Rangeley, Maine	29 °F	11 °F	28″
	These temps range from -2 to 3 °C	These temps range from -12 to -6 °C

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Maine Seasons (When Is the Best Time to Go?)

Visiting Maine in the Summer

Ahhh….summer. This is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year in Maine. The months of July and August are particularly wonderful—from strawberry shortcake on July 4th to wild blueberry season to gorgeous camping and hiking weather. Throw in a lobster bake while watching the sunset over a lake, listening to the call of loons floating across the water, and it’s all pretty spectacular.

BEST FOR: Maine summers are typically warm and mild, though they do see some humidity as well as random cool spells.

This makes a summer vacation in Maine perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, swimming, water skiing, biking, rafting, kayaking, or sailing.

All areas of Maine have pleasant weather in mid- to late summer, so if you don’t want to be holed up in the air conditioning all day, the Pine Tree State is a perfect summer getaway.

WATCH OUT FOR: Popular coastal areas are inevitably more crowded during the summer, and this is the time of year that you’ll come the closest to anything resembling a traffic jam in Maine.

Bugs are also a nuisance, but given that Maine doesn’t have terrifying lake creatures, nor any poisonous critters, I don’t mind swatting away some mosquitoes and black flies. They’re less of a problem on the coast than inland, but it’s important to keep your tolerance level in mind.

Read More

Avoid the Maine Summer Crowds

If you want to enjoy peak summer weather and vibes without the crowds, check out these posts for alternatives to the most popular places!

Escape the Acadia Crowds

12 under-the-radar spots nearby

5 Reasons to Visit Deer Isle

A Must visit on the Maine coast

8 Beautiful Inland Maine Spots

(That might make you forget about the coast!)

Visiting Maine in the Fall

Experiencing New England in the fall is a bucket list item for many people—for good reason.

Whether taking a leisurely drive along a scenic byway, enjoying sweeping views of Maine’s wilderness from a mountain summit, or leaf peeping from a plane, fall is an amazing time to visit Maine.

BEST FOR: Of course, leaf peepers love the gorgeous display of colors in late September and October across the state. But fall colors aren’t the only reason to visit Maine in autumn. Even as the air starts to get cooler, it’s still a lovely time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, biking, or whitewater rafting.

Fall is a great time to visit if you enjoy the outdoors. All areas of Maine are lovely at this time of year, but keep in mind that foliage peaks at very different times around the state. This site has some some general guidelines for the best fall colors based on region, as well as a helpful fall foliage map.

WATCH OUT FOR: Later in the fall season, seasonal businesses in tourist-heavy locations will begin to close for the winter. October and November can bring a bit more rainfall than the summer months as well.

Visiting Maine in the Winter

With a strong possibility of snow during a third of the year, Mainers know how to have fun in the winter.

(Or…they at least know how to survive it. The viral Facebook post from the Bangor Police Department even shows that they can laugh about it.)

BEST FOR: Winter is a great time to visit for travelers who love cold weather sports or those who want to skip the summer crowds.

There are two large ski resorts in western Maine, plus plenty of opportunities for snowmobiling (with 14,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails), snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding.

Head west and north for winter sports, stay in Portland for a little city life, or go to Acadia National Park or elsewhere on the coast for a serene winter getaway (read below for a note of caution).

WATCH OUT FOR: Many small businesses in touristy areas (like Acadia National Park and the southern beaches) are seasonal, so you won’t find as many dining or lodging options between November and May. That’s not to say it’s a ghost town, but I recommend a little extra research and checking directly with businesses you’d like to visit.

What about driving in the snow?

Unless you’re driving during a snowstorm, road conditions should be okay in most places, though a vehicle with snow tires and AWD or 4WD is useful. The roads are kept well-plowed, and they do so quickly during and after a storm.

If you’re concerned, you can find out about current road conditions here. It’s always a good idea to have plenty of gas, blankets, flashlights, and other emergency supplies in case you break down.

I also recommend keeping your windshield washer fluid full because the roads are treated with sand, not just salt, and your windshield will get dirty fast. Also, watch out for orange flags or signs on the sides of back roads that indicate frost heaves—you might otherwise be taken by surprise at what seems like a randomly placed speed bump!

Visiting Maine in the Spring

There’s nothing like the feeling of starting to see green emerge after a long winter. And watching the mercury rise above the 50° Fahrenheit mark is cause for breaking out the T-shirts from winter storage and driving around town with the windows rolled down.

That’s how Mainers feel about the spring months…but what about visiting Maine in the springtime?

BEST FOR: While it’s not what I would consider the best time to go to Maine, the spring off-season brings the benefit of less crowds, bearable (albeit still cool) temperatures, and not as many bugs as summer months. It’s also a nice time to start seeing wildlife, as well as the start of the fishing season.

WATCH OUT FOR: Many small businesses in touristy areas (like Acadia National Park and the southern beaches) will still be closed in early spring, though they start to open up throughout April and May. By Memorial Day, everything should be up and running for the summer season.

Spring and early summer months are also known by locals as “construction season,” so be aware that this may make some travel more challenging or detract from your enjoyment.

Also, excessive amounts of mud. (See the April section for more about “mud season.”)

🦞️When to Go to Maine for Lobster

Of course, the question on many people’s mind is: What’s the best time to visit Maine for lobster?

First, it’s important to understand the difference between soft shell and hard shell lobster.

Hard shell lobster are firm and have lots of meat per lobster. As the weather warms, they shed this shell as they outgrow it, and their new shell is soft and spacious—meaning these soft shell lobsters have less meat per lobster.

Soft shell are considered a delicacy and the meat itself is sweeter and more tender than hard shell. As the lobster continues to grow, its shell hardens over time and the molting process continues.

Another difference between soft shell and hard shell lobsters: when cracking open a whole lobster, you’ll definitely need nutcrackers for hard shell, while soft shell can often be given a little crack and split open with your hands.

So is there a lobster season in Maine?

While lobster can be harvested year round off Maine’s coast, harsh weather and migration farther off shore make the winter months of late December through March difficult—limiting the supply and increasing the price. Late spring is a bit better, with “lobster season” starting to kick off.

During May, the demand isn’t very high since summer tourists haven’t arrived, so you’ll find good prices on hard shell lobster.

In the summer, the lobster move closer to shore and begin to shed their shells.

This is when most of us (myself included) think of indulging in a perfectly sweet lobster roll or having a lobster bake. Starting in July through early fall, soft shell lobster are plentiful, while hard shell are more expensive.

By late September through late November or early December, the hard shell supply is excellent and there’s less demand from tourists, so prices are still pretty good before winter really sets in.

With all this in mind, the best time to visit Maine for lobster is July–September, as you’ll be able to get plenty of delicate soft shell lobster, and you can still get hard shell if that’s what you prefer.

🍂When to Go to Maine for Fall Foliage

Maine puts on a pretty spectacular display of color in the fall, and it’s a popular time to visit.

So when do the leaves change in Maine?

The northern part of the state sees peak fall color in late September and early October. In central and western Maine, leaves are changing during the second and third weeks of October. And on the coast, peak fall color is generally the third week of October. This site has some some general guidelines for the best fall colors based on region, and you can find a Maine fall foliage map here.

🐋When to Go to Maine for Whale Watching

Admittedly, I have mixed feelings about whale watching in Maine…mostly because my experience as a kid involved an underwhelming amount of marine life and enough motion sickness to warrant my grandfather’s teasing about feeding the fish. (Thankfully, I didn’t get that sick—and it’s probably about time that I give whale watching another chance.)

For many visitors to coastal Maine, whale watching is as much a part of a summer vacation as a fresh lobster roll on the docks. Maine has a lot of coastline and its ocean waters are host to many types of whales—Humpbacks, Finbacks, Minkes, and more.

While whales are in Maine waters from mid-April/May–October, the best time for whale watching tours in Maine is during June, July, and August. You might also spot some North Atlantic Puffins in mid-June through August.

🥾When to Go to Maine for Hiking

If you can’t choose between mountains and ocean views, head to Acadia National Park from July through October for great coastal hikes.

Prefer a more mountainous landscape? Central and western Maine have you covered: try Mount Katahdin (Maine’s highest peak) for a great challenge, the Bigelow Range, or the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit.

The best hiking weather is from July through October.

🌊When to Go to Maine for Whitewater Rafting

When it comes to rafting in Maine, thrill seekers won’t be disappointed.

There are several rivers to choose from: Dead River, Kennebec River, and Penobscot River. They are all dam-controlled, which means you’ll have guaranteed water flow throughout the rafting season.

The Kennebec has Class 2–4 rapids and daily releases from May–October. Four of those are high water releases of 8,000 CFS.

The Dead River has eight releases each season during May–October and Class 3–5 rapids.

The Penobscot also has daily releases from late May–September and Class 3–5 rapids.

For the most exciting rapids, go in May and June to catch the spring runoff. For warmer weather, July and August are usually great (go during the week if you want to miss the party crowd). And for fall foliage and fewer crowds, September and October are ideal.

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Maine Map

Notes about weather data

Source: Weather.gov (Portland, Jackman, and Rangeley are part of GYX Region // Bangor, Millinocket, and Bar Harbor are part of CAR Region)

Most data points are an average of more than 20 years (2000–24). However, some towns/areas only had 13 years of data. Additionally, some towns had more than one source of data, and Bar Harbor did not have its own data. The following were used for the towns represented in this post:

• Bangor: Bangor Area
• Bar Harbor: East Surry (the closest town with data available—past 13 years)
• Jackman: Jackman
• Millinocket: Millinocket Area for temperature and precipitation // Millinocket WWTP, ME for snowfall data (past 13 years)
• Portland: Portland Area
• Rangeley: Rangeley

What’s top on your list of things you’d like to see in Maine? When would you most like to visit? Let me know in the comments!