Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s rugged coast, offers dramatically different experiences each season. From snowy, quiet winter trails to vibrant fall colors and breezy summer days, understanding Acadia’s monthly weather is essential for planning a safe and enjoyable visit.
This guide breaks down Acadia National Park weather month-by-month, explains what conditions to expect, and recommends the best activities for each period.
January: Cold, Snowy Winter
- Average high: 30°F (-1°C)
- Average low: 14°F (-10°C)
- Conditions: Heavy snow, icy roads, short daylight.
- What it’s like: January is one of the coldest months. Many roads, including sections of the Park Loop Road, are closed.
- Best for: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, quiet photography.
February: Deep Winter, Very Quiet
- Average high: 32°F (0°C)
- Average low: 15°F (-9°C)
- Conditions: Snowstorms still common; icy trail conditions.
- What it’s like: Similar to January but slightly brighter. Crowds are minimal.
- Best for: Winter hiking (with spikes), sunrise photography at Cadillac Mountain.
March: Transition Toward Spring
- Average high: 39°F (4°C)
- Average low: 23°F (-5°C)
- Conditions: Snow begins melting; muddy trails.
- What it’s like: Winter lingers, but sunny days become more frequent.
- Best for: Scenic drives (where accessible), early wildlife sightings.
April: Chilly, Wet Spring
- Average high: 49°F (9°C)
- Average low: 32°F (0°C)
- Conditions: Rain, fog, and mud are common.
- What it’s like: Not yet peak hiking season—spring arrives late in coastal Maine.
- Best for: Lighthouse visits, photography, quiet walks.
May: Crisp Weather, Spring Blooms
- Average high: 60°F (15°C)
- Average low: 41°F (5°C)
- Conditions: Cool and breezy; occasional rain.
- What it’s like: Trails begin to fully open; crowds are still low.
- Best for: Hiking, birdwatching, biking Carriage Roads.
June: Pleasant Early Summer
- Average high: 68°F (20°C)
- Average low: 50°F (10°C)
- Conditions: Warm days, cool nights, increasing sunshine.
- What it’s like: One of the best times to visit before peak summer crowds.
- Best for: Hiking, kayaking, sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light.
July: Warmest Month, Great for Outdoor Activities
- Average high: 75°F (24°C)
- Average low: 55°F (13°C)
- Conditions: Warm, mostly dry; perfect for ocean activities.
- What it’s like: Blue skies, long days, and peak visitation.
- Best for: Swimming at Sand Beach, hiking Beehive and Precipice, boating.
August: Summer at Its Peak
- Average high: 75°F (24°C)
- Average low: 56°F (13°C)
- Conditions: Warm days, comfortable nights, little rain.
- What it’s like: Similar to July; highly popular month.
- Best for: All major hikes, wildlife watching, biking the Carriage Roads.
September: Cool, Comfortable, Fantastic Weather
- Average high: 68°F (20°C)
- Average low: 49°F (9°C)
- Conditions: Less humidity, crisp mornings.
- What it’s like: One of the best months to visit Acadia. Crowds begin to shrink.
- Best for: Hiking Jordan Pond, photography, driving Park Loop Road.
October: Peak Fall Colors
- Average high: 57°F (14°C)
- Average low: 39°F (4°C)
- Conditions: Cool and colorful; some windy days.
- What it’s like: Fall foliage is spectacular from early to mid-October.
- Best for: Leaf-peeping, hiking North Bubble, scenic drives.
November: Cold and Quiet
- Average high: 46°F (8°C)
- Average low: 31°F (-1°C)
- Conditions: Rain, early snow, cold winds.
- What it’s like: Tourism drops sharply. Many services close for the season.
- Best for: Peaceful nature walks, photography (bare landscapes).
December: Start of Winter
- Average high: 35°F (2°C)
- Average low: 19°F (-7°C)
- Conditions: Snowfall begins; icy conditions possible.
- What it’s like: Quiet, cold, and beautiful with winter scenery.
- Best for: Winter hiking (with gear), snowshoeing.
Best Time to Visit Acadia Based on Weather
- Best overall weather: June, September, early October
- Warmest beach weather: July & August
- Quietest times: November–April
- Best fall foliage: Early to mid October
Acadia National Park Weather by Month (Summary Table)
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Typical Conditions | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F (-1°C) | 14°F (-10°C) | Snow, ice, very cold | Quiet park, winter hiking/snowshoeing |
| February | 32°F (0°C) | 15°F (-9°C) | Snowy, icy trails | Deep winter, minimal crowds |
| March | 39°F (4°C) | 23°F (-5°C) | Snowmelt, muddy | Transition month with mixed conditions |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 32°F (0°C) | Rain, fog, mud | Chilly spring, limited high-elevation hiking |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 41°F (5°C) | Cool, breezy | Spring blooms, more trails opening |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 50°F (10°C) | Mild, sunny | Excellent hiking & biking weather |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 55°F (13°C) | Warm, dry | Peak season, best beach conditions |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | 56°F (13°C) | Warm, pleasant | Ideal for all outdoor activities |
| September | 68°F (20°C) | 49°F (9°C) | Cool, clear | One of the best months to visit |
| October | 57°F (14°C) | 39°F (4°C) | Crisp, colorful | Peak fall foliage |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 31°F (-1°C) | Rain, early snow | Quiet, colder days |
| December | 35°F (2°C) | 19°F (-7°C) | Snow, ice | Winter begins, limited services |
Weather Tips for Visiting Acadia
- Coastal Maine weather changes quickly—pack layers.
- Fog is common, especially in spring and early summer.
- Trails and cliffs can be slippery after rain.
- Winter visitors need microspikes or snowshoes.
Top 10 FAQs About Acadia National Park Weather
1. What is the best month to visit Acadia for good weather?
June, September, and early October offer the best combination of mild temperatures, clear skies, and manageable crowds.
2. Does Acadia National Park get a lot of fog?
Yes. Fog is common in spring and early summer, especially in May and June due to cold ocean air meeting warmer land temperatures.
3. When is Acadia National Park the warmest?
July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 75°F (24°C).
4. Does it snow a lot in Acadia National Park?
Yes. Acadia receives significant snowfall from December through March, making winter sports popular.
5. Which month is the rainiest in Acadia?
April, May, and November tend to see the most rain. Spring can be particularly wet and foggy.
6. Is winter a good time to visit Acadia?
It can be—if you enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Expect closed roads, icy trails, and very few crowds.
7. When does fall foliage peak in Acadia?
Fall colors typically peak in early to mid-October, depending on the year’s weather patterns.
8. How cold does Acadia get in the winter?
Winter temperatures often fall below freezing, with lows commonly between 14–20°F (-10 to -7°C).
9. What should I pack for a summer trip to Acadia?
Even in summer, bring layers. Nights can drop into the 50s (10–13°C). A light jacket, hiking shoes, and rain gear are recommended.
10. Is the weather unpredictable at Acadia National Park?
Yes. Coastal Maine weather changes quickly. Fog, wind, and sudden rain showers are common—pack layers and check forecasts often.