Acadia Weather: Forecasts, Climate and the Best Time to Visit
Acadia is a four-season park on Mount Desert Island, along the North Atlantic. The ocean plays a key role. It keeps winters milder than inland Maine, brings coastal fog in June, and turns the maple forests into a blaze of color in October. In short, expect mild summers (45 to 86°F), cold, snowy winters (down to 14°F), and fairly even precipitation throughout the year, with no dry season.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Acadia's Climate Month by Month
The table below shows the climate normals for Mount Desert Island. Use it as your starting point when choosing what to pack and setting expectations before your trip.
| Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) | Precip. (in.) | Typical conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 32 | 3.5 | Frequent snow, bitter cold |
| February | 14 | 34 | 3.0 | Dry cold, possible snow |
| March | 23 | 43 | 3.5 | Late winter, rain and snow showers |
| April | 34 | 54 | 3.7 | Cool spring weather |
| May | 45 | 64 | 3.3 | Pleasant, less crowded |
| June | 54 | 73 | 3.1 | Frequent morning fog |
| July | 59 | 79 | 3.3 | Peak season, warm |
| August | 59 | 81 | 3.1 | Busiest time of year |
| September | 52 | 72 | 3.3 | Excellent weather, crowds thinning |
| October | 39 | 59 | 3.5 | Fall foliage |
| November | 30 | 45 | 4.1 | Off-season, windy |
| December | 19 | 36 | 3.9 | Winter settling in |
The park averages about 73 inches of snow between November and April. That's a lot for a coastal park.
The Climate Season by Season
Winter (December to March)
From December through March, Acadia takes on its most austere character. Temperatures regularly drop below 23°F at night, with lows around 14°F in January and February. The trails turn into snowshoeing and cross-country ski routes, and Cadillac Mountain Summit Road closes for the winter. The days are short, with sunset before 4:30 p.m. in December, but the low light on the frozen coast is striking. On the ridges, wind chill can make it feel 9 to 18°F colder.
Spring (April to May)
In April, the snow retreats but the cold hangs on. Mornings often hover around 32°F. May brings the real warm-up, with daytime highs reaching 64°F. It's the island's main bird-migration season, a highlight birders wouldn't miss. Crowds stay moderate, lodging is more affordable, and the trails gradually become usable again as the ground thaws. Expect changeable days, with showers alternating with breaks of sunshine.
Summer (June to August)
July and August bring the warmest weather, with highs reaching 79 to 86°F, and the biggest crowds. June often starts with stubborn coastal fog. The summits may be in the clouds at 7 a.m. and perfectly clear by 10 a.m. Sea air keeps nights cool, around 59°F, making evenings by the water especially pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July, particularly on exposed ridges. To access Cadillac Mountain Summit Road, you'll need a timed entry reservation during peak season, so plan ahead.
Fall (September to November)
September is our favorite season in Acadia. Summer warmth lingers, nights turn cooler, and crowds drop sharply after Labor Day, the first Monday in September. In October, maples, birches, and beeches turn red, orange, and yellow along the slopes of Champlain Mountain and Dorr Mountain. The first frost typically arrives in mid-October, and the first snow can fall as early as November. After Thanksgiving in late November, the park shifts into winter mode.
Is Acadia Cold? Records and Extremes
The short answer is yes, especially at night in winter. Lows regularly fall to 14°F in January and February, and polar cold snaps can drive the wind chill much lower. In summer, heat records occasionally top 95°F during coastal heat waves, but these spells are rare and brief. Wind remains the most underestimated factor. At the top of Cadillac Mountain, at 1,529 feet, the wind chill can be 9 to 14°F lower than the temperature measured in the lower parts of the park. In winter, Atlantic humidity intensifies the sensation. This cold really bites.
What to Wear in Acadia by Season
The golden rule on Mount Desert Island is to wear layers, even in midsummer.
Summer (June to August): breathable T-shirt, light windbreaker for the ridges and boat trips, and hiking shoes or trail shoes on the granite. Tuck a compact rain jacket into your pack. Storms form quickly at higher elevations.
Spring and fall: fleece or softshell and a waterproof windbreaker. In April and October, mornings stay between 34 and 41°F, so a hat and gloves come in handy.
Winter: insulated coat, thermal base layers, waterproof shoes with microspikes for icy trails, and face protection when the wind picks up.
Whatever the season, bring sunscreen. Granite strongly reflects the sun, and UV exposure adds up quickly over a day on the trail.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
Nor'easters: From November through April, these coastal storms can hit the island within hours, close roads, and make trails extremely dangerous. Check National Weather Service advisories before setting out.
Coastal fog: Common on summer mornings. Visibility can drop to a few dozen yards along the coast and on mountain roads. Slow down and stay on marked trails.
Road closures: Park Loop Road and Cadillac Mountain Summit Road close in winter and during extreme conditions. Check real-time conditions on the park's official website before every drive.
Lightning: On exposed ridges such as Cadillac Mountain, Beehive, and Acadia Mountain, head down at the first sign of a storm. Never stay on an exposed summit or under an isolated tree during a thunderstorm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperature in Acadia, Maine, right now?
Temperatures in Acadia vary by season. In July and August, expect daytime temperatures between 59 and 81°F. In January, highs rarely rise above 32°F. The climate-normals table above gives you month-by-month figures to help you prepare for your visit.
What is Acadia's climate like?
Acadia has a humid continental climate with a strong maritime influence from the Atlantic. All four seasons are distinct, with mild summers reaching 86°F, colorful, cool falls, cold and snowy winters averaging 73 inches of snow, and changeable springs. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with no dry season.
Is Acadia cold?
Yes, especially from December through March. Nighttime temperatures can fall to 14°F, and wind on the ridges makes it feel significantly colder. Summer nights remain cool, around 59°F, even when daytime temperatures reach 79 to 86°F.
What should I wear to visit Acadia?
In summer, wear layers you can adjust: a breathable T-shirt, windbreaker, and light rain jacket. During the shoulder seasons, April through May and September through October, add a fleece and gloves for chilly mornings. In winter, bring an insulated coat, thermal base layers, and microspikes for icy trails.
What is the climate like in Maine?
Maine has a humid continental climate, moderated along the coast by the Atlantic. Winters are cold and snowy, summers are mild to warm along the shore, reaching 86°F, and fall is known for spectacular foliage. As a coastal area, Acadia benefits from a slight maritime effect that softens temperature extremes compared with inland Maine.