Climate and monthly weather forecast
Maine, USA

Maine has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) throughout the state with warm, humid summers and cold winters. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, Canadian provinces New Brunswick and Quebec to the north, and New Hampshire to the west. Maine is the easternmost contiguous state of all American states, which borders exactly one American state, New Hampshire, and is the northernmost and coldest state in New England.

Maine, the Pine Tree State, is the most forested state in America, with 83% of its land under forest cover. The state is home to temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, including mixed oaks of the northeastern coasts and the New England Acadian forests. The hinterland consists of lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains, while the rock-bound shores have numerous fishing villages, beaches, and thousands of offshore islands. The 230-mile coastline consists of uneven terrain of rocks and cliffs with many bays and inlets.

The best time to visit Maine is during summer from June to August, which is the peak tourist season, with pleasant temperatures, mainly in the coastal areas of the state.
Throughout the state, the summer sun is in the temperate zone as high temperatures occasionally cross 80°F (26.7°C). Far away from the coast, the hinterlands and the mountains experience brilliant fall foliage in September and October during the autumn due to the variety of trees and vast forest cover.
For winter sports lovers who do not mind the cold weather, November to May brings joy in the ski season.

November to February, during the winter, is generally the worst time to visit Maine.
The night temperatures often drop to 0°F (-17.8°C) and sometimes even below, while the day temperatures are around the freezing 32°F (0°C) during the peak of the cold season. Maine winters are cold even during the day as the sun disappears for long hours, sometimes even for days.
However, the ski season gains from the vast snow accumulation, and it is a fun time for ski enthusiasts. Most of the hotels close during the winter, and the off-season rings discounts for a few tourists who brave the cold weather.

Spring in Maine is characterized by gentle warmth and occasional rain showers. As the icy grasp of winter loosens, temperatures gradually climb, creating an environment conducive for the blossoming of various flora. The period sees rain nourishing the soils and the landscape transitioning from stark whites to vibrant greens. However, early spring can still carry remnants of winter's chill, especially during the nights. By the end of spring, Maine prepares to welcome the comfort of summer with temperatures hovering in the comfortable zone.

Summer remains a cherished season in Maine. As mentioned, high temperatures during the peak summer month of July average at 70°F (21.1°C), making it one of the more temperate summers across the United States. Coastal areas often enjoy cooler temperatures due to the Atlantic's influence, ensuring that nights remain pleasantly cool. While inland regions might see temperatures rising a bit higher, they never become unbearably hot. Rainfall tends to decrease during the summer, particularly in the coastal regions, ensuring sun-drenched days.

Autumn in Maine is nothing short of a visual spectacle. As the summer warmth wanes, the state's vast forest cover transitions into a canvas of oranges, yellows, and reds. Temperatures begin to drop, signaling the onset of the cooler months. While the early part of the season is mild, late autumn sees temperatures dipping considerably, especially during the night. Despite the colder nights, the days remain relatively warm, offering a balanced climate to explore the state's natural beauty.

Winter in Maine is synonymous with cold and snow. January, often the coldest month, witnesses average lows of 12°F (-11.1°C). The state sees a significant amount of snow, with coastal areas occasionally witnessing snowfall exceeding 1" (25mm). It's not uncommon for massive storms, particularly Northeasters, to blanket the state with more than 10" (254mm) of snow in a single day. Coastal Maine usually remains milder during the winters compared to the colder northern and western parts, a result of the Atlantic Ocean's proximity. Despite the cold, winter has its charm, transforming Maine into a serene white wonderland.

January stands out as the coldest month of the year in Maine. During this month, the entire state grapples with biting cold, often causing day-to-day activities to slow down. The state sees average low temperatures sinking to 12°F (-11.1°C) and even though days might witness slightly higher temperatures, they often hover close to the freezing point of 32°F (0°C). Coastal regions such as Portland and Bar Harbor experience slightly milder conditions due to the Atlantic Ocean's moderating influence. Weather in January »

February in Maine continues the winter narrative set by January, though with a few nuanced changes. The month generally retains its cold demeanor with average low temperatures still lingering around the harsh realms of 12°F (-11.1°C). Weather in February »

March in Maine is a transitional month, acting as a bridge between the harsh winter and the eagerly anticipated spring. As the month progresses, the state witnesses a gradual increase in temperatures. While nights can still be chilly, averaging 20°F (-6.7°C), daytime temperatures start to feel a bit more bearable, often reaching the lower 40s°F by month's end. Coastal areas such as Portland and Camden experience slightly warmer temperatures, benefiting from the Atlantic's tempering presence. Weather in March »

April in Maine is where the essence of spring truly begins to unfurl. It's a month marked by growing warmth and an awakening landscape. Temperatures during this period see a noticeable climb with nights averaging in the upper 20s°F to lower 30s°F, and daytime highs often touching the mid-50s°F. The coastal regions, such as Brunswick and Rockland, are quicker to embrace the warmer temperatures, thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Weather in April »

May ushers in a full-throated chorus of spring across Maine. The state enjoys a noticeable warmth, with nighttime temperatures typically resting in the 40s°F and daytime highs frequently reaching the upper 60s°F. The Atlantic's moderating influence means coastal towns like Kennebunkport and Belfast experience consistent warmth with less fluctuation between day and night temperatures. Weather in May »

June in Maine marks the commencement of summer, and with it comes a palpable shift in the state's climate. Nighttime temperatures tend to hover in the mid-50s°F while daytime highs often embrace the mid to upper 70s°F range. Coastal destinations like Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor, courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean's influence, experience milder temperatures. Weather in June »

July stands as the zenith of summer in Maine, offering the warmest temperatures the state sees throughout the year. Nighttimes are comfortably mild, usually settling in the lower 60s°F. Daytime temperatures, on the other hand, consistently ascend into the upper 70s°F to lower 80s°F, though occasional heatwaves might push these figures slightly higher. While coastal zones such as Ogunquit and Castine experience tempered warmth due to the adjacent Atlantic, they're still bathed in the joyous warmth of summer. Weather in July »

August in Maine represents the closing chapter of summer, carrying forward the warmth of July but introducing hints of the approaching autumn. Nighttime temperatures typically find comfort in the mid to upper 50s°F, while daytime highs average in the mid-70s°F. Weather in August »

September in Maine ushers in the heart of fall, presenting a mesmerizing transformation in the landscape. Nights grow noticeably cooler, settling between the mid-40s°F to low 50s°F. Daytimes, while still basking in the remnants of summer warmth, range from the mid-60s°F to lower 70s°F, depending on the specific week and location. Coastal regions such as Rockland and Kennebunkport, under the moderating influence of the Atlantic, enjoy milder temperatures, especially during the initial weeks of the month. Weather in September »

October solidifies fall's presence in Maine, showcasing the state in its most vivid and colorful attire. As the month progresses, nighttime temperatures often dip into the upper 30s°F to mid-40s°F, heralding the approach of frosty mornings. Weather in October »

Maine's November landscape is one of transformation. As fall bids its farewell, winter begins to mark its territory. Nighttime temperatures typically descend into the upper 20s°F to mid-30s°F. Daytime temperatures, while still offering some mildness, generally range from the mid-40s°F to lower 50s°F in the early part of the month, gradually cooling as weeks go by. The coastal stretches, areas encompassing towns like Ogunquit and Boothbay Harbor, due to the Atlantic's influence, tend to maintain slightly milder temperatures. Weather in November »

December in Maine is synonymous with the beginning of a profound winter season. The state, renowned for its snowy landscapes, fully embraces this chilly persona. Nights can be especially cold, with temperatures plunging into the mid to upper teens°F. Weather in December »