Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bar Harbor, ME

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The popular tourist spot of Bar Harbor in Maine, within the Mount Desert Island
The popular tourist spot of Bar Harbor in Maine, within the Mount Desert Island

The climate of Bar Harbor

Classified within the Dfb category under the Köppen climate system, Bar Harbor exhibits a humid continental climate, complete with no dry season and warm summer periods. Geographically nestled within Maine, USA, the weather parameters seen in this location exhibit a broad range throughout the year.

Temperatures tend to fluctuate quite significantly, with highs oscillating between 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in the chilliest months and 73.4°F (23°C) in the warmest. In a similar vein, lows record a disparity, from freezing 18.5°F (-7.5°C) during colder periods to a much warmer 58.1°F (14.5°C) in the summer month. Rainfall sees yearly variations, with monthly averages ranging between 1.57" (40mm) at the lowest and peaking at 3.94" (100mm) in the period of maximum downpour.

Uniquely, snowfall occurs during the better part of the year, but is recorded as significant only in the first four months and last two months of the year, peaking at 5.75" (146mm) in February. On the contrary, sunlight exposure is highest from June to August, reaching a maximum of 10.1 hours in July.

The best time to visit Bar Harbor

Prospective visitors who fancy the idea of experiencing a pleasant and comfortable climate might want to consider embarking on a trip to Bar Harbor between June and September. During this period, temperature highs stay comfortably in the 60s°F to mid 70s°F range with moderate humidity levels oscillating around 79% to 80%. Rainfall is minimal, marked by an average 1.57" (40mm) in July to 1.81" (46mm) in September, thereby presenting ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Averaging about 15.5 hours per day from June to July, daylight is abundant, ensuring the seaside scenery can be admired to the full extent.

The worst time to visit Bar Harbor

Caution would be advisable for those considering a visit during the months encompassing December till March. During these winter months, low temperatures plummet to an uncomfortable range of 18.5°F (-7.5°C) to 25.9°F (-3.4°C), snowfall reaches its peak with averages of about 5.75" (146mm) in February, and daylight averages are at their yearly low of less than 10 hours per day. Understandably, this period features the harshest conditions, making it a less desirable time for a visit.

Spring weather in Bar Harbor

Transitioning from a bitter winter, the spring in Bar Harbor, covering the time from March to May, ushers in a period of warming temperatures. March sees average high temperatures rising to 37.2°F (2.9°C) and minimum temperatures to 25.9°F (-3.4°C). By May, the temperature highs hit an average of 58.6°F (14.8°C) with lows settling around 44.2°F (6.8°C). An increase in rainfall from 2.44" (62mm) in March to 3.5" (89mm) in April signals the onset of spring. Meanwhile, daylight hours extend, reaching 14.8 hours daily in May, making it possible for residents and visitors to enjoy longer daylight periods.

Summer weather in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor treats its dwellers and tourists to modest summers from June to August. Amidst a temperature range of 73.2°F (22.9°C) to 73.4°F (23°C) for high temperatures and 58.1°F (14.5°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C) for low temperatures, there is consistent warmth throughout this period. Rainfall is at its yearly lowest, with the driest month, July, observing an average of 1.57" (40mm). Such ideal weather conditions are accompanied by extended daylight, giving the sun ample time to beam down for up to 15.5 hours a day in June.

Autumn weather in Bar Harbor

As the season shifts from summer into autumn, September through November sees a gradual reduction in temperature, with highs dipping down to 55.9°F (13.3°C) and lows to 34.7°F (1.5°C). Rainfall begins to pick up, peaking at 3.35" (85mm) in October and November. September boasts an impressive average daylight of 12.5 hours, though this decreases to 9.6 hours by November, marking the shortening of days as winter approaches.

Winter weather in Bar Harbor

The grip of winter firmly takes hold in Bar Harbor from December to February, with temperatures regularly veering on the colder side. Highs stoop down to 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in January and February, while lows drop to 18.5°F (-7.5°C) and 18.9°F (-7.3°C) respectively. An important highlight of this season is the pronounced snowfall, peaking in February at 5.75" (146mm). These specifications, complemented by a reduction in daylight duration to less than 10 hours daily, underscore the harshness of Bar Harbor winters.

Weather in January

Winter settles into Bar Harbor, Maine, creating a frosty tableau as January unfolds. Snowfall tends to be extraordinary, peaking at 5.31" (135mm), a common sight during this month. It is the ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts who wish to appreciate the aesthetic allure of the snow-draped city. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February, similar to its predecessor, is characterized by freezing temperatures and snowfall. Noticeably, the snowfall lessens slightly to 5.75" (146mm). This is the period when winter is at full swing in Bar Harbor, limiting outdoor activities to mostly winter-related pursuits. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Entering March, Bar Harbor experiences a transition from winter to spring, bringing along significant changes in the weather. As the snow melts, there occurs an observed decrease in snowfall to 4.13" (105mm). The amount of daylight increases as the month progresses and snowfall days decrease, signifying the end of winter and the arrival of milder weather. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April introduces factors of pleasant spring weather to Bar Harbor whilst retaining some elements of winter. Only 2.44" (62mm) of snowfall persists in this month, marking the complete transition from winter to spring. Longer hours of daylight brighten the city, allowing more time for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May marks the advent of warmer days in Bar Harbor. The month sees a trivial snowfall of 0.08" (2mm), a definite sign of impending summer. Frequent rain showers contribute to the greenery, making the city a vibrant treat for nature lovers. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June brings a significant rise in temperature, marking the onset of summer in Bar Harbor. There is no snowfall during this month, reaffirming the warm summer setting. The increasing hours of sunshine pave the way for outdoor activities and beach visits. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, being the heart of summer, brings the warmest weather to Bar Harbor. The highest temperature of 73.2°F (22.9°C), makes it the hottest month of the year. The city reaches the pinnacle of summer experiences with July's warm and long days. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the trend of balmy days, similar to July. The weather stays relatively hot, with temperatures reaching peaks similar to July's. It is the last full month of summer, allowing ample opportunity for tourists to enjoy the warm weather and sea pursuits. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks a noticeable shift in Bar Harbor's weather as it makes its transition from summer to fall. There is no snowfall during this month, indicating the lasting warmth of summer. Trees start to change their colors, providing an impressive palette of fall hues. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October fully embraces autumn, bringing changes in both the landscape and the weather of Bar Harbor. The last fraction of snowfall for the year is recorded during this month at 0.04" (1mm). The city transforms into an artist's paradise with the autumn foliage peaking during this time. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November creates a pre-winter ambience as temperatures drop and snowfall touches 2.28" (58mm) in Bar Harbor. It marks the shift towards winter with the arrival of the first substantial snowfall of the year. Deciduous trees shed their vibrant leaves, transitioning to bareness. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December welcomes winter in Bar Harbor with noticeably colder temperatures and an increase in snowfall to 3.78" (96mm). It reinforces the chilly setting coupled with the festive spirit of the holidays. Winter activities reignite with an increase in the snowfall days. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 27, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month?

With its average high temperature of 29.7°F (-1.3°C) and a low of 18.5°F (-7.5°C), January is regarded as the coldest month.

How many days does it rain?

In Bar Harbor, during the entire year, the rain falls for 142.1 days and collects up to 32.28" (820mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 48.1 snowfall days, and 23.82" (605mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month in Bar Harbor is February, with an average relative humidity of 83%.

When does it snow the most?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 11.4 days and accumulates 5.75" (146mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 4.1h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.

What is the month with the coldest ocean?

With an average ocean temperature of 38.7°F (3.7°C), March is the month with the coldest seawater.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow in Bar Harbor?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

When is the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 13 days and typically collects 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation.

What is the hottest time of year?

Bar Harbor, Maine, experiences its average highest temperatures in August, reaching a peak of 73.4°F (23°C) and a minimum of 57.7°F (14.3°C).

What month is the ocean warmest in Bar Harbor?

With an average ocean temperature of 56.8°F (13.8°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 10.1h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 76%, November is the least humid month.

What is the rainiest month?

December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 11.5 days and accumulates 3.94" (100mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.

Average temperature
Bar Harbor, ME

Average temperature - Bar Harbor, ME

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (73.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (58.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18.5°F).

Average pressure
Bar Harbor, ME

Average pressure - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is September (30.04"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).

Average wind speed
Bar Harbor, ME

Average wind speed - Bar Harbor, ME

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (10.4mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.3mph).

Average humidity
Bar Harbor, ME

Average humidity - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (83%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (76%).

Average rainfall
Bar Harbor, ME

Average rainfall - Bar Harbor, ME

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (3.94").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (1.57").

Average rainfall days
Bar Harbor, ME

Average rainfall days - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (15.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.5 days).

Average snowfall
Bar Harbor, ME

Average snowfall - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the highest snowfall is February (5.75").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Bar Harbor, ME

Average snowfall days - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (11.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Bar Harbor, ME

Average sea temperature - Bar Harbor, ME

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (56.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (38.6°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bar Harbor, ME

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 6min).

Average sunshine days
Bar Harbor, ME

Average sunshine days - Bar Harbor, ME

The month with the most sunshine days is August (18.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (11.2 days).

Average UV index
Bar Harbor, ME

Average UV index - Bar Harbor, ME

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Bar Harbor, ME

Average visibility - Bar Harbor, ME

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are July and August (5mi).

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA

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