Visiting Acadia National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year

Visiting Acadia National Park but not sure what to expect during the time of year you’re going? You’re probably asking: What’s the weather like? Will anything be closed? Is it too crowded – or totally empty?

I’ve asked those same questions, and I’ve found the answers in Acadia in every season.

From icy trails in February to summer crowds in July and peak colors in October, I’ve seen what this park is really like month by month. I’ll share what I loved, what I didn’t, and how to plan your trip so you’re not caught off guard.

This is best for anyone trying to figure out the best time to visit Acadia National Park – or what to expect if your trip is already booked.

Quick preview? October is one of my favorite months overall – but it’s not ideal if you’re hoping to paddle or swim. I’ll walk you through why.

In this guide, I break down everything you need to know – weather, trail conditions, road openings, wildlife, events, and more – so you can plan the right trip for you.

Let’s take a closer look at what it’s like visiting Acadia National Park throughout the year – and help you decide the best time to visit Acadia National Park for your goals.

‼️ If you just want a quick snapshot about my thoughts on the best time to visit Acadia National Park, check out my Best Time to Go To Acadia National Park guide. ‼️

Acadia National Park is technically open all year (though not all the roads are), so you can visit any time, but each season and month has its pros and cons.

Acadia National Park: Spring (April – May)

Spring in Acadia is short, as winter lingers well into March and summer kicks off in June.

Visiting Acadia National Park in April

What is Acadia National Park like in April? Is April a good time to visit Acadia National Park? 

Not really.  April is typically wet and muddy. Acadia National Park weather in April is not great – the snow and ice are melting, and rain and fog are common, especially in the mornings. Temperatures are typically between the mid-20s and the mid-50s (F). 

If you want to see and do the best of Acadia National Park, April is not the best month – especially the first half of the month when most park facilities are still closed.

However, some things start to open in mid-April, which is when the Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain Road and Echo Lake Beach open.  Reservations aren’t required for the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road until late May, so once it’s open, you can drive up easily.  (Though keep in mind that mornings in April are often foggy, so you might not see the famous sunrise). The carriage roads are often closed at this time so they don’t get ruined as they turn to mud. 

On the plus side – the park is definitely not crowded this time of year.  There are no leaves on the trees, which I don’t like much, but some people like the fact that this gives more expansive views from many places in the park.  

Key Events in April:  

✳️ National Park Week
✳️ National Junior Ranger Day 

Visiting Acadia National Park in May

What is Acadia National Park like in May? Is Acadia nice in May?

May is also not my favorite month to visit Acadia, though things are getting better by the end of the month.  Be prepared for mud and bugs.

When you look at the weather >> Acadia National Park <<, May is cloudy most of the time.  The rain, combined with the snowmelt, turns the trails to mud, which isn’t very pleasant.  In addition, biting bugs descend on the park from mid-May to mid-June when all that running water causes the perfect conditions for them to thrive.  Take bug spray. 

Although the weather is warming up a little, it’s still too cold for water activities.  The trees still aren’t green, which is less pretty, but does offer less obstructed views from some of the viewpoints. 

On the plus side, by mid-May the park starts to dry out and you’ll begin to be able to experience most of what Acadia has to offer.  The trails are less muddy and the temperatures can be perfect for hiking.  The unpaved roads and carriage roads open back up.  Most hotels and shops are open by this time.   

Other things that open up include: 

✅ The Hulls Cove Visitor Center opens early May
✅ The National Park Service (NPS) campgrounds all open in May (dates vary between campgrounds)
✅ Jordan Pond House restaurant opens in May
✅ Carriage Ride Tours starts late May 

The Cadillac Mountain Road is open throughout May, but timed vehicle reservations are usually not required until late May, so before that is a convenient time to go there.  

May is still pretty quiet, except for the Memorial Day weekend. By Memorial Day, most of the island is open for business. 

Acadia National Park: Summer (June-August)

Summer is by far the popular – and crowded – season in Acadia.  It’s also when everything is open and the weather is the most idyllic.   

Visiting Acadia National Park in June

Is June a good time to visit Acadia? 

Yes. June is arguably the best time to go to Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park. The early part of the month can be buggy still, though the bugs are usually done by the middle of the month. Everything is open, the trees are green and the summer crowds have not yet descended on the area.  

What’s the Bar Harbor, Maine weather in June? Lovely. When you look at Acadia weather, June stands out as perfect hiking weather.  

Key Events in June: 

✳️ Acadia Birding Festival
✳️ Bar Harbor Music Festival 

Visiting Acadia National Park in July

The Bar Harbor, Maine weather in July is warm and pleasant with near idyllic temperatures ranging from the 50s to the high 70s (F). There is often a cool ocean breeze and it’s a great time for water activities like sailing and kayaking. However, it’s also not uncommon for thick fog to cover the island and obscure the views – especially in the morning, when the famed sunrise can be a total no show.   

July and August are also blueberry season and you can see – and taste – wild blueberries along many of the trails.  

How crowded is Acadia National Park in July? 

July gets very busy. The main tourist season starts the July 4 holiday. The Park Loop Road and the parking lots in the national park can be crowded and congested. Even with the reservation system for Cadillac Mountain, the parking areas at the summit can be crowded.

It is important to have a plan! If you’re visiting at this time, I recommend getting one of my detailed itineraries.  

Key Events: 

✳️ Bar Harbor Music Festival  

Visiting Acadia National Park in August

The Acadia and Bar Harbor, Maine weather in August is great. The Acadia National Park water temperature is its warmest this month and is perfect for water activities (though the ocean is still cold – less than 50°F).

However, if this is when you’re visiting Acadia National Park, August is the busiest month – even busier than July – so you will not be alone. Expect crowded parking lots, lines for the free Island Explorer shuttle, congested roads, busy viewpoints and booked out accommodations. You would definitely benefit from following one of my itineraries. 

Key Events: 

✳️ Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival  

Acadia National Park: Fall (September-October)

If you aren’t locked into traveling during the school break, fall is the best season to visit Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park in fall is cool but not too cold. Early fall (the first half of September after Labor Day) is not too crowded, and October sees beautiful fall color.

The best time to see fall foliage in Acadia National Park is usually mid-October (around October 13 – 22), though this can vary slightly each year. Check the Maine Foliage website for current leaf peeping conditions. 

Visiting Acadia National Park in September

Is September a good time to visit Maine? 

Yes, Fall is one of the best times to visit Acadia National Park.  The weather in Bar Harbor, Maine in September is lovely, albeit somewhat unpredictable. The average temperature in Maine in September ranges from 48°- 67°F. While the Acadia National Park weather in September is pleasant, temperatures start to drop as the month goes on, and by the end of September, nights are chilly and days are very cool. 

After Labor Day, the crowds thin out, but everything is still open. However, Fall is also the busiest season for cruise ships, and Bar Harbor’s narrow streets can be clogged with thousands of people while they’re docked.  

Key Events: 

✳️ Acadia Night Sky Festival
✳️ Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival

Visiting Acadia National Park in October

Is October a good time to visit Acadia? 

Yes, October in Acadia National Park is one of the most popular times because of the spectacular fall foliage. The best time to visit Acadia National Park for fall colors is typically mid- to late-October, though it can vary from year to year. Check the Maine Foliage website for current conditions in Acadia National Park. October to early-November can also be a good time to visit if you don’t mind trees without leaves.

The weather in Acadia National Park in October is cool and crisp. Be sure to wear layers!  

Businesses start to close in October. The NPS campgrounds close throughout October (dates vary between sites) and some businesses in Bar Harbor shut down for the offseason after the Columbus Day weekend in mid-October. The carriage rides also stop mid-October. Jordan Pond House restaurant shutters in late October and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center closes at the end of October.  

Reservations for Cadillac Mountain also end late October, though the road remains open for another month. 

Key Events:

✳️ Acadia Night Sky Festival 

Acadia National Park: Winter (November – March)

Winter in Acadia National Park is very long, very cold, and very snowy. The average snowfall on Mount Desert Island is 61 inches. It’s great for winter activities, though.

You will want to make sure you have everything you need for a winter vacation (check out my recommended winter packing list to make sure). There are trails and roads for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (if you’re looking to buy snowshoes, check out my guide to the best snowshoes). If you’re hiking, microspikes or crampons are absolutely essential – read my guide to the best microspikes for hiking if you need to get some. 

Visiting Acadia National Park in November

Can you visit Acadia in November? Is Acadia Park open in November? 

Yes, the national park is open all year, though not all of the roads and facilities are. However, the Park Loop Road and the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road are both still open in November. Unpaved roads close mid-November.  

By early November, most stores, restaurants and accommodations in and near Bar Harbor are closed for the winter. Echo Lake Beach also closes by the end November. 

If you look at the weather chart for Acadia National Park, November is getting cold. Average temperatures range from 29° to 45°F.  

Does it snow in Acadia in November? 

Snow in November is definitely possible and by the end of the month, common.  

The cold weather, short days, and leafless trees are not for everyone, which does mean that the national park is not crowded. 

Visiting Acadia National Park in December – March

These months are the off season, but the national park is open for winter fun. The weather in Acadia and Bar Harbor Maine in December is freezing and it remains cold throughout winter. The Acadia National Park weather in March is still just 20° – 38°F on average.  

The road to Cadillac Mountain and most of the Park Loop road close December 1. The only sections of the Park Loop that remain open are the Ocean Drive and the Jordan Pond Road.  Highway 102A to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is also open throughout winter.  

However, the Park Loop Road and the road up Cadillac Mountain are open for snowmobiling and Acadia National Park’s snow-covered carriage roads are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Winter sports equipment, including snowshoes and skis, can be rented in Bar Harbor. 

Most hotels, restaurants, and accommodations close for the winter, but there are a few that remain open, so you can still find somewhere to stay and eat. Although the Hulls Cove Visitor Center is closed, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is open and has park information.  

What is the snowiest month in Maine? 

January is normally the snowiest month, with an average of about 20 inches. 

What is the rainiest month in Maine? 

June is the rainiest month in Maine with 12.5 days of rain, and February is the driest month with only 9.0 rainy days.  

With an average annual snowfall of 74.6 inches, Maine is one of the snowiest states in the United States. 

Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor in Winter

Dressing appropriately: If you are looking for new gear, read by detailed guides to the best: 

➡️ Winter coats for extreme cold
➡️ Winter boots for men
➡️ Winter boots for women
➡️ Microspikes for winter hiking
➡️ Snowshoes for beginners 

Packing appropriately: Check you have everything on my: 

➡️ Winter hiking gear list
➡️ Packing list for a winter vacation

Travel Insurance for Acadia National Park

No matter when is the best time to see Acadia National Park, you should definitely get travel insurance.  This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc. 

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now: 

Enjoy Acadia National Park whenever you go!

Additional Planning Resources for Acadia National Park

⭐ How to Plan A Trip To Acadia National Park
⭐ The Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
⭐ 10 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
⭐ Guide to the Acadia Cadillac Mountain Reservation System
⭐ Planning a Trip to Acadia National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ Tips For Visiting Acadia National Park
⭐ How Many Days in Acadia National Park?
⭐ The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Complete Guide
⭐ The Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park
⭐ How to Get To Acadia National Park
⭐ The Airport Nearest Acadia National Park
⭐ The Best Airports Near Acadia National Park
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About Acadia National Park
⭐ Best Books About Acadia National Park
⭐ Comprehensive Guide to Acadia National Park Camping
⭐ The Best Airbnb Acadia National Park

What do you think is the best month to visit Acadia National Park?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

If you liked this article about Acadia National Park (best time to visit), Pin It to your Acadia National Park board! 

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…

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