Coastal area week of June 8

Question

Hello. My husband and I are traveling to Maine for our first visit and curious if the week of June 8th is already high season? We are thinking a 4 day trip and would fly into Portland and travel to primarily coastal towns and Acadia National Park.

We are very early risers and would be at Acadia for sunrise and will walk and hike areas until sunset.

Our other option would be to come much later in the year, mid November.

Any thoughts or recommendations on either time frame would be very much appreciated!

Answer

June 8th is generally considered the beginning of the high season in Maine, especially along the coastal areas and in popular spots like Acadia National Park. While the peak summer months (July and August) see the most tourists, June still brings a lot of visitors, especially as the weather warms up and outdoor activities become more appealing. You can expect a relatively busy atmosphere, particularly in popular tourist towns like Bar Harbor, Portland, and around Acadia, but it won't be as crowded as later in the summer.

Since you’re early risers and planning to be active with hiking and exploring, this timing should work well for you. Most of Acadia's hiking trails are accessible, and starting early means you can avoid the crowds that tend to build up during the middle of the day. The weather in early June is typically pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s (°F), so it's a great time for outdoor activities before it gets too hot. Additionally, the summer tourists haven’t fully arrived, so you'll have a bit more space on trails and in towns.

However, some businesses along the coast and in Acadia may still be in the process of opening for the season, so it’s a good idea to check if certain restaurants or accommodations are open, especially in smaller towns. That said, June offers a nice balance between good weather and relatively manageable crowds.

If you're considering mid-November as an alternative time frame, keep in mind that it will be much quieter but also colder. By November, many businesses in coastal towns and in Acadia itself begin to close or have reduced hours for the winter season. Some hiking trails may be inaccessible due to weather, and there’s a chance of snow or heavy rain. On the plus side, the absence of tourists means you can enjoy the natural beauty of Maine in a peaceful and serene environment, but you may miss some of the conveniences and activities that come with the peak season. Additionally, daylight hours are much shorter in November, so your time for exploring will be limited.

Pros of June 8th: Moderate crowds, great weather for outdoor activities, more businesses open, especially in popular areas like Portland and Bar Harbor.
Cons of June 8th: Higher prices (compared to the off-season), some areas may still be opening for the season, and popular spots can get crowded later in the day.
Pros of Mid-November: Peaceful and quiet, minimal crowds, lower prices for accommodations and activities.
Cons of Mid-November: Cold weather, limited daylight hours, some businesses closed or reduced hours, potentially inaccessible hiking trails, and a more limited number of things to do.

Given your interest in hiking and exploring Acadia, and considering that you're planning on being out early and active, I think the week of June 8th is a great choice for your trip. You’ll get the best of both worlds—pleasant weather, natural beauty, and relatively manageable crowds. Mid-November could be a more challenging but still enjoyable experience if you prefer a quieter, off-season trip, but it comes with more limitations.