Summary
Travelers from near and far flock to Acadia National Park year-round to bask in the panoramic ocean views, hike its extensive trail network, enjoy the iconic popovers at Jordan Pond House, and watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. With more than four million annual visitors, Acadia is one of the country’s most popular national parks. It’s idyllic in any season, but the best time to visit the East Coast’s oldest national park depends on your preferences: would you prefer to share a sunny beach with fellow visitors or find seclusion in the colder months?
Tourist Seasons Overview
For starters, Acadia National Park’s tourist seasons can be categorized as follows:
- High Season: June through September
- Shoulder Seasons: April through May and October through November
- Low Season: December through March
Different times of year provide unique perspectives on Maine’s rocky coast, so here are the best times to visit Acadia National Park based on your budget and itinerary.
Best Times to Visit Acadia National Park for Smaller Crowds
Winter is the quietest time in Acadia National Park. While the number of visitors typically ranges between 600,000 and 800,000 per month from June to September, it drops to as low as 30,000 per month from December through March. January is particularly quiet, welcoming only about 10,000 to 15,000 people.
Although solitude is more likely during a winter visit, challenges may arise—especially concerning weather and accessibility. Portions of the popular Park Loop Road driving route often close due to potentially dangerous conditions. Moreover, trails can become icy, so be sure to check park conditions before venturing out and dress appropriately for freezing temperatures.
That said, winter in Acadia National Park ushers in a unique set of activities, including ice climbing, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.
Best Times to Visit Acadia National Park for Good Weather
In the words of Mark Twain: “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” This observation is particularly true for Acadia, where the conditions are constantly changing. Locals would attest that an extra layer is essential—even on the hottest summer days.
Nonetheless, July and August are the most comfortable months in terms of climate. Summer daytime temperatures typically range between 45 and 90 degrees, with July and August seeing highs in the upper 60s to mid-80s. Water temperatures reach their peak for the year, but they remain too cold for comfortable swimming (50 to 70 degrees, with lakes being slightly warmer than the ocean).
If cooler temperatures are acceptable, consider visiting in the fall. September and October unveil a stunning array of autumn colors that shouldn’t be missed.
Best Times to Visit Acadia National Park for Lower Prices
There is a fee for entry into Acadia National Park regardless of the season. A seven-day pass is $35 per vehicle or less for those arriving by motorcycle or on foot. Alternatively, an annual pass costs $70, while an interagency National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass is available for $80 and allows entry into parks nationwide.
Aside from the entry fee, visitors should also consider the costs of accommodations, activities, and dining. With the exception of the park’s four campgrounds—open only during summer and charging between $20 and $60 per night—lodging prices soar during the summer months. Hotels on Mount Desert Island become in high demand, causing even budget-friendly inns and motels to charge upwards of $300 per night. Unless you manage to secure a campsite, visiting during the off-season is the most affordable option. Additionally, you may discover other travel deals, but bear in mind that some businesses that rely on tourism may close during winter.
Best Times to Visit Thunder Hole
One of the most popular stops along the Park Loop Road is Thunder Hole. Waves crash against a cavern along the rocky shoreline, creating a thunderous sound and spraying plumes high into the air. This stunning spectacle occurs daily, year-round, but the area can become overwhelmingly busy during the summer months. Visiting in the off-season offers a more tranquil experience. Although the free Island Explorer shuttle operates from May to November, parking shouldn’t pose a problem outside the high season.
Ultimately, timing your visit to coincide with high tide proves more important than the season itself. Aim to arrive one to two hours before high tide for the most dramatic scenery and loudest roar. For tide information, check the tide chart before you go.
Best Time to Visit Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is known as the first place in the U.S. to witness the sunrise each morning. Its peak, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, offers unspoiled views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay illuminated by the rising sun. The road leading to the summit opens around mid-April and closes by early December. Due to its popularity, the National Park Service mandates reservations for driving to the top between mid-May and mid-October. When the road is closed, hiking four to seven miles round-trip on the Cadillac North or South Ridge trails becomes necessary.
Fall is arguably the best time to visit Cadillac Mountain, as the road to the summit remains open while crowds dwindle, providing a quieter experience. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Maine’s epic fall foliage during this season.
Best Times to Visit Sand Beach
Swimming at Sand Beach is quite chilly even during peak summer when water temperatures average 50 to 60 degrees. It’s not the type of beach typically found further down the East Coast, packed with swimsuit-clad loungers frolicking in the water. However, this is advantageous as it seldom feels overcrowded.
Sand Beach is accessible year-round along Park Loop Road. While you can visit anytime, spring through fall proves most comfortable for swimming or hiking nearby trails like The Beehive, Great Head Trail, or Ocean Path. Winter hiking is possible, but proper footwear is crucial due to common ice accumulation.
Worst Time to Visit Acadia National Park
There is no “bad” time to visit Acadia National Park. The park is enchanting in every season; however, some times are more suitable than others for budget constraints or specific outdoor activities. Winter is typically the least expensive season but also presents the greatest limitations. A substantial portion of Park Loop Road may close, hikes become arduous with snow and ice-covered trails, and temperatures throughout the park plummet. Unless your goal is to engage with nature in solitude or participate in winter-specific activities like cross-country skiing, you may want to consider planning your visit for another season.
