Bar Harbor, Maine Weather Forecast
...average monthly temperature, and what to wear

The forecast for Bar Harbor, Maine weather may call for bright sunshine, but don't be surprised if a sudden storm appears. Conversely, when the sky is gray, and rain, sleet or snow seem inevitable, sunshine could be just minutes away. This is weather in Bar Harbor, Maine!

Because of its unique location in Downeast Maine, and the fact that it sit on Mount Desert Island surrounded by water...

...with Frenchman Bay to the east and Blue Hill Bay to the west...

...Bar Harbor is particularly vulnerable to the old New England adage, "If you don't like the weather, stick around, it'll change".

But it is not only Bar Harbor that is affected this way...

...all of Mount Desert Island, including Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, Bass Harbor, and the other picturesque towns and villages around the island are equally as vulnerable.

Weather forecast Bar Harbor, Maine...
The above is a weather forecast for 04609. For another Maine weather forecast enter the name of a city or town, or enter a zip code.

Bar Harbor, Maine Weather Monthly Averages

Using data on historical weather for Bar Harbor, Maine can be very useful as you make your plans. However, as you can see, there are significant swings between the average monthly temperatures in Bar Harbor, Maine...

...and the record low temperature and record high temperature for Bar Harbor

The trick is knowing what the Bar Harbor, Maine climate will be when YOU visit!

Average Bar Harbor, Maine temperatures and rainfall amounts are derived from data provided by The Weather Channel, www.weather.com.

Other Bar Harbor, Maine weather facts from the Weather Channel...

• On average, the coldest month in Bar Harbor is January.
• The average warmest month in Bar Harbor is July.
• The lowest recorded temperature in Maine was minus 39 degrees in 1943.
• The highest recorded temperature in Maine was 103 degrees in 1911.
• November is the month with the highest average precipitation in Bar Harbor.

Does Maine get hurricanes?

Hurricanes can reach Maine, but the state seldom gets a direct hit. More often than not it is the remnants of an east coast hurricane that reach Maine, causing storm surges, local flooding, and/or power outages.

Recent storms that have had the greatest impact on Maine are...

Hurricane Carol and Hurricane Edna in 1954, Hurricane Donna in 1960, Hurricane Gloria in 1985, and Hurricane Bob in 1991.

Does Maine get tornadoes?

According to Maine.gov, "Maine averages one to two tornadoes per year, typically touching down in uninhabited wooded areas.". Severe summer storms have spawned the most recent Maine tornadoes.

Monthly Weather Forecast Bar Harbor, Maine

The weather in New England can be difficult to predict. A particular challenge can be determining the Maine coast weather forecast...

...as the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the mountains to the west, can hold unexpected surprises.

If you are planning a vacation in Bar Harbor and want to know what to expect...

...using the Bar Harbor monthly average temperatures as a guideline, is probably your best bet. ;But, keep in mind, those record highs and lows can happen again!

At a glance, monthly Bar Harbor, Maine weather typically looks like this:

January Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...is usually cold and snowy, with intermittent sunny days. With an average high of 32 degrees, and average monthly precipitation higher only in November, January is great for indoor activities. However, anyone who truly loves the outdoors year round will have a chance for winter fun, with snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and winter hiking.

February Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...is still nearly as cold as January, but the daylight hours begin to increase and give the impression that spring weather is closer than it is! Because of the February holidays of Valentine's Day and President's Day, and winter school vacations, there is an increase in the number of activities and events taking place, both indoors and out.

March Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...is officially the beginning of Spring. With an average high temperature of 42 degrees and a low of 22, precipitation during March often arrives in the form of heavy, wet snowfalls, sleet, or freezing rain. As snow and ice melt, March in Maine (as it does in most of New England) has a nickname - Mud Season! Need I say more?

April Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...is when the first real signs of Spring begin to appear. Temperatures often reach into the low 50's and the warming effects of the sun can be felt. However, temperatures at night are still pretty brisk and the term April showers does apply!

May Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...is finally warm enough for vegetation to bloom. Daytime temperatures are usually very comfortable, although mornings and evenings remain cooler. And regardless of how nice the weather may be on any given day, wide ranging temperature swings are typical during the Spring in Bar Harbor.

June Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...signals the official start of Summer. Temperatures begin to increase dramatically, and outdoor activities can be fun during the daytime AND evening hours. It is warm enough to once again enjoy whale watching cruises, windjammer cruises, fishing, and other boating adventures in the Gulf of Maine. However, keep your eye to the sky, as strong thunderstorms, hail, and damaging winds can pop up quickly.

Because the water temperature and land temperature vary, coastal Maine weather often includes fog. It may be morning fog, or evening fog, or a "soup" like fog that hangs all day. If you are planning boating activities, be aware of the Bar Harbor weather conditions.

July Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...means enjoying warm sunshine - although unannounced thunderstorms may be nearby! The July 4th Bar Harbor, Maine forecast is often for great weather that continues for most of the month. Despite occasional humid days, or a mid-summer heat wave, breezes coming in off the Atlantic usually make hot temperatures tolerable.

August Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...has the least amount of average monthly precipitation, meaning lots of sunshine, Although occasional hot, humid days are still unavoidable, by late afternoon an ocean breeze can make the air very comfortable. As humidity breaks, strong storms may pass through without warning, but are often followed by clearing skies.

September Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...can be gorgeous. With a few weeks of summer left before Fall arrives, the days are generally warm enough for all types of outdoor adventures. Early in the month, morning and evening temperatures are still pretty warm, but as Fall approaches, there is an early and late day crispness in the air.

October Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...will often mean the first frost of the season. However, lots of sunshine is usually still around, and fall foliage in Bar Harbor, and nearby Acadia National Park, is well underway. The brilliant color of the leaves, and crisp cool temperatures, make this a superb time of year to visit.

November Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...is often much like March (without the mud!). The number of daylight hours shortens, for the most part leaves have fallen off the trees, and since it is on average the wettest month in Bar Harbor, be prepared for rain, sleet, freezing fog, and the first snowflakes of the season.

December Bar Harbor, Maine weather...

...means that Winter is not far off. Although a mix of sun and clouds is not unusual, winter precipitation is also likely. With average high temperatures hovering around freezing, sleet, freezing rain, or snow could be in the holiday forecast, making for icy conditions.

You may also be interested in:
Acadia National Park Maine, Maine Tide Charts, Maine Weather Forecast

What to Wear in Bar Harbor, Maine

What should you pack for a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine? Lots of layers!

Regardless of which of the four seasons it is when you visit Maine, the weather can be unpredictable. The best way to prepare is to bring several, interchangeable combinations of clothing.

The summer weather in Bar Harbor, Maine is warmer than at other times of the year...

...but when packing, consider that mornings and evenings are usually cool, there may be rain forecast, and the coastal fog that is often present can feel very damp.

What to wear in the summer in Bar Harbor, Maine: Shorts, lightweight long pants, short sleeve shirts, a lightweight sweater, rainproof hooded jacket, and soft soled shoes if you will be boating, walking, or hiking.

One thing is certain with the winter weather in Bar Harbor, Maine - it is going to be cold. Snow storms, sleet, hail, freezing rain, freezing fog, nor'easter's, blizzards, and extreme low wind-chills are not uncommon in a Maine forecast. But despite this, you can also expect pleasant, sunny days (although still cool)!

What to wear in the Winter in Bar Harbor, Maine: Hat, gloves, heavy coat, scarf, water resistant boots, heavy sweater or fleece top, long pants (nothing lightweight), and thermal underwear if planning to be outdoors.

Bar Harbor weather in the early fall and late spring, although usually comfortable can be accompanied by significant temperature swings. Layering is important.

What to wear EARLY Fall, LATE Spring in Bar Harbor: Lightweight spring or fall jacket, long pants, capris, shorts, long sleeve and short sleeve tops.

Bar Harbor temperatures in late fall and early spring can easily be as cool and damp as those during the winter months. November has the highest average precipitation, and March is prone to a late season heavy snow fall. It's still time for warm clothing and waterproof gear.

What to wear LATE Fall, EARLY Spring in Bar Harbor: Hat, gloves, scarf, a winter coat, medium weight sweater, long pants, long-sleeved top, and water resistant footwear.

National Weather Service, Bar Harbor, Maine Weather

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's, National Weather Service, website at, www.nws.noaa.gov...

...provides detailed in-depth weather for Bar Harbor, ME and many other areas where you may be traveling in the U.S.

...interactive hourly weather forecast graphs, long-range forecasts, current weather hazards and weather advisories (including small craft advisory), current conditions, radar maps, satellite images, coastal flood watches and warnings, climate and weather safety information, and special weather statements.

As you search the NOAA site, certain Bar Harbor, Maine weather information may only be available by county name - you may need to know that Bar Harbor is located in Hancock County (and possibly that the Bar Harbor zip code is 04609).