Current Weather Portland, Maine
...average monthly temperature, and what to wear

Although this handy display will allow you see the current weather in Portland, Maine, and an extended 10 day forecast for Portland, Maine, don't be fooled. The climate may transform quickly before you arrive. That's the way it is in Maine! But as any true New Englander, including myself, will tell you... "If you don't like the weather, stick around, it'll change."

Weather forecast Portland, Maine...
The above is a weather forecast for 04101 and 04102. For another Maine weather forecast enter the name of a city or town, or enter a zip code.

Portland, Maine Weather Monthly Averages

Data on historical weather for Portland, Maine has been compiled to generate the average monthly temperature for Portland. But, will the weather be an "average warm" or an "average cold" when you visit Maine?

It's hard to say. If you look at the record high and record low temperatures for Portland, Maine - versus the average high and low - you will certainly see why it is hard to make a weather prediction much in advance.

And because Portland sits on the coast of Maine, it is subject to the influence of the northern Atlantic Ocean. The rule of thumb, plan for occasional unexpected weather conditions when you visit Portland, Maine and you will always be prepared!

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

Other facts about Portland, Maine weather that the Weather Channel provides...

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

Does Maine get hurricanes? Occasionally, but not often. For the most part, Maine may experience heavy winds and torrential downpours from hurricanes that have made their way up the east coast of the United States, but direct hits are infrequent. Storm surges, local flooding, and power outages, are often Maine's worst hurricane effects.

The most recent storms that have impacted Maine are Hurricane's Carol and Hurricane Edna in 1954, Hurricane Donna in 1960, Hurricane Gloria in 1985, and Hurricane Bob in 1991.

What about tornadoes in Maine?

According to www.maine.gov - "Maine averages one to two tornadoes per year, typically touching down in uninhabited wooded areas." The tornadoes recorded in most recent history have resulted from severe summer storms.

Monthly Weather Forecast Portland, Maine

Normal daily low temperatures and normal daily high temperatures are only a guideline. Expect anything in between, or outside of the normal temperature range, and you will be well prepared! After all, we are talking about weather in New England!

At a glance, for Portland, Maine weather you can expect:

January weather Portland, Maine...

...can be very cold. Movies, the theater, dining out, and sightseeing by car, might top your list of things to do when visiting Portland. For the die-hard outdoorsmen - plan on a hot-toddy!

February weather Portland, Maine...

...is still cold, but typically not as bitter as January. ;Winter carnivals, ice-skating and other winter activities are popular in February as the daylight hours increase and the sun's rays begin penetrating the deep freeze of January.

March weather Portland, Maine...

...is mud season in Maine. Need I say more? However, if your Portland Maine visit keeps you primarily on city streets or close to the coastline you won't need to worry.

April weather Portland, Maine...

...Alas! Spring has sprung and there are signs of it everywhere. Spring fairs and festivals are underway and seasonal businesses are beginning to spruce up for the anticipated flood of Maine's summer tourists. In your travels are sure to see some of the season's first daffodils!

May weather Portland, Maine...

...is warm enough to bring trees back into full bloom and make the city look and feel energized. And, although the temperatures are cool in the morning and in the evening, they often warm for several hours during the day with a tease of what lies ahead in the weeks to come.

June weather Portland, Maine...

...begins to bring significantly warmer days. However, they may be accompanied by fog, since the water of Casco Bay is still cooler than the air temperature over land. Fog will often burn off during the day, but if not, as the fog horns blow it adds an interesting mystique to the seaport city. Regardless of weather, the Portland waterfront has come back to life with sightseeing boats, and ferry tours.

July weather Portland, Maine...

...Enjoy the warm sunshine! Beginning with the much hyped July 4th Portland, Maine forecast, and lasting until the month's end, summer temperatures have made their way to Maine's Casco Bay. Expect occasional humid days, or a heat wave, but a nice ocean breeze will usually keep humidity and hot temperatures tolerable.

August weather Portland, Maine...

...can be more humid than July, but a nice afternoon breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean, is quite common. Although there can be a hot spell in August, the weather is usually fantastic, for taking part in all of the outdoor activities Portland, Maine has to offer.

September weather Portland, Maine...

...is often beautiful, as summer makes way to slightly cooler fall days. The seasonal crowds have gone home leaving Portland tourist attractions easily accessible, and fun to enjoy in the early autumn weather.

October weather Portland, Maine...

...will likely put frost on the pumpkins. On the other hand, the chill in the air can be truly invigorating, as leaves change to brilliant colors during the Portland, Maine fall foliage. Don't be surprised, if by month's end, you have seen a snow flurry. Don't be surprised either, if for a day or two, the thermometer feels more like late August or early September, than mid-fall.

November weather Portland, Maine...

...can be much like March - an in-between month. The increasingly colder weather means that the leaves have fallen off trees and without the fresh white snow cover, the city streets can begin to look rather barren. Thankfully, by mid-month, decorative holiday lights and holiday shoppers begin to spark the air.

December weather Portland, Maine...

...means the official onset of winter and the shortest daylight hours of the year. With these come increasingly colder temperatures and an even greater chance of a forecast for snow, sleet, freezing rain, and freezing fog. However, a December chill should not be enough to stop you from taking part in the numerous holiday activities in Portland.

You may also be interested in:
Maine Weather Forecast, Detailed State of Maine Map

What to Wear in Portland, Maine

What do you pack for a Portland, Maine visit? LAYERS - for each of the four seasons. With its geographical diversity, the weather in Maine tends to be a bit unpredictable and Portland's proximity to the northern Atlantic Ocean makes it even more vulnerable to fluctuations.

Although the summer weather in Portland, Maine is the warmest it will be all year, early mornings and evenings can be cool. When packing, plan for a mix of sun and clouds, an occasional day of fog or rain, and the afternoon thunderstorm or downpour that may pass through.

What to wear in the summer in Portland: Shorts, lightweight long pants, short sleeve shirts, a lightweight sweater, rainproof hooded jacket, and soft soled shoes if you will be boating and/or doing a lot of walking.

Predicting winter weather in Portland, Maine may not be easy, but one thing is for sure (or almost certain) - 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 it's not all bad, there are also many days of sunshine in the winter!

What to wear in the Winter in Portland: Hat, gloves, heavy coat, scarf, water resistant boots, heavy sweater or fleece top, long pants (nothing lightweight), and, if planning outdoor events - consider thermal underwear.

In the early fall and late spring very moderate temperatures are common, and are often accompanied by a significant temperature swing - between daytime highs and nighttime lows. Layering can be important.

What to wear early Fall, late Spring in Portland: A lightweight spring or fall jacket, long pants, shorts or capris with a short-sleeve top should be fine.

Temperatures in late fall and early spring can easily be nearly as cool as those during the winter months. The air may also feel particularly damp. With November having the highest average precipitation, and March sometimes having a late season heavy snow fall, it's not quite time for spring clothing.

What to wear late Fall, early Spring in Portland: Hat, gloves, scarf, a winter coat, medium weight sweater, long pants, and water-resistant footwear.

Because of its proximately to the coast, the Portland, Maine weather may not be the same as the weather further inland. If you will also be visiting surrounding areas, you may want to check their local weather forecast and radar map.

Or, for detailed weather report you can visit the National Weather Service Maine website, out of Gray, Maine, at: www.erh.noaa.gov/gyx.

Current weather hazards, current conditions, interactive hourly weather forecast graphs, long-range forecasts, weather advisories (including small craft advisory), radar maps, satellite images, coastal flood watches and warnings, climate and weather safety information, and special weather statements, are all displayed on NOAA's website.

Some weather statistics are shown by city, some by county. If you are looking for Portland, Maine you may need to view the relevant Cumberland County weather link.