The Best Time to Visit Bar Harbor: Avoid Crowds and Enjoy the Weather

Planning a trip to a popular destination is both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Exciting because you’re about to head to a wonderful area, filled with fun activities and tasty foods, but nerve-wracking because there might be a ton of people there. Crowds make it hard to navigate through the city, and if it’s hot outside, it just adds to an already overwhelming day. So, how do you plan to avoid crowds while enjoying warm (but not too hot) weather? You’re in luck.

We’ve compiled a list of what to expect during your Bar Harbor vacation, depending on the time of year you visit. And, no matter when you come, Eden Village Motel & Cottages is a great home base, close to all the action. So, when is the best time to visit Bar Harbor, Maine? Here’s the breakdown.

Typically seen as June through August, summertime in Bar Harbor brings clear skies and low humidity. You can expect the weather to be in the upper 60s to mid-70s, with evenings a little cooler than that. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, it’s important to know that summer is the busiest time of the year for Bar Harbor. Cruise ships dock there regularly, and Acadia National Park sees its highest volume of visitors.

One of the main reasons it is so busy is because it’s the best time to go to Acadia National Park. With dry trails and clear views of Cadillac Mountain just waiting for you, it’s not hard to see why everyone wants to come during this time of year. Popular pastimes include kayaking, whale watching, biking the carriage roads, and cooling off with some homemade ice cream in town. If you’re into celebrations, the July 4th parade and fireworks are a must-see, same with the Bar Harbor Music Festival.

Fall: Cool and Colorful

September through October bring milder temperatures, with nights getting chilly, often in the 40s. Crowds start to taper off a little after Labor Day, so you’ll find yourself facing less traffic during your hiking trails and dining reservations. The main appeal for this season? Acadia National Park fall foliage. The area shines with hues of red, orange, and gold during this time, perfect for a quick photo op.

Fall is also a great time for the Acadia Night Sky Festival, which includes stargazing into the region’s incredibly dark skies during the night. Just make sure you bring layers, because it can get rather chilly.

Snow is common from November to March, with temperatures ranging from freezing to below. Wind chill is also a factor, ensuring that you’ll want a nice warm jacket in your suitcase. Winter is easily the off-season for Bar Harbor, and because of that, a lot of local businesses close down until the spring. However, there are some year-round spots you can enjoy.

Acadia National Park becomes a playground for skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice fishing along the lakes. If you don’t mind bundling up, this is honestly an underrated time of year to visit Bar Harbor. The pace is slower, and the landscape is stunning—quiet and blanketed in snow. Plan on being flexible with your time, however, because the weather can impact your daily plans.

Spring: Quiet and Reawakening

It takes a bit for spring to roll through, but around April through May, the weather shifts from freezing to chilly. The end of May specifically starts to bring warmer weather, seeing highs in the 60s. Snow occasionally sticks around in the spring, but mostly in the shaded areas.

Spring is one of the quietest times in Bar Harbor, with many restaurants and local shops just opening up from their winter closure. It is a great time to explore without the big crowds, although some of the hiking trails could be particularly muddy, so plan accordingly.

Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a warm, energetic, and activity-filled stop, summer is your go-to. Trying to dodge the crowds, as well as avoid higher prices? Fall and spring are the best times of year. Want to experience a full winter wonderland? Come between December and March.

Regardless of the weather, Bar Harbor delivers.

So, When Should You Go?

Stay at Eden Village Motel & Cottages

While you’re choosing the best season for your needs, rest easy knowing your place to stay is already sorted. Eden Village Motel & Cottages provides cozy accommodations and is pet-friendly! Bring your furry friend (okay, “family member”) to your next vacation when you stay with us!

With so much to do, and so little time to do it, don’t wait! Book your stay today and see for yourself why Bar Harbor, and Maine as a whole, is often referred to as "Vacationland".