The Best Time To Visit Maine

Discover the ideal weather and month to travel to Maine

By Donna Heiderstadt | Published on May 17, 2024

Maine, celebrated for its coastal beauty and delicious seafood, is also one of those places with a somewhat limited window for visitors to enjoy it all: June to October. This is without a doubt the best time to visit Maine. But if you love seafood, you're probably wondering: when's the best time to visit Maine for lobster? And nature lovers may be wondering about prime time for whale watching or leaf peeping.

August to October is when Royal Caribbean ships call on Maine, visiting Portland and sometimes Bar Harbor during Canada and New England itineraries from three East Coast cities: Boston, Baltimore and New York (Cape Liberty, NJ). With sailings spread over multiple weeks, you can explore Maine when the weather is mild and the landscape is vivid green or as temperatures cool and coastal foliage becomes a mosaic of autumnal oranges, reds and golds. Keep reading for a list of everything you need to know to choose the best time of year to visit Maine.

1. June To October: Relish Maine's Mouthwatering Lobster

Maine lobster can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit Maine for lobster and peak season for the state's anglers is June to October — with the tail end of summer into early fall being prime time in terms of abundance. Visit the city of Portland on a cruise in August or early September and head to one of its famous waterfront lobster shacks to feel the warmth of late-summer sunshine and a salty sea breeze on your face as you dig into a classic lobster roll filled with sweet, tender meat. Or take a schooner excursion to a deserted island for a traditional lobster bake on the beach.

You can also take your appreciation of Maine's most famous crustacean indoors at one of Portland's seafood restaurants or gastropubs. What's on the menu in Maine? Think hearty lobster bisque, crispy lobster tacos, creamy lobster mac 'n cheese and a whole steamed lobster with sweet melted butter for dipping.

2.August Or Early September: Marvel At Marine Mammals

Another top reason to visit Maine? The chance to spy on the massive mammals that frequent its coastal waters. The best time to visit Maine for whale watching is from May to October. You might catch a glimpse of the resident humpback, minke or finback whales during this part of the year. The best way to see these majestic creatures is on a whale-watching cruise on Casco Bay guided by an expert naturalist.

Whale watching typically peaks in August and early September before these migrating giants begin the journey to their winter feeding grounds. Four-hour tours can be reserved with operators right on Portland's wharf.

3. Whenever: Raise A Pint At Local Craft Breweries

If the only splash you plan to enjoy while you're in Maine is the one made when a cold glass of beer is set down on your table, you're in luck. Portland is home to a thriving craft brewery scene with more than two dozen heady options. You don't have to think too hard about scheduling this kind of trip — the best time to visit Portland, Maine for a beer is whenever you dream of a frosty glass. From early pioneers, such as Allagash Brewing Company (known for its Allagash White, a terrific way to wash down a lobster roll) and Shipyard Brewing Company, to the newer-on-the-scene Bissell Brothers (famous for their IPAs), Belleflower Brewing and Rising Tide (a family-owned brewer with more than a dozen year-round and seasonal beers), Portland is hops heaven. You can even map out a walkable craft beer crawl in the East Bayside neighborhood.

4. Anytime: Shop Nearby Outlets For Bargains

If your goal is snagging a bargain at the state's famous outlet shops, anytime is the best time to visit Maine. Whether you're a fan of outdoorsy wear or preppy looks, the outlet shops of Freeport are a shopaholic's playground.

As it happens, Maine cruise season runs from August through October, which means you can scour the racks for deals and wrap up back-to-school shopping for the kids or add a few new cool-weather pieces to your own wardrobe. Freeport is just 20 minutes from Portland by car, but if you prefer to stay in Portland proper you can browse the shops and galleries downtown for items uniquely handcrafted by local artisans, along with more traditional Maine souvenirs.

5. October: Fawn Over Fall Foliage

It's hardly surprising that many Canada and New England sailings take place as autumn arrives and ushers in brisker temperatures, pumpkin-spiced beverages and landscapes awash in captivating hues. Leaf peeping is a tried-and-true pastime in the Northeast, where foliage reports are updated almost daily to track deciduous oak, maple and birch forests on their color-changing journeys.

Since Portland is located in southern Maine, the best time for peak color is generally the last two weeks of October. But the best time to visit all-around picturesque Bar Harbor, Maine if you're hoping to catch the vibrant shades is a bit earlier, as it's located 175 miles to the north. Time your cruise for late September or the first half of October if this is your desired spot.

6. When The Mood Strikes: Delight In Maine's Lighthouses

The lighthouses of Maine have been beautifully captured in paintings and photographs, but there's nothing like seeing these navigational landmarks in person. Located in Cape Elizabeth, about five miles from downtown Portland, the well-known Portland Head Light is situated in 90-acre Fort Williams Park and can be visited on several shore excursions. The structure was completed in 1791 and sits atop craggy rocks overlooking the Atlantic — a vision that can be serene one day and dramatically wave-tossed the next.

Those eager to collect more lighthouse memories can visit two others on a "lighthouses of Maine" shore excursion.

Whether you're most excited about lobsters, lighthouses, craft beer, whale watching or fall foliage, you can find an itinerary that includes Portland with easy access to it all.