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It's the best time to go to Maine.

With a dramatic rocky coastline broken by scenic beaches, a rich seafood tradition and ski resorts rising into the hills, Maine is known as Vacationland. If you can handle the cold, winter is a great time to enjoy the state's natural beauty.

Whether you come for the summer sun, the fall colors or year-round history, this month-by-month guide will help you choose the best time to visit Maine.

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For fresh seafood and outdoor adventures, come from June to September

In the summer months, Maine's Vacationland is a hive of activity. From the sandy beaches of southern Maine to the forested hiking trails in the north and the seafood shacks all along the coast there is plenty to enjoy.

You have to book in advance at hotels and campgrounds because of the high prices. The weather in Maine is hot and humid during the summer months. It's a good time to bring an appetite because of the seafood bonanza.

October and May are the best months for seasonal color and avoiding crowds

If you prefer a quieter experience and lower prices, Maine is a great place to visit. May is a great time to visit Maine, with many businesses opening their doors for the season around Memorial Day. In the north and at higher altitudes, there is still snow in the spring and fall.

A skiier in a bright orange jacket heads down the snowy slopes
Ski resorts generally open in Maine in November © Justin Cash / Getty Images

November to April is chilly in Maine, but great forsnow sports

The low season for coastal and southern Maine is in the winter while the high season is in the winter. Some of the best ski resorts on the East Coast are located in Maine. snowshoes or cross-country skis can be used to traverse many hiking trails.

January is snowy and busy in the ski resorts

Winter sports are in full swing in Maine. Depending on the snow quality, many cross-country skiing trails are open. It is time to get cozy by the fireplace at happy hour in the city.

There are three key events on New Years' Day.

February sits under dark, cold skies

The weather is cold in February, but there are a lot of winter festivals to enjoy. The Paint the Town Red celebrations take place in Kennebunkport, and many hotels in the state host ice bars.

The US National Toboggan Championship will take place at the Camden Snowbowl.

Person taking a lobster from a plate in Camden, Maine
As the warmer weather arrives in Maine, so does the seafood © Daniel Grill / Getty Images

March is Restaurant Week in and around Portland

Most of the state of Maine experiences winter in March. There will be a glimpse of spring in the south, but skiing and snowmobiling are still popular in northern Maine. Many of the state's best restaurants have special menus and deals during Maine Restaurant Week. Maine Maple Sunday is a tradition where maple sugar shacks open across the state to sell treats.

Maine Restaurant Week in Portland is one of the key events.

The mud doesn't dampen the party mood in April

Mud season is the fifth season in Maine. Ski resorts throw huge parties at the end of the season when the snow is melting. One day it could snow, and the next it will be 70F. When the mercury hits 50F (10C) in April, Mainers put on their shorts and get out of the cold.

The Reggae Festival at Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the key events.

May brings the first hint of the pending summer crowds

The flowers start to bloom in Maine after the long winter. Many of Maine's seasonal businesses open in May. You can make reservations at the best restaurants in the park.

May is one of the best months to visit if you don't want to wait hours for a table or compete with crowds on the hiking trails because tourists don't arrive until the Fourth of July.

The Bug Light Kite Festival in South Portland is one of the key events.

A smiling person at a festival holds up a rainbow-colored sign that says
Pride brings vibrant color to Portland in June © 3Violetsphotography / Shutterstock

June sees the weather warm as people hit the beaches

The weather is nice in June. Schools let out for the summer when the temperatures are in the 70s. Visitors are still able to enjoy restaurants, hiking trails and beaches.

Black fly season starts in June so if you are going to hit the woods for some outdoor adventures be prepared with insect protection and stay covered up. The strawberry picking season begins in June.

The key events are Pride Portland, Windjammer Days, and Portland Wine Week.

July sees plenty of Independence Day spirit

The high tourist season in Maine begins on the 4th of July. Crowds gather at Maine's beaches and country campgrounds when the weather gets hot. You have to make reservations for accommodations and restaurants in advance. The seafood is fresh off the boat and many towns celebrate America's Independence Day with parades and fireworks.

The 4th of July is a big day in the state with events such as the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

August is peak summer with peak crowds

There are dog days in Maine. There are a lot of people on the southern beaches. On the weekends, traffic can be heavy when going to the park. It only lasts for a short time in Maine, so ignore the crowds and enjoy the weather while it lasts.

The Lobster Festival in Rockland is one of the key events.

A teenage boy and girl carrying backpacks walk barefoot on a sandy beach
The crowds die down in Acadia National Park as the summer weather gives way to fall © Jerry Monkman / Getty Images

September brings late summer warmth and quieter resorts

The best time to visit Maine is in September. The weather is still warm after Labor Day. The fair season begins when the ocean is warm enough for swimming and water sports. The farmers markets are filled with delicious summer produce.

The Common Ground Fair in Unity is one of the key events.

October brings a blast of fall color

The leaves in Maine are colorful in October. Tourists come from all over to see the fall foliage, but it's still quieter than the summer peak. Maine has the oldest and largest fair in the country. It's a good time to visit Bar Harbor and the national park before the season ends. There is snow in the north of the state.

The key events are the Fryeburg Fair and the North American Wife Carrying Championship.

A white lighthouse standing on a rocky headland
The lights go on at Nubble Lighthouse in York after Thanksgiving © Cheri Alguire / Getty Images

November sees the first signs of winter

The month of November is in Maine. The days are cooler and it gets dark early in the season. It is a great time to eat and drink in the area. Ski resorts could open for early-season skiing if the weather cooperates.

The Harvest on the Harbor in Portland is one of the key events.

December is holiday time in Maine

Early December is when the holiday season starts to heat up. There is a scene from a movie in the small coastal town of Kennebunkport. Mainers want a white Christmas, so wrap up warm.

The Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport is one of the key events.

The article was last updated about 8 hours ago.

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