Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
STEP ONE: Choose a Time of Year
>> When should I go? <<
Your first task is going to be quick — we’re just getting warmed up. Grab a piece of paper, a notebook, a spreadsheet…whatever it is you like to take notes on. You’ll want to keep it handy so that you can keep your research in one place.
Right now, let’s choose a time of year that you want to visit Acadia.
Each season in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience depending on when you go. Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time of year for you!
Special note: You may already have a pretty good idea of when you will be able to go. For example, traveling during the summer might be the only time of year you can take your family. I totally understand, but keep reading. Let’s make sure you know what to expect while you’re there.
Winter (November-March)
A visit to Acadia during the winter can be both magical and ambitious…but anyone who has been to this snow-covered wonderland will tell you it is well worth the effort!
So, what’s so great about Acadia during the winter? The gorgeous coastline covered in snow…the solitude…the skiing!
What You Need to Know
- The snow scares away most travelers, so winter is a fantastic time of year to visit the park if you don’t want to fight through the crowds!
- Winter temperatures in Acadia rarely make it above freezing so be sure to pack your warmest winter clothes.
- Most facilities within the park are closed. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is not open during this time, but you can visit the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce during these months for information about the national park.
- The only sections of road open to vehicle traffic along the Park Loop Road are the Ocean Drive and the Jordan Pond Road. Highway 102A to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is also open to vehicle traffic during these months.
- Snowmobiling is allowed along the Park Loop Road and the road up to the top of Cadillac Mountain! This is a fun way to get out and see the park when it’s covered in snow.
- You can find more information for planning a winter trip to Acadia {including information on snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in the park} here.
Spring (April-May)
Acadia National Park starts to wake up a little when spring begins, but the island still stays quite sleepy this time of the year!
Springtime in Acadia is generally wet and buggy, but temperatures can be quite pleasant….the park usually dries out in May just as the hotels, restaurants, and shops begin to open up.
What You Need to Know
- Crowding within the park is minimal this time of year.
- A trip during the spring is a challenge, as visitor services and roads don’t open up until at least mid-April {weather dependent}. Click here to see opening dates within the park.
- Spring weather in Acadia is unpredictable, so be prepared for every kind of weather. Expect lots of mud on the trails because of the melting snow, and biting bugs like to come out from mid-May to mid-June.
- If you don’t want to participate in winter activities, don’t travel here before mid-April. To enjoy a full Bar Harbor/Mount Desert Island/Acadia experience, mid-late May is the best time to make a springtime visit here.
Summer (June-August)
The great thing about Acadia during the summer is that everything is open! You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers.
Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….crowds. Be prepared to share the amazing sights of Acadia with people from all over the world during the popular summer season.
What You Need to Know
- July and August are the busiest months of the summer, with the main tourist season kicking off around the Fourth of July.
- To better avoid the crowds and traffic jams common to Acadia during the summer, you’ll want to have a solid plan, like this detailed itinerary! Having a plan will minimize wasted time and make your trip much more enjoyable.
- Summer is blueberry picking season! You can find wild blueberries nearly everywhere on the island, so exploring Acadia is even more fun this time of year.
- Numerous activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, boat tours, hiking, and biking are all available during the summer months. You can check out some of your options here. Or, check out the 10 things you can’t miss on your first visit!
- Expect to make reservations for all activities you are interested in, as well as any meals at sit-down restaurants. Without reservations, you may have to miss out on some things.
Autumn (September-October)
A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Acadia landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off. A chill fills the air as the plants and animals begin to prepare for winter…it’s absolutely magical!
Autumn in Acadia is fabulous, especially after Labor Day weekend. A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, crisp weather, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.
What You Need to Know
- September sees a dramatic drop in visitation, but crowds start to pick back up in October as the fall colors reach their peak. This time of year, numerous cruise ships drop passengers off in Bar Harbor. Don’t be surprised if you see the city streets full of excited visitors!
- Most visitor services within the park are closed for the season by the middle of October. Click here to see closing dates within the park.
- Autumn weather in Acadia is completely unpredictable. Be prepared for every kind of weather — rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, biting cold, etc. You’ll need a big selection of gear!
- Prime leaf-peeping is usually around mid-October in Acadia, but you can check the state’s fall foliage website if you’d like to plan your trip around the spectacular fall colors.
Well, there you have it! I know….it’s a lot of information about the seasons of Acadia. But now you’re ready to make a decision.
Let’s complete Step One. Decide what season is going to be best for your trip to Acadia and write it down!
Now you’re ready for Step Two.
Click NEXT to find out how long you should plan to stay in the park!
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