Weather in Bar Harbor

Planning a trip to Bar Harbor? Check out the latest weather information in this section. Here you will find current data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan every day of your journey.

The climate in Bar Harbor can be described as temperate continental, with four distinct seasons. The town experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this type of climate. Travellers should be prepared for diverse weather conditions depending on the time of their visit.

Winters in Bar Harbor are generally cold, with average temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, especially in January and February. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and pleasant, with peak temperatures in July and August averaging around 20°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with milder but changeable temperatures. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a distinct dry or rainy season, although the number of wet days remains relatively stable, ranging from 8 to 12 days per month.

Overall, the weather in Bar Harbor offers a classic change of seasons. The most comfortable time to visit, in terms of temperature, is the period from June to September, when the weather is warmest and sunniest. However, every season has its own charm and offers unique opportunities for relaxation and exploring this picturesque corner of the United States.

The temperature regime in Bar Harbor demonstrates noticeable seasonal variations. The coldest months are traditionally January, with an average temperature of -3.2°C (minimum -6.9°C, maximum 0.4°C), and February, where the average temperature is -2.7°C (minimum -6.5°C, maximum 1.2°C). The warmest time of the year falls in July, with an average temperature of 19.8°C (minimum 16.9°C, maximum 22.8°C), and August, with an average of 19.7°C (minimum 16.9°C, maximum 22.6°C). Thus, the annual range of average temperatures extends from negative values in winter to comfortable warmth in summer.

Summer months in Bar Harbor (June, July, August) are characterized by pleasantly warm weather. Average daily highs in July and August reach 22-23°C, creating ideal conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Nights also remain comfortable, with average minimum temperatures around 16-17°C. June is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 16.2°C and maximum values around 19.4°C, which is also quite pleasant for most activities.

The winter period (December, January, February) brings frosty weather to Bar Harbor. Average temperatures consistently stay below freezing, especially in January and February. Nighttime lows regularly drop to -6°C...-7°C, while daytime highs often hover around 0°C or slightly above. December is a bit milder, with an average temperature of -0.3°C. Throughout the year, noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are observed, where the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can be about 5-7 degrees, which is particularly perceptible during the cold season.

In Bar Harbor, monthly precipitation fluctuates within a small range. The highest volume of precipitation, 5 mm, falls in December, making it the wettest month of the year. Conversely, May and July are the driest, with a figure of just 2 mm of precipitation. Regarding frequency, January, April, and December have the highest number of days with precipitation – 12 days each. The "driest" in terms of frequency is September, where precipitation is observed on average for just 8 days. Overall, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy or dry season.

The nature of precipitation in Bar Harbor changes depending on the season. During the winter months, especially from December to March, when average temperatures drop below or close to freezing (for example, in January the average temperature is -3.2°C, and in December -0.3°C), there is a high probability of snowfall. During the rest of the year, from April to November, when temperatures are significantly higher, precipitation falls predominantly as rain. In summer, these can be refreshing showers, while in spring and autumn, they are more variable in intensity.

Thus, travellers should expect that some form of precipitation (snow or rain) will be observed in Bar Harbor regularly throughout the year. On average, one can count on precipitation approximately every 2-4 days, depending on the specific month of your visit.

When planning a trip to Bar Harbor, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the changeable weather and distinct seasonal changes. The basis of your luggage should be layered clothing, which will allow you to easily adapt to temperature fluctuations during the day. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as the town and its surroundings are perfect for long walks. Do not forget an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, as precipitation happens here regularly throughout the year.

If your visit falls during the summer months (June-August), when average temperatures hover around 16-20°C, pack light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses. However, evenings can be cool, so a light sweater or jacket will be very useful. Sunscreen and a hat will also come in handy for sun protection. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is more unpredictable. Temperatures can vary from cool to moderately warm, so it is worth taking both light items and warmer ones, for example, a fleece jacket, jeans, and a mid-season jacket. Especially in April, October, and November, waterproof shoes would not go amiss.

For a winter trip (December-February) to Bar Harbor, thorough preparation is required. Average temperatures drop below freezing, and snowfall is frequent. Be sure to take a warm winter jacket or down coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and thermal underwear. Waterproof and insulated shoes with non-slip soles will protect against the cold and ice. Considering that even in the coldest months the maximum temperature can rise slightly above freezing, the principle of layering remains relevant, allowing you to remove extra layers indoors or when it gets warmer.