Early winter · Weather & things to do
Maine in December
Maine cools off: highs slip to 32°F (0°C), from 44°F in November, with lows of 17°F (-8°C) and about 4.5 in (115 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 32°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 17°F (-8°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.5 in (115 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 41 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 32°F (0°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 17°F (-8°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 4.5 in (115 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 8 h 41 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 41 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 47/100 in November to 39/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 17°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Maine in December
With highs near 32°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Red's Eats
Roadside shack in Wiscasset known for overstuffed lobster rolls since the 1970s.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Jordan Pond House
Popovers and tea on the lawn facing Jordan Pond and the Bubbles, a tradition since the 1890s.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Park Loop Road
27-mile road linking Acadia's lakes, cliffs and beaches, mostly one-way.
Atlantic Brewing Company
Bar Harbor brewery with a tasting room and Mainely Meat BBQ on site.
Why now A cozy break on a 32°F day.
Ocean Path
Easy 2-mile shoreline walk from Sand Beach past Thunder Hole to Otter Cliff.
Nearby in December
- Portland, Maine in December~51 mi · highs 40°F, 5.6 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- White Mountains in December~75 mi · highs 11°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 12°C (21°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Portsmouth in December~99 mi · highs 40°F, 5.7 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- New Hampshire in December~118 mi · highs 36°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Maine in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Maine?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 32°F (0°C) and 4.5 in (115 mm) of rain or snow. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Maine in December?
Average highs are 32°F (0°C) and average lows 17°F (-8°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Maine in December?
Some: about 4.5 in (115 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 48.9 in (1241 mm).
What should I pack for Maine in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 17°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Maine in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.