Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Maine in January
This is the coldest month in Maine: highs average 26°F (-3°C) and lows 8°F (-13°C), with about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 45/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Avg low
- 8°F (-13°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 26°F (-3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 8°F (-13°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.8 in (72 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 01 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are September.
- The drier spell starts: rain or snow falls to 2.8 in (72 mm) after 4.5 in (115 mm) in December.
- Comfort improves from 39/100 in December to 45/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 8°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Maine in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Jordan Pond House
Popovers and tea on the lawn facing Jordan Pond and the Bubbles, a tradition since the 1890s.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 26°F.
Thurston's Lobster Pound
Dockside pound in Bernard: pick a lobster by weight and eat it on the deck over the harbor.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Atlantic Brewing Company
Bar Harbor brewery with a tasting room and Mainely Meat BBQ on site.
Why now A cozy break on a 26°F day.
Mount Battie
Camden Hills summit with a stone tower and views over Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
Cadillac Mountain
Highest point on the Atlantic coast and one of the first U.S. spots to see sunrise in fall.
Nearby in January
- Portland, Maine in January~51 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- White Mountains in January~75 mi · highs 5°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 12°C (21°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Portsmouth in January~99 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- New Hampshire in January~118 mi · highs 30°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Maine?
It's middling, scoring 45/100. The best months are September, at up to 87. Expect highs of 26°F (-3°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Maine in January?
Average highs are 26°F (-3°C) and average lows 8°F (-13°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Maine in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 8°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Maine in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.