With summer and fall being the most popular seasons to visit Maine for its beautiful beaches and stunning fall foliage, you may be wondering what the state is like in November, and if there’s really anything to do.
Well good news, you’ve come to the right place! This post is all about what to expect during a visit to Maine in November from someone who’s actually been at different times during the month. Not sure if it’s worth visiting? If there’s snow? Is anything open? I answer all your questions, and suggest some things to do. So, let’s get started!
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So, Is Maine Worth Visiting In November?
This really depends on what kind of trip you’re hoping for. I’ve written a lot about New England in November, and I always say the same thing: I love the month of November everywhere in this region, including Maine. It’s a beautiful time of transition between fall and winter, and everything is very quiet. That said, it’s not for everyone.
Maine is worth visiting in November if you’re okay with colder weather, don’t mind visiting outside of the most picturesque times of the year, and are looking for cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Maine in November may not be for you if you’re hoping to see peak fall foliage, want to get the best skiing in, or are hoping for dependable weather.
What’s Maine Like In November?
Maine is very peaceful in November, and while the scenery isn’t at peak fall foliage, or a perfect winter wonderland just yet, the stunning coastal views, charming towns, and cheaper hotel prices more than make up for that.
As mentioned, Maine is in a transition in November, so it’s not quite fall, and not quite winter. It’s also a quiet month to visit, as the leaf peepers have all gone home, and the skiers don’t usually start to pack in until December. Restaurant reservations are usually easier to get, tours may be less crowded, hotels have cheaper rates, and you don’t see many tourists.
The only thing to note is that with tours, many of the boat tour companies are closed during this month, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Fall Foliage In Maine In November
This was taken the first week of November one year when foliage lasted longer than usual.
By November, the leaves have usually completely fallen off the trees. However, Maine is a big state, so while most fall foliage is gone by this month, there may still be some lingering in the southern coastal towns like Kennebunkport the first week or two of November. Generally speaking, though, you shouldn’t visit Maine in November and expect to see a lot of foliage.
In the southern part of the state, as mentioned, foliage can stick around on the trees for the first two weeks of November. You may also see some fall color on the ground from fallen foliage the first two weeks of November along the Midcoast and through the central regions of Maine, which add some nice color to the general scenery – but this is more iffy. By mid-November and onward, the leaves have usually turned brown, and there’s not much fall color left.
Overall, I always tell people to expect bare trees through most of November in Maine, but the first two weeks of the month are best if you’re hoping to see any lingering fall color.
What Kind Of Weather To Expect In November & Does It Snow?
Since November is a month of transition, that means weather can be all over the place. Generally, though, you can expect chilly temperatures, and yes, possibly some snow! It really just depends on where in the state you plan to visit, as it can vary from region to region.
The average November day time temperature is around 38°F, and the average night time temperature is around 25°F. If you’re up in the northern parts of the state, the weather will be a bit colder, and in the southern parts, it could be a bit warmer.
As for snow, Maine sees its first snowfall in the northern areas in October, and the rest of the state, the first half of November usually bring the first significant snowfall (meaning an inch or more). The later into the month you go, the higher the chance of snow.
All that said, it’s always good to be flexible. I’ve been to Maine in the first two weeks of November, and didn’t have to wear more than jeans and a sweater during the day. Other years, I’ve needed a winter coat and boots to stay warm. It really just depends on the year! But I’ll go into what to pack in November later in the post, so stay tuned 😉
Best Things To Do In Maine In November
1. Enjoy A Quieter Coast
Summer along the coastline, and even early fall, is a busy time in Maine. While it’s worth braving the crowds for because all the seafood shacks and such are open for the season, there’s something to be said for exploring during a quieter time, right?
Popular coastal towns like Camden, Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells, and Boothbay Harbor will generally be less crowded than the summer and early fall months. Camden and Bar Harbor will likely be the busiest of the ones mentioned above, but definitely not anywhere near the crowds you’ll see in the summer. And I have a whole section on Bar Harbor and Acadia down below to answer all your questions 😉
Kennebunkport is especially nice to visit in November. You may still catch some fall foliage in the first part of the month, as mentioned earlier in the post. And folks don’t tend to start visiting again until December when they begin their famous Christmas Prelude event.
Camden is a lovely town that’s very picturesque, and will have a lot of options for things to do, even in November. It’s also a great location along Maine’s Midcoast, so you can easily visit other towns while staying there.
November is also a great time for a coastal Maine road trip, and I’ll talk more about that later in the post under my Lighthouses section, so be sure to check that out!
2. Explore Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
Being that Acadia National Park is the top tourist destination in New England, you may be wondering if it’s worth visiting in November, and I can confirm that it absolutely is. While you’ll definitely run into some road and trail closures, many of the main attractions are still open inside the park in November.
When visiting Acadia, the best town to stay in is Bar Harbor, which is a charming little coastal town that’s worth visiting even if you don’t go to the park. Bar Harbor is known as the Gateway to Acadia, so it’s very easy to see both during your visit.
Bar Harbor in November is also a quiet time to visit, but will still be somewhat lively. I wouldn’t say crowded, though. Some shops and restaurants will be closed for the season, but you’ll still have plenty of options for places to eat.
Acadia In November is also very quiet, and a great way to enjoy the top attractions with very few people. The trade-off is that some things will be closed, like Jordan Pond House’s restaurant, but there are also some perks, like not needing a reservation to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. The most scenic road, Park Loop Road, usually doesn’t close until December, so you’ll just make it!
Things To Do In Bar Harbor In November:
Walk Shore Path: A beautiful paved pedestrian walkway that hugs the coastline, and offers amazing views of the water. This is an easy and relaxing walk, perfect for a chilly November day!
Visit the shops: Some will still be open and offering cute things you’ll be tempted to buy. You can also start your holiday shopping here.
Go on a Ghost Tour: Learn about the haunted happenings around Bar Harbor on this tour that typically runs through the first week of November.
Take a self-guided history walking tour: Purchase this audio tour before your trip, and enjoy a relaxing self-guided stroll around Bar Harbor to learn all about its fascinating history.
Experience the early bird pajama races: This very cool and fun event in November is such a unique experience and totally worth doing if you happen to be there at the same time. Visitors are encouraged to hit the shops in Bar Harbor in their jammies, and receive special discounts along the way. This is another great way to start your holiday shopping early.
Things To Do In Acadia National Park In November:
Enjoy sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain: Definitely one of the most memorable things to do in Acadia! In November, you won’t need to make a vehicle reservation to drive to the top, and since sunrise is later during this month, you won’t have to set your alarm for 3am 😉
Drive Park Loop Road: This is regarded as the most scenic drive in the park, and it typically doesn’t close until December.
Walk Ocean Path: This easy and flat path is perfect for November weather, and connects Sand Beach to the Otter Cliffs. It also offers some of the most iconic scenery in the park, so have your camera ready! You’ll also pass the famous Thunder Hole along the way, and if you happen to be there on a windy day, you’ll likely get the full experience of hearing the waves make the sound of cracking thunder.
Take a hike: Depending on the weather and any snowfall, it’ll likely be safe enough to take a hike. Of course, check conditions first before heading out, but some easier ones to check out are Gorham, Great Head, and Bubble Rock.
Visit Bass Harbor Lighthouse: Located in Southwest Harbor, about 30 minutes from Bar Harbor, is the beautiful Bass Harbor Lighthouse, which is easy to visit in November (and especially perfect at sunset).
Explore Schoodic Peninsula: The only part of Acadia that’s on the mainland, Schoodic Peninsula is a lesser-known part of the park that’s about an hour from Bar Harbor, but open year-round. There’s an easy road that goes all the way around the park with scenic pull-offs and beautiful views to enjoy.
*When visiting Acadia in November, the park may close roads due to weather. It’s best to check the park’s website to see if any roads are closed the day you plan to visit, especially if there’s been snow.
Here are some more of my guides to the Acadia area:
- Best Places & Towns To Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park
- My Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary
- Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park
- Bar Harbor, Maine & Acadia In The Winter
3. Splurge On A Luxury Hotel
November is a great time to save on hotel costs during a trip to Maine, and since the state is home to some absolutely incredible luxury hotels that are very costly in the summer season, this is a great month for a luxury stay at discounted prices.
While these are luxury experiences and will still be expensive in November, they’ll be far less than what you’d pay in the summer. This is one of the months I’ll book a luxury hotel stay as a treat because I love to take advantage of those cheaper rates! You can usually save hundreds of dollars, depending on when you go, which makes it a lot easier to book your Maine vacation, right? 😉
Some of my favorite luxury hotels in Maine that have discounted rates in November are:
White Barn Inn: Located in Kennebunk, and minutes from Dock Square in Kennebunkport, the White Barn Inn is a luxury experience that’s worth the cost! Their gorgeous barn makes for the coziest dinner, and some of their rooms have soaking tubs overlooking fireplaces.
Cliff House: In Cape Neddick, Cliff House offers spectacular coastal views pretty much everywhere on the property. And while their outdoor pool is closed in November, their cozy rooms, on-site dining, and spa more than make up for it.
The Press Hotel: In Portland, this is a top place to stay that has really nice rates in November. Located in the most scenic neighborhood, Old Port, you can walk everywhere, and enjoy gorgeous rooms.
4. Tour The Lighthouses
My absolute favorite thing to do year-round in Maine is tour the lighthouses, and November is also a wonderful time to do that. While many of them will be closed off for tours of the inside, you can still drive around to see them all, and you can walk right up to most of them.
Maine has over 60 lighthouses to explore, and there are so many beautiful ones to visit. In November you’re not likely to run into a lot of other people, either, making it a great month to capture some nice photos.
Some of my absolute favorite lighthouses in Maine to check out are:
Portland Head Light: If you only see one, I always say it should be this one! It’s such an impressive lighthouse surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery and walking paths, so you get the most bang for your buck (although parking will be free in November!). This one is in South Portland, and easy to see if you visit the city.
Bass Harbor Lighthouse: As already mentioned, this gorgeous lighthouse in Acadia deserves another mention 😉 It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England for a reason!
Marshall Point Lighthouse: Located in Port Clyde, this was the lighthouse featured in the movie Forest Gump, and I literally have to visit it every time I’m in the general area (or not – I go out of my way to see it a lot!).
Owls Head: Located in the town of Owls Head, this is such a treat to visit. It’s fairly close to Camden, and the lighthouse is perched above the cliffs, offering wonderful coastal views from the top.
*For more detailed information on lighthouses, I’ve created an itinerary on the perfect Maine lighthouse road trip, so be sure to click on that and read all about it. I share even more lighthouses to visit, and my suggested itinerary on the best way to see them.
5. Eat, And Then Eat Some More!
Maine is a state with incredible food to enjoy, and there are so many fantastic restaurants with creative chefs, fresh seafood, and specialized food that Maine is famous for. While it’s of course wonderful to dive into the food scene year-round, November is a great month to explore because tables at restaurants will be easier to get, and there’s something about being out in the cold all day that works up an appetite 😉
You definitely can’t leave Maine without having a traditional Maine style lobster roll, which is a toasted and buttered hot dog bun filled with chilled lobster salad. While many of the best seafood shacks around the state will be closed in November, you can find fabulous lobster rolls all over at the restaurants.
Maine is also famous for their whoopie pies, and I even wrote an article on the best whoopie pies in Maine! While you can find these delicious little treats all over as well, definitely check out that article to see if you can visit some of the best bakeries during your trip.
And of course, New England Clam Chowder is a must, and is especially perfect after a brisk day outdoors. This is also something on pretty much every menu in Maine as an appetizer.
6. Enjoy Craft Beer & Awesome Seasonal Cocktails
Maine is an awesome state to sip on incredible craft beers and fun, seasonal cocktails. Portland alone has over 60 craft breweries to visit, and the number seems to grow every time I check. But of course, there are fantastic breweries all over the state to visit. Chances are if you Google a town in Maine and “brewery,” one will pop up.
November is a great time to visit the breweries, as the summer crowds are gone, and many come out with fun seasonal flavors to try.
Some of my favorite breweries in Maine to visit are:
Maine Beer Company: In Freeport, this is one of the best in Southern Maine. Not only is the indoor space huge, they also serve up wood-fired pizzas for an extra cozy November day. And their beers are awesome. Check out their Lunch and Dinner brews (yep, those are the names of the beers!).
Bissell Brothers: In South Portland, Bissell Brothers continues to be one of my top favorites in the state, largely for their Swish Double IPA. They also serve food here, so you can pop in for lunch and a great glass of beer.
Oxbow Beer Garden: In Oxford, this great brewery not only has awesome beers, they do a really nice job with their outdoor space that can be enjoy year-round. If it happens to be a chilly November day during your visit, they have these cut little A-frame chalets you can sit in, and usually have fire pits going to stay warm.
I have an entire post on the best breweries in Portland, Maine to check out, so if you’re curious, definitely click on that for more information!
November is also a great time to enjoy all the fun seasonal cocktails for pre-dinner drinks, and there are some especially cool places to check out in November:
Baston River: They have a few locations around southern Maine, including Kennebunkport, Portland, Biddeford, and Wells, and each of them has created gorgeous spaces that are especially cozy in the colder months. They also whip up delicious season cocktails that are perfect this time of the year.
Aprés: In Portland, this very cool bar feels more like a cozy space, and focuses on making creative drinks using their hard seltzers and ciders. They’re always coming up with new special cocktails that highlight the flavors of the season, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
Blyth & Burrows: In Portland, this is one of the coolest bars for a craft cocktail because of the ambience and creative menu. They also have small plates here, and have been known to do $1 oyster nights.
7. Explore Portland
As probably the most exciting city in Maine to visit, Portland is honestly great year-round. That said, I’m rather partial to visiting in November, and through the winter months, myself. Starting in November, hotel prices tend to drop, crowds disperse, and the weather feels a lot more comfortable for walking around.
Old Port is my favorite neighborhood in downtown to explore, and I think it’s also the most picturesque. Many of the pictures you see of Portland are taken in Old Port – you’ll see lots of brick and cobblestoned streets, waterfront alleyways, and beautiful streets.
Here are some wonderful things to do in Portland in November:
Take a food tour: Portland is one of the most exciting food destinations in New England, so taking a tour with a local expert is the perfect way to dive in. This culinary walking tour through Old Port is the best option in the city!
See the lighthouses: I know I touched on Portland Head Light already, but there are actually two other lighthouses nearby that you can visit: Spring Point Ledge Light, and Bug Light. Both of these lighthouses are smaller, but they’re really fun to visit.
Enjoy coastal scenery from Willard Beach: Even in November, a walk on the beach is fun, right? There are some nice views to enjoy from here, and if you walk all the way right to the end of the beach, there are some cute cottages you can take stairs to at low tide. At high tide, you can walk to the end of Deake Street to access an overlook of the beach and walk right up to the cottages.
Editor’s Note: The beach shacks overlooking Willard Beach were destroyed by a storm in January 2024, and are no longer there. However, the community already has plans to rebuild them. I’m closely monitoring this, and will update as soon as I have more information, but it will likely take at least a year, likely longer. I wanted to keep this suggestion in place, however, because the views from this spot are still really nice, even without the shacks.
Tour the breweries and visit Batson River: I touched on these already, but there’s a Baston River location in Portland that’s really fun to visit. And, of course, there are just so many breweries to check out, so this is a must if you love craft beer.
Meander through Old Port: If you visit one area of Portland, it should be Old Port. Have your camera ready! This is also where you’ll find some cute shops to explore.
Take a cruise with the Casco Bay Island Ferry: While pretty much all boat tour companies have packed it in for the season and stop offering tours in October, the Casco Bay Island Ferry is one exception. This ferry service is open year-round, and a great way to enjoy views of the bay during a November visit.
8. Have A Cozy Thanksgiving
If you’re planning a visit to Maine later in November closer to Thanksgiving, there are plenty of options to plan a very cozy getaway during the holiday.
Since we were just talking about Portland, that’s a great place to start. With so many incredible restaurants to choose from, some of which are open on Thanksgiving and serving up a delicious feast, this is a great time to visit the city for a getaway.
Kennebunkport is another wonderful Thanksgiving getaway to plan, and the White Barn Inn, previously mentioned as one of the best luxury hotels in Maine, puts on one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in New England. This is just another excuse to book this beautiful resort as a way to treat yourself for the holiday.
Camden along the Midcoast is another perfect option for Thanksgiving. The charming town feels very cozy in November, and the Camden Harbour Inn offers special Thanksgiving packages that includes Thanksgiving dinner and two nights of accommodations.
9. Start Your Holiday Shopping
With the holiday season just around the corner once November hits, it’s always a good idea to start your shopping before the big rush, and Maine is home to some awesome shopping areas. Between outlets, flagship stores, and boutiques all over the state, it’ll be easy to check things off your list.
Here are some of my favorite places for shopping in Maine:
L.L. Bean Flagship Campus: You’ll find the famous L.L. Bean flagship campus store in Freeport, which is just north of Portland. And it’s honestly so fun to shop here, even if the brand really isn’t your thing. Specializing in classic New England fashion staples like quality sweaters, jammies, outerwear and tons more, you’ll find everything they sell right here at the campus, including homewares, décor, and sporting goods.
Stonewall Kitchen Flagship Store: Located in York, you can easily combine this with a trip to Nubble Lighthouse, too. Their flagship store is really fun to visit, and includes a café with delicious food, a new housewares store, and pretty much everything they sell online. Their mini jams and jellies also make great stocking stuffers!
Old Port: As mentioned already, a charming area of Portland not just for scenery, but also for shopping. You’ll find lots of cute boutiques here.
Kittery Outlets: There are over 60 stores at the Kittery Outlets, so you’re sure to cross a few people off your list here. Some good ones to check out are the Crate & Barrel outlet, Le Creuset outlet, Lululemon, and the Barbour outlet.
10. Experience The Holiday Festivities
November is usually the official kick-off to all the amazing and magical holiday festivities around Maine, and some even begin before the Thanksgiving holiday. If you visit later in the month and are hoping to catch a glimpse into all the festive New England celebrations, this is a good time to visit. While not everything is in full swing when it comes to Christmas, a lot starts later in the month.
Some of the best holiday festivities that begin in November are:
Gardens Aglow: The Maine Botantical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor are transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkle lights around the property. This event usually begin just before Thanksgiving, so definitely check it out to see if it’s open on your November visit.
Portland Tree Lighting: The Friday after Thanksgiving, Portland celebrates with a festive tree lighting!
Lighting of the Mount Battie Star: In Camden on Thanksgiving night, the town celebrates the lighting of a giant star at the top of Mount Battie.
This is just a sampling of a few events that start in November, and many towns will have tree lightings and be decorated for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving.
11. Be The First On The Ski Slopes
As mentioned, November can bring snow to Maine. And while it’s not usually a ton, it’s typically enough to get the ski resorts started. And of course, since many of the resorts make their own snow, some will begin to open for the ski season in November.
Two resorts that are typically open by mid-November are Saddleback and Sugarloaf, both of which are the bigger ski resorts in Maine. Both of these ski resorts are located in the Northwest corner of the state, and less than an hour from each other.
Most other ski resorts in Maine don’t open until December, so for November skiing, you’ll want to focus on Sugarloaf and Saddleback.
What About Whale Watching In November?
Whale Watching is over in Maine by the time November rolls around. Usually, the last few tours head out in October, and they close up for the season in November. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option during a November visit.
What To Pack For Maine In November
Based on my recap of what kind of weather to expect in November, you may be wondering what to pack for your trip. I can definitely point you in the right direction!
But first thing’s first – you really need to make sure you check the forecasts a day or two before leaving. I know, I know, it’s hard to wait until the last minute to pack – I totally get it! But New England in general is a bit moody, and November is even more so – it’s better to be safe and check the forecasts just before leaving.
On a personal note, there have been times I’ve visited Maine in November where all I had to wear during the day was a light sweater, jeans, and sneakers. Other times? I was bundled up in my winter coat and boots to stay warm. So that’s why the forecasts are really helpful as it gets closer to your trip.
In general, here are some things you can probably count on to pack for a November trip:
- Jeans, sweaters, and light layers. This is key. Maine is a casual state to visit, and you likely won’t need any fancy outfits. The options for layers will keep you comfortable if the weather is predicted to change a bit during your visit.
- Warm jackets and coats. You may not need your winter parka, but a warm jacket will be necessary – especially since it gets pretty chilly at night.
- Hats, gloves, and scarves. I’ve found these to be handy when exploring the coast, as it tends to be windier by the water, and these add an extra layer of warmth to stay comfortable.
- Warm fall boots, sneakers, and maybe winter boots. I often pack my L.L. Bean Boots with me (duck boots) for November trips, and wear them with warm socks. These work well to keep my feet dry if exploring the coastline, too. If there’s snow in the forecast, or very cold temperatures, you may want to bring winter boots instead.
- Your camera, of course!
What you probably don’t need to pack in November:
Full winter gear, unless you’re staying way up north, or plan to hit the ski slopes. Even with a light snowfall, you’ll be fine with a winter jacket and boots. No need for snow pants and the whole shebang in November.
Is Anything In Maine Closed For The Season In November?
Yes, you will find some businesses closed for the season. Places like seafood shacks, ice cream shacks, boat tour companies, and some stores will close in late September or in October for the season, and not open again until the spring.
However, this isn’t usually a big problem because Maine has lots of year-round residents, so you’ll find many places still open. This time of year, though, I usually recommend checking hours of places you’d like to visit to ensure they’ll be open when you’re in town.
While many of the seafood shacks close down in September or October, so many restaurants serve up great seafood and lobster rolls, so this isn’t usually a problem.
More Of My Maine Travel Guides:
- Maine In The Spring: What To Expect & Fun Things To Do
- Maine In October: Best Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- Blueberry Picking In Maine
- Maine In The Winter
- Portland, Maine In The Winter
- Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
- Best Things To Do In Boothbay Harbor, Maine
- Maine In The Summer
You may also find these posts helpful:
- Cozy Thanksgiving In New England Getaway Ideas
- New England In November: What To Expect
- The Best Time To Visit New England
That’s A Wrap On Maine In November!
And there you have it – the inside scoop on what it’s like to visit Maine in November. This is a great time of year to explore the Pine Tree State if you’re looking for cheaper rates at hotels, fewer crowds, and don’t mind chilly weather. While fall foliage season has come and gone, Maine’s natural beauty is still just as impressive. Happy planning!
