Are you thinking about visiting Bar Harbor, Maine? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Bar Harbor worth visiting?
This coastal town is a good place to visit for two to three days. Bar Harbor is a charming New England town that sits beautifully on the coast. It has a small town feel with boutique shops and local seafood restaurants. Many couples enjoy staying in the charming local hotels and wandering along the coastline. There are also whale watching tours, kayaking, and easy access to Acadia National Park. We first visited in 2014 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its charming New England atmosphere.
Bar Harbour, Maine
Reasons to Visit Bar Harbor
Food
The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.
Shopping
Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.
Resorts
The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.
Beaches
A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.
Hiking
Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.
Is Bar Harbor worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Bar Harbor is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too. Weather-wise, summer is the best time to visit Bar Harbor, but the city definitely fills with crowds during these warmer months.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (79°F).
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal town, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the small town charm, and the hiking. Also, you can relax at a resort.
Summer Weather in Bar Harbor
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 21°C (69°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| August | 20°C (67°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Bar Harbor worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Bar Harbor can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Bar Harbor, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, appreciate the quaint setting, and discover the nearby hiking trails. Also, you can check out the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Bar Harbor
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 9°C (48°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 3°C (37°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| December | -5°C (24°F) | 100 mm (4 in) |
Is Bar Harbor worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Bar Harbor. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices. Winter is cold and snowy, and some of the shops and restaurants close for the season, but it is still possible to visit Bar Harbor in the winter.
The weather in Bar Harbor can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -8°C (18°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to sample the delicious cuisine.
Winter Weather in Bar Harbor
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -8°C (18°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| February | -6°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| March | -1°C (31°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Bar Harbor worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Bar Harbor. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Bar Harbor can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Get out into the wilderness to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the quaint atmosphere, and the beautiful scenery. Also, you can experience the small town charm.
Spring Weather in Bar Harbor
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 6°C (43°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| June | 18°C (64°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Bar Harbor
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Bar Harbor with a lively nightlife scene. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Bar Harbor might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Bar Harbor here or see if Bar Harbor is expensive here.
Related
What is Bar Harbor most famous for?
Bar Harbor is most famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. The coastal town is very popular for its food and shopping. It is also known for its great resorts, beaches, and hiking. It is often described as relaxed, quaint, charming, and picturesque.
What is the most famous sight in Bar Harbor?
The most popular sight in Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Bar Harbor on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Acadia National Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Bar Harbor? Is it a popular coastal town to visit?
Bar Harbor is a popular coastal town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
- Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
- Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour in Maine: $140
- Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads: $174
- Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours): $93
- Self-Guided Ebike Tours of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads: $119
- Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (2.5Hr): $64
- Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour: $140
How long should I spend in Bar Harbor?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Bar Harbor is two to three days. Since Bar Harbor has activities such as dining and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bar Harbor? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bar Harbor?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.