August is peak summer in Maine: the warmest weather, the busiest beaches and the biggest festivals. It is also the month when lodging is hardest to find and parking fills early. Here is what to expect and how to make it easier.
Quick Answers
- Weather: In Portland, August averages a high of about 79°F and a low of about 60°F.
- Rain: About 3.6 inches in an average August in Portland.
- Crowds: The busiest month of the year. Book lodging well ahead and arrive early at beaches.
- Black flies: Long gone.
- Big events: The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland and Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend, both around the first weekend of the month.
- Maine Lobster Festival: Held in Rockland around the first weekend of August, with lobster dinners, music, cooking contests and activities for all ages. In recent years it has run for five days, Wednesday through Sunday. See Belfast versus Rockland for the area.
- Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend: The first weekend in August, when participating blueberry farms open their fields to visitors.
- Ogunquit Beach
- Wells Beach
- Kennebunk and Kennebunkport beaches
- Old Orchard Beach
- Book early: Lodging in popular coastal towns and near Acadia fills far in advance.
- Start early: Beach and trailhead parking fills in the morning.
- Try midweek: Weekdays are noticeably calmer than weekends.
- Consider the north: The western mountains, the Moosehead Lake region and Aroostook are far less crowded.
Weather in August
According to the National Weather Service’s 1991 to 2020 normals, Portland averages a high of 78.7°F and a low of 59.7°F in August, with about 3.57 inches of rain. Evenings cool off, especially on the coast and in the mountains, so bring a sweater. The ocean is at its warmest of the year, though still cold by most standards.
Events in August
Dates change each year, so check the event’s own website before you plan around it.
Beaches in August
August is beach month, and the popular beaches fill early. Read the rules before you go, because parking and dog hours differ from town to town:
Many beaches limit dogs in summer, and some charge for parking. For more choices, see the best beaches in Maine.
Tips for August
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
For the whole season, see Maine in summer. Earlier in the season, read Maine in June. If you can wait, Maine in September has lighter crowds and still-warm days. Not sure which month? See the best time to visit Maine.
Maine in August FAQ
Is August a good time to visit Maine?
Yes, for warm weather, beaches and festivals. It is also the busiest and most expensive month, so plan ahead.
How hot does Maine get in August?
Portland averages a high near 79°F. Evenings are cooler, and the coast is often cooler than inland.
When is the Maine Lobster Festival?
Around the first weekend of August in Rockland. Check the festival’s website for the exact dates each year.
Are there still black flies in August?
No. Black fly season ends well before August.