November is Maine’s quiet month. The foliage is over, the snow has barely started and many seasonal businesses have closed for the year. It is also hunting season, the days are short and the woods are at their most peaceful. If you like empty roads and cozy inns, it can be a great time to visit. Here is what to expect.
Looking ahead to the holidays? See Maine in December for snow, Christmas Prelude and what to expect.
Quick Answers
- Weather: In Portland, November averages a high of about 48°F and a low of about 31°F.
- Precipitation: About 5 inches, with around 2 inches of snow on average.
- Crowds: Among the lowest of the year, and lodging is easy to find.
- Hunting season: Wear blaze orange if you hike or walk in the woods.
- Daylight: Short. Clocks go back early in the month, and evenings come early.
- Many seasonal places are closed: Check hours before driving to small coastal towns, island ferries and attractions that run on a summer schedule.
- Lodging is cheaper and easy to find: You can often book close to the date.
- Short days: By late November, the sun sets before 4:30 p.m. Plan outdoor time for the middle of the day.
- Cooler water, empty beaches: A November walk on a beach with no one else on it is a Maine experience of its own.
- Take a quiet coastal drive: Harbor towns are calm and the light is beautiful.
- Visit museums and galleries: Year-round attractions in Portland, Bangor and other larger towns are open.
- Enjoy a cozy inn or cabin: It is a good month for a fireplace and a book.
- Hike low and short: Choose easy trails in the middle of the day, and carry a headlamp.
Weather in November
Portland averages a daytime high near 48°F and an overnight low near 31°F in November, with about 4.9 inches of precipitation and about 2 inches of snow, based on 1991 to 2020 climate normals. Inland and in the mountains it is colder, and the first real snow often arrives by the end of the month. Pack warm layers, a hat and gloves, and waterproof shoes.
What to Expect
Hunting Season and Staying Safe
November is a major hunting month in Maine. If you walk in the woods, wear blaze orange, stay on marked trails, and keep dogs close. Many hunters are out at dawn and dusk. If you plan to hunt, read our hunting guide for licenses and seasons.
What to Do in November
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
For the weeks before, see Maine in October. Looking ahead to snow, read Maine in winter. If you are choosing a month, see the best time to visit Maine, and browse the Maine state parks for places that stay open.
Maine in November FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Maine?
It is a good choice if you want quiet, low prices and empty roads. It is not the month for beaches, boat tours or foliage.
Does it snow in Maine in November?
Sometimes. Portland averages about 2 inches, and inland and northern Maine see more, often by the end of the month.
What should I wear in Maine in November?
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves. Add blaze orange if you will be walking in the woods.
Are things open in Maine in November?
Many seasonal businesses are closed, especially in small coastal towns. Larger towns and year-round inns stay open, so check hours before you go.