“When is peak fall foliage in Maine?” is the question we receive more than any other September and October query. After thirty years observing Maine foliage timing, the honest answer is: Maine’s peak isn’t a single date. The state spans 320 miles north-to-south, with elevation ranging from sea level to 4,000+ feet — and foliage moves through the state on a 6-week schedule starting in mid-September and ending in early November. Getting the timing right means matching your travel dates to the region that’s peaking when you’re traveling. This guide gives you the week-by-week breakdown.
Quick answer: Maine foliage peaks at different times in different regions. Northern Maine and the western mountains peak late September through early October. Central Maine and the foothills peak October 5-15. The midcoast and southern Maine peak October 10-22. Coastal Acadia and Downeast Maine peak October 15-30. Plan your trip around the region you want to see, not vice versa.
Why Maine’s Foliage Timing Varies So Much
Three factors create Maine’s 6-week foliage spread: latitude (the state stretches from 43°N at York to 47°N at Madawaska), elevation (sea level to 5,267 feet at Katahdin), and ocean proximity (the Atlantic Ocean moderates coastal temperatures, delaying turn). The combined effect: northern inland Maine starts turning while southern coastal Maine is still firmly green. By the time Acadia peaks in late October, the western mountains are largely bare.
Week 1: September 15-22 — Far Northern Maine
Where’s peaking: Aroostook County (Presque Isle, Caribou, Madawaska), the upper portion of the North Maine Woods, and very high elevations elsewhere.
Where’s NOT peaking yet: Everywhere else. Western Maine mountains have early color but are not at peak. Coastal Maine is still mostly green.
Aroostook foliage is the most under-recognized in New England. Vast scale, working farms, potato harvest happening simultaneously. Best for travelers who want true northern Maine without the better-known leaf-peeping crowds.
Week 2: September 22-29 — Northern and Western Maine
Where’s peaking: Jackman and the Old Canada Road, Greenville and Moosehead Lake, the Baxter State Park region, and the higher elevations of Rangeley.
Where’s NOT peaking yet: Most of Maine south of the Moosehead Lake region.
This is the week to target if you want the most dramatic remote Maine foliage. The North Woods are at their best, and crowds are still minimal — most travelers wait for October.
Week 3: September 29 – October 5 — Western Maine Mountains
Where’s peaking: Lower-elevation Rangeley, Bethel and the western Maine mountains, the Carrabassett Valley and Sugarloaf region, the Grafton Notch and Mahoosuc Range.
Where’s NOT peaking yet: Coastal Maine, southern Maine, the midcoast.
The western Maine mountains in the first week of October are arguably Maine’s most spectacular foliage window. The Height of Land overlook on Route 17, the Sunday River area, and Grafton Notch State Park are all at peak simultaneously. Foliage tourism is starting to build but Columbus Day weekend (the busiest fall weekend) hasn’t hit yet.
Week 4: October 5-15 — Columbus Day Window
Where’s peaking: Central Maine, the upper midcoast (Belfast area), the Augusta-Waterville corridor, the Sebago Lakes region, lower-elevation southern western Maine.
Where’s PAST peak: Northern Maine, highest elevations of the western mountains.
Columbus Day weekend (typically October 9-12 in recent years) draws the largest foliage crowds of the season. Lodging across all of central and southern Maine books up 4-6 months in advance for this weekend. Mid-week visits during this window give you peak color with dramatically less competition for lodging and restaurants.
Week 5: October 15-22 — Midcoast and Southern Maine
Where’s peaking: Camden and the midcoast, Boothbay Harbor area, Brunswick and Bath, Portland’s surrounding areas, southern Maine inland (Sebago Lake, Sanford).
Where’s still peaking: Southern coastal Maine continues holding color. Inland southern Maine.
The midcoast in mid-October is often the most underestimated foliage destination in the state. Camden’s foliage-with-harbor visual signature is at its best in this window. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge tower observation gives elevated foliage views over multiple counties.
Week 6: October 22 – November 3 — Coastal Acadia and Downeast
Where’s peaking: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the Downeast coast (Lubec, Eastport, Machias), Schoodic Peninsula.
Where’s past peak: Everywhere else in Maine. The state is mostly bare-treed except this last window.
This is Maine’s last major foliage window — and the most strategically valuable for travelers who couldn’t get away in early October. Acadia foliage at peak with significantly thinner crowds than Columbus Day. Many businesses have closed for the season by November 1; the trip is more about scenery than dining out.
How to Use Live Foliage Reports
Year-to-year variation in Maine foliage timing can shift peak windows by 5-10 days. Several services provide updated foliage reports during the season:
Maine Office of Tourism’s foliage report at mainefoliage.com provides regional updates updated weekly during the season. Most reliable single source.
The Smoky Mountains foliage prediction map at smokymountains.com covers the entire country including Maine. Less granular for Maine specifically but useful for comparing year-over-year timing.
Local Chamber of Commerce social media — Rangeley, Greenville, and Bar Harbor chambers post regular photo updates during the season. Quick reality check before travel.
What Drives Year-to-Year Variation
Why does Maine foliage peak shift 5-10 days from year to year? Three weather factors matter most: August and September rainfall (wet summers delay peak; drought-stressed summers accelerate it), cool nighttime temperatures (cool nights without frost intensify color), and storm timing (a major windstorm during peak strips leaves prematurely). Generally: a wet summer followed by cool but frost-free September nights produces the most spectacular foliage.
Plan Your Maine Foliage Trip
For deeper regional context, see our specific foliage guides for Rangeley, Bar Harbor and Acadia, Bethel, Camden, Jackman, and Greenville. For the best foliage drives, see our Maine Fall Foliage Drives guide. For the broader Maine fall foliage hub, see Maine Fall Foliage.