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What sort of weather
should I expect:
In Maine we have a common
saying "If you don't like the weather ... wait a minute, it'll
change" At any time of year, Maine's weather can be completely
different depending on where you are in Maine. It can be perfectly sunny
along the coast, but raining cats and dogs in the western mountains.
Try to be prepared for just about anything and keep one eye to the sky.
Along the coast:
(Bar Harbor, Boothbay, Camden, Portland, etc)
The coastal sea
breeze can keep Maine's coast 10 to 20 degrees cooler than just a
few miles inland. In the winter - the coastal areas typically are
warmer and receive less snow due to salt from the ocean. However,
Maine's coast has more fog than inland Maine and can make for difficult
driving along Maine's popular coastal Rt. 1.
During the summer,
evening temperatures can drop into the 40's, and even the 30's in
the spring and summer months. Daytime highs generally reach 70's with
occassional 80's and 90's.
A fair bit of
warning with regard to water temperature's along Maine's coast. In
late August, the warmest you might find the water is in the 60's -
but, expect much cooler water when venturing in.
Inland:
(Bangor, Waterville, Newport, Millinocket, etc)
Summer temperatures
are a pleasant 70's to 80's with occassional spells of 90's. Humidity
is fairly mild, but occassionally can seem high. Long dry spells in
the summers are rare.
Winter months
can be very cold, with wind chills in sub-zero ranges. Snow amounts
vary thoughout the state - but snow generally begins in November and
goes through March.
Western Mountains:
(Jackman, Bethel, Rangley, etc)
The high elevations
in Maine's western mountains tends to create a cooler climate. Higher
elevations can see low temperatures in the evenings - even during
the summer months. Temperatures can range in the 60's and 70's during
the summer months. Low evening temperatures are generally in the 40's
and 50's.
Winter months
can bring heavy snow. Driving in this mountainous region requires
caution, especially during the height of snow and ice season.
The rule of thumb
in Maine is be prepared for just about any type of weather in
Maine. Check out the local forcast in the area you plan to visit.
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