United States, North America

Acadia in August

Warmest water of the year, which is still cold. Crowds peak, especially on weekends and cruise ship days.

GoodWarm, highs near 76F (24C)

Acadia National Park, United States — AcadiaPhoto: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a good month to visit Acadia. Warmest water of the year, which is still cold. Crowds peak, especially on weekends and cruise ship days.

Weather: Warm, highs near 76F (24C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Acadia

August is warm, with highs near 76F (24C), and the ocean reaches its warmest point of the year, which in Maine still means cold. Everything is open and summer energy is high. Crowds peak, especially on weekends and cruise ship days in Bar Harbor, and prices stay at summer levels.

August suits families who need summer vacation dates and anyone who wants the full summer scene of lobster rolls, boat rides and beach time. Plan early starts and use the bus. If you can move your dates, the weeks after Labor Day in September bring clearer skies and far fewer people.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Acadia this month.

The warmest water of the year

Sand Beach and the island's ponds are as warm as they get. Brave kids may actually swim.

Thunder Hole at high tide

Time your visit for mid to high tide, when waves can boom through the rock channel.

Schoodic escape

When Bar Harbor is crowded, the Schoodic Peninsula offers a quieter loop road and wave-battered granite an hour away.

What to pack for August

A swimsuit and a towel for a quick, cold dip
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A warm layer for foggy mornings and cool evenings
A tide chart for Thunder Hole and the tide pools

Our timing tip

Check the Bar Harbor cruise ship schedule and plan your in-town day for a date with no big ships in port.

Book Acadia for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Acadia
Opens a hotel search for Acadia in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Acadia
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Acadia
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Acadia for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Acadia

Full guide

Cadillac Mountain sunrise

A vehicle reservation is required to drive the summit road from late May to late October. Or hike up in the dark on the North or South Ridge trails.

Tickets and tours →

Park Loop Road

A 27-mile scenic drive past Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. Closed to cars from December 1 to mid April.

Tickets and tours →

Jordan Pond and Jordan Pond House

Walk the shoreline loop, then have popovers on the lawn, a tradition since the late 1800s. The restaurant is seasonal.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Carriage roads

Rent bikes in Bar Harbor or walk from Jordan Pond. Some routes close during spring thaw to prevent damage.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beehive and Precipice trails

Iron-rung cliff climbs for confident hikers. Precipice often closes in spring and summer for nesting peregrine falcons.

Tickets and tours →

Schoodic Peninsula

The park's quieter mainland section, an hour's drive from Bar Harbor, with a loop road and wave-battered granite.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Take the free Island Explorer bus in season instead of hunting for parking at Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, or trailheads.
Book Cadillac Summit Road reservations as soon as they are released for your dates; sunrise slots go first.
Explore the Quiet Side around Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor, or the Schoodic Peninsula, when Bar Harbor is crowded.
Visit midweek in late September for crisp weather, open businesses, and far fewer people than the October foliage weekends.

Know before you go

Most of the Park Loop Road and the Cadillac Summit Road close to vehicles from December 1 to April 14; short sections stay open for winter access.
A vehicle reservation is required to drive the Cadillac Summit Road from late May to late October. Reservations are sold online, not at the park.
Bar Harbor and the island's restaurants, shops, and inns are largely seasonal, with many opening in May and closing after Columbus Day in October.
The Island Explorer free bus system runs seasonally, typically from late June into mid October. Check the current schedule.