United States, North America

Acadia in December

Loop roads closed to cars. Quiet walks on the coast for those who want solitude; very limited lodging and dining.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 36F (2C), first snow

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

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Acadia. Loop roads closed to cars. Quiet walks on the coast for those who want solitude; very limited lodging and dining.

Weather: Cold, highs near 36F (2C), first snow
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What December is like in Acadia

December is cold, with highs near 36F (2C) and the season's first snow. From December 1, most of the Park Loop Road and the Cadillac Summit Road are closed to cars, and lodging and dining on the island are very limited. You will have the coast almost to yourself, and prices are low.

December suits solitude seekers who like quiet shoreline walks and are fine planning around limited services. If snow falls, the carriage roads can offer early skiing or snowshoeing. Families wanting a full vacation should plan for summer, and the best months overall are September and early October.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Acadia this month.

Walking the closed loop road

With cars gone, the closed sections of the Park Loop Road make a peaceful walk along the coast.

Winter sunrise from Cadillac

Hike up in the cold to watch the first sunrise in the United States, with almost no one else on top.

First snow on the granite

An early snowfall on the pink granite and dark sea is a quiet, lovely sight.

What to pack for December

Insulated winter boots with good grip
Traction devices for icy trails
A down jacket, hat and mittens
A headlamp for short days and early sunrises

Our timing tip

Book one of the few year-round inns early, and start sunrise hikes well before dawn with a headlamp and traction on your boots.

Book Acadia for December.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Acadia
Opens a hotel search for Acadia in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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 December. 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.

Acadia in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Acadia?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Acadia. Loop roads closed to cars. Quiet walks on the coast for those who want solitude; very limited lodging and dining.

What is the weather like in Acadia in December?

Cold, highs near 36F (2C), first snow.

Is Acadia crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Acadia; most sights can be done without long waits.