United States, North America

Acadia in February

Quiet coast and frozen waterfalls, with very few services. Only for travelers who want winter on its own terms.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 33F (1C)

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

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Acadia. Quiet coast and frozen waterfalls, with very few services. Only for travelers who want winter on its own terms.

Weather: Cold, highs near 33F (1C)
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Acadia

February stays cold, with highs near 33F (1C), and the park is quiet. The loop roads are still closed to cars, very few services are open, and lodging is at its cheapest. On cold stretches, waterfalls freeze and the shoreline wears a coat of ice. Days are getting a little longer, which helps with outdoor time.

February is only for travelers who want winter on its own terms: skiers, snowshoers, photographers and people who enjoy empty trails. Families wanting beaches, tide pools and lobster shacks should wait for summer. For the best overall trip, plan September or early October.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Acadia this month.

Frozen waterfalls

Cold spells turn small falls and seeps along the trails into ice sculptures.

Snowshoeing near Jordan Pond

The area around the pond is calm and white in winter, with the peaks rising behind it.

Winter sunrise from Cadillac

Cadillac still catches the first sunrise in the country through early March, for those willing to hike up in the cold.

What to pack for February

Snowshoes or skis, since rentals on the island are limited in winter
Traction devices for icy granite
A headlamp for early starts and short days
Warm layers, a windproof jacket and a neck gaiter

Our timing tip

Pick your outdoor day by the forecast, and aim for calm, clear mornings when the wind off the water is lightest.

Book Acadia for February.

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

Is February a good time to visit Acadia?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Acadia. Quiet coast and frozen waterfalls, with very few services. Only for travelers who want winter on its own terms.

What is the weather like in Acadia in February?

Cold, highs near 33F (1C).

Is Acadia crowded in February?

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