United States, North America
Acadia in May
The season starts. Bar Harbor reopens and Cadillac Summit Road reservations begin in late May. Blackflies emerge in the woods.
The straight answer
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Acadia. The season starts. Bar Harbor reopens and Cadillac Summit Road reservations begin in late May. Blackflies emerge in the woods.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 61F (16C), fog possible
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Acadia
May is when Acadia's season begins. Highs reach about 61F (16C), fog can roll in off the water, and the woods turn green. Bar Harbor's shops and restaurants reopen, and Cadillac Summit Road reservations begin in late May. Crowds are light and prices moderate, but blackflies come out in the woods.
May suits couples and quiet-seekers who want open roads without summer crowds, and who do not mind cool days and bugs. Families wanting warm weather, tide pools and everything running should look at late June through August. For the best mix of weather and space, September is the pick.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Acadia this month.
Open roads, few people
The Park Loop Road is open and summer traffic has not arrived, so stops like Sand Beach and Otter Cliff are easy.
Cadillac sunrise reservations start
Summit road reservations begin in late May. Early season slots are easier to get than in summer.
Tide pools at Ship Harbor
Low tide at Ship Harbor and Wonderland shows off sea stars, snails and seaweed, a hit with kids.
What to pack for May
- Insect repellent or a head net for blackflies in the woods
- A warm fleece and a rain shell for foggy days
- Rubber boots or sturdy shoes for tide pooling
- A tide chart to time Ship Harbor and Thunder Hole
Our timing tip
Visit in the last week of May when more businesses are open, and book a Cadillac sunrise reservation as soon as your dates are released.
Book Acadia for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in AcadiaOpens a hotel search for Acadia in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in AcadiaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in AcadiaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Acadia for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Acadia
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.
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.
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.
Carriage roads
Rent bikes in Bar Harbor or walk from Jordan Pond. Some routes close during spring thaw to prevent damage.
Beehive and Precipice trails
Iron-rung cliff climbs for confident hikers. Precipice often closes in spring and summer for nesting peregrine falcons.
Schoodic Peninsula
The park's quieter mainland section, an hour's drive from Bar Harbor, with a loop road and wave-battered granite.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Acadia?
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Acadia. The season starts. Bar Harbor reopens and Cadillac Summit Road reservations begin in late May. Blackflies emerge in the woods.
What is the weather like in Acadia in May?
Cool, highs near 61F (16C), fog possible.
Is Acadia crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Acadia; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Acadia.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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