When to Go

When to Go

As with most of the Maine Coast, the Southern Coast is highly popular in summer. Crowds converge and gobble up rooms and dinner reservations at prime restaurants. Even so, July, August, and September are the best months to vacation in Maine. The weather is warm, and every town has its share of summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and gatherings. In July and August, most roads are extremely busy (don't expect speedy jaunts down U.S. 1), campgrounds are filled to capacity, and hotel rates are high. Midweek tends to be a little quieter than weekends.

The brilliance of fall foliage brings another round of visitors to the state; often the off-season rates revert back to their summer heights, but even then, it's not quite as crowded as summer. The prime time for leaf peeping here is usually the first week of October (check the state's weekly updated site: www.mainefoliage.com).

Many accommodations and restaurants stay open throughout the year, though they do have limited hours come winter. In the off-season, rates are lower, and you won't be waiting in line anywhere.