Visit Maine in November before winter settles in
Things to Do in Maine in November and What to Expect
What is Maine Weather in November Like?
November in Maine is a great time to hit the trails with family
The weather in Maine varies significantly between southern and northeastern regions from late October to late November.
In early November,ย Southern Maineย often experiences milder autumn-like conditions, while Northeast Maine can be colder and windier.ย
Average temperaturesย can range from the 30s to the low 50s, making it essential to pack layers and prepare for various conditions during theย fall season.
By the end of November things usually take a turn in Maine to shorter days and colder temps, signaling the arrival of winter.
If Novemberโs chill has you dreaming of a summer escape, start planning with our Top Oceanfront Places to Stay in Maine with Kidsโthe perfect spots for a warm-weather getaway in Vacationland!
Does it Snow in Maine in November?
In November, you can see dustings of snow along the coast of Maine.
Coastal Maine sees less than three snowy days on average in November, with little to no accumulation.
Head north, though, and the snowfall picks upโranging from around three inches to nearly ten inches throughout the month.
Snowfall in Maine during November varies from year to year. In some years, you may see early snow in Southern Maine, while in other years, it might remain relatively dry until December.
Only two ski resorts in Maine typically open as early as November: Sugarloaf and Sunday River. Both ski mountains generally open in mid-November, but check opening dates directly on their websites for the latest updates.
If November in Maine has you thinking about a cozy winter escape, you’re in luck.
Our Best Winter Resorts for Families in Maine roundup has the top spots for a snow-filled getaway, with cozy lodges, fun activities, and plenty of cold-weather charm.
Most Popular Travel Destinations in Maine to Visit this November
Portland, Maine
Homes along the wharf in Portland, ME
As November settles in and the last leaves hit the ground, Portland, Maine, transforms into a peaceful coastal escape.
With fewer tourists, the cityโs maritime charm shinesโideal for strolling cobblestone streets, exploring the waterfront, or diving into its incredible food scene.
From museum visits to catching a hockey game, Portland offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for a late-fall getaway.
Things to do in Portland Maine in November with Kids
Views of Portland Head Light Lighthouse
Troubh Ice Arenaย
Lace-up the ice skates and get the family out on the ice at Portland’s local ice rink. Check out the calendar for public ice skating days and times.
Both figure skates and hockey skates are available for rental. $6/per person to skateย $4/skate rental
Portland Ovations
A beautiful community theater offering a variety of performances, including local productions and Broadway National Tour shows. Family-friendly shows are featured regularly.
The upcoming ‘Fraggle Rock LIVE’ in April 2025 has everyone excited!
Portland Museum of Art
A wonderful fine art museum in Portland, conveniently located near the Cross Insurance Arena.
Don’t miss the monthly ‘Family Day’ at the Portland Museum of Art, offering hands-on art-making experiences perfect for family bonding.
Children 21 and under are FREE to enter the museum all year! Everyone is FREE to enter on Fridays from 4-8pm.ย
The Children's Museum and Theater of Maine is a top Portland attraction for families
Childrenโs Museum and Theater of Maine
One of our favorite Childrenโs Museums in New England! Kids love exploring all of the floors of activities and taking part in the many creative exhibits. Some family favorites are the โMaine Neighborhoodโ exhibit and the “Go With The Flow” water room.
Currently Closed on Tuesdays
Check out the Current Line-Up of Shows at Maddyโs Theater for an extra special day.
Southworth Planetarium
The University of Southern Maineโs Planetarium often features 30-45 minute family-friendly shows for children of all ages. (Calendar of Shows)
Maine Celtics
Watch the NBA G League Maine Celtics take on a rival Northeastern team at the Portland Expo Building (Maine Celticsโ November Schedule)
Maine Mariners
Enjoy watching the Maine Mariners hockey team (affiliate team to the Boston Bruins) take to the ice at the Cross Insurance Arena.ย
Pro Tip: Buying Saturday or Sunday home game tickets? They offer a Family of 4 Ticket Package with food vouchers and 4 “chuck-a-puck” pucks for only $100 ($160 value)
Portland Head Light
Visit the oldest lighthouse in Maine, located in Fort Williams Park, which is open year-round.
The best views of this stunning landmark are from the Head Light North Lookout and Head Light South Lookout. Try seeing it from both anglesโit’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
A parking fee applies to the premium parking lot until November 15th. The interior of Portland Head Light is only open one day a year on ‘Maine Open Lighthouse Day.’
Terrarium
Create a unique souvenir from Maine by custom-making your own terrarium to take home. This charming garden center/ coffee shop is the perfect cozy spot to spend some time indoors in Portland.
Bayside Bowl
Twenty lanes of family-friendly 10-pin bowling in downtown Portland with award-winning food and a rooftop bar open seasonally.ย (Bayside Bowl Menu)
RATES (2024/2025)
$35/hr per lane Monday – Thursday
$40/hr per lane Friday – Sunday
Shoe Rentals $5/pair
Socks $5/pair
Urban Air Adventure Park
November is the perfect time for some indoor fun! Trampolines, Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Playground, Dodgeball, Arcade and More! (South Portland Urban Air Adventures Attractions)
The Wiggle Room
Let your little ones wiggle, slide, jump and play at one of the top indoor playspaces in Portland. This indoor playground is designed for toddlers and kids under 7. (The Wiggle Playroom Pictures)
November Festivals and Events in Portland Maine
Grab a book a a cozy spot for the Portland Book Festival
Portland Book Festival
This annual daylong book-loving event features author discussions, pop-up readings, writing workshops, kidsโ story times, lots of books for purchase, local food trucks, and more.
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Portland Book Festival will return to the Portland Art Museum and neighboring venues in downtown Portland. (Portland Book Festival Schedule)
Portland Holiday Market
Large-scale holiday season event at the Portland Expo Center.
Shop for unique gifts, home dรฉcor, arts and crafts, and more. Bring your little ones to Santa Land at the back of Exhibit Hall E and check that off your Christmas list. Enjoy lots of fun seasonal workshops and festive food too.
Holiday Market Dates: November 15 – 17th, 2024
(Check out the Admission/ Parking Combo to the Holiday Market)
Portland Veteranโs Day Parade
Annual parade on November 11th starting from Longfellow Square through downtown Portland. (Veteran’s Day Parade Route)
Monument Tree Lighting
Kick off the season with live music and family-friendly seasonal outdoor events, all leading up to the lighting of a 50-foot tree with thousands of twinkling lights.ย ย
Bangor, Maine
Downtown Bangor skyline over the Penobscot River
As November’s chill sets in, Bangor, Maine, becomes aย popular spotย for families looking to enjoy a mix of indoor activities and unique local events.ย
The city’s downtown area, with its charming bookshops and inviting cafรฉs, offers a warm escape from theย cooler weather. It’s an ideal time to delve into Bangor’s rich cultural offerings and historical sites withย fewer crowds.
Things to Do in Bangor Maine in November with Kids
A stop at Paul Bunyon is the perfect spot for a family photo in Bangor, ME
Take a Picture with Paul Bunyon
We love visiting “giant things,” so we highly recommend stopping and taking a picture at Bangor’s Paul Bunyon Statue, which measures a whopping 31 feet! It was even featured in Stephen Kingโs iconic novel It.
Did you know that Bangor, Maine, is Stephen King’s hometown?
Cole Land Transportation Museum
Wonderful collection and recreations of all types of transportation, featuring hands-on exhibits and an amazing showcase of Maineโs transportation history.
The museum closes for the season in mid-November, so please be sure to check the most updated schedule on the (Cole Land Transportation Museum Website.)
Children under 19 are always FREE! Download and print a free scavenger hunt to take with you for the kids.ย
Maine Discovery Museum
The Maine Discovery Museum is located in downtown Bangor, Maine. It is the largest children’s museum in Maine and the largest located north of Boston, Massachusetts.
Kids love exploring the three floors of this large-scale childrenโs museum. (Explore the Exhibits at the Maine Discovery Museum)
Penobscot Ice Arena
Goย ice skatingย as a family during public skating hours. On-site ice skate rentals are available. (Public Skate Calendar)
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Visit this all-in-one indoor attraction featuring the patented Adventure Hubยฎ, the exciting Sky Rider, Ropes Course, tubes Indoor Playground and, of course, lots of trampolines. (Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park Bangor Attractions)
The Sports Arena
An indoor family entertainment center offering bowling, live music, mini golf, arcade games, and an extensive classic American menu. (The Sports Arena Attractions)
November Festivals and Events in Bangor Maine
A large variety of gems and minerals to purchase at the Annual Rock and Gem Show
Annual Rock and Gem Show
Located in the nearby Brewer Auditorium / Joseph L Lewis Community Center, this family-friendly annual event features rocks, minerals, gems, jewelry and unique gifts.
This annual event occurs typically the first weekend in November. The door prizes and silent auctions are crowd favorites throughout the event.
November 2 – 3rd 2024
10-5 pm on Saturday and 10-4 pm on Sunday
Children under 12 are FREE to enter. Admission is $3 on Saturday and $2 on Sunday.
CASH only at the door; there is no ATM on site.
Maine Harvest Festival and Craft Show
Start your holiday shopping in November and experience โBuying Localโ like never before at this large-scale FREE festival at Bangorโs Cross Insurance Center.
It has even been recognized by USA Today as one of the best Harvest Festivals in the US!
November 23, 2024 (10-4 pm) November 23, 2024 (10-2 pm)
Check out the Schedule of Events at the Maine Harvest Festival
Bar Harbor, Maine
Downtown West Street in Bar Harbor, ME
As November rolls in, Bar Harbor, Maine, reveals its quieter side, perfect for a tranquil family getaway amidst stunning natural landscapes.
The dramatic coastal area, framed by the last of autumn’s colors, invites peaceful walks along the shore and through the charming, nearly deserted streets of this small town.
It’s a time when you can enjoy Bar Harborโs local eateries and quaint shops at a leisurely pace, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of Acadia National Park, which is just a stone’s throw away.ย
Things to Do in Bar Harbor Maine in November with Kids
Wendell Gilley Museum
Share the love of Maineโs birds through nature and works of art at this open year-round museum, which features stunning wood carvings by famed artist Wendell Gilley.
During the month of November, this unique museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
A museum ofย native wildlifeย produced by the students at the College of the Atlantic (COA), this wonderful museum features a touch tank in addition to its many hands-on exhibits.
The Museum is open by appointment only in November. Programs and Scheduling a Visit to the Dorr Museum of Natural History
Mount Desert Island YMCA
Buy a day pass and use the facilities at the local YMCA. Indoor pool, Basketball, Pickleball, Racquetball and Volleyball. Mount Desert Island YMCA Day Pass Information
Park Street Playground
Large fenced-in playground with swings, slides and climbing structures. Park Street Playground Location
Grant Park
Bundle up and walk the rocky shores of Grant Park overlooking Frenchman Bay. Grant Park Location
November Festivals and Events in Bar Harbor Maine
Photo Credit thanks to Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Races
An annual tradition of spending the morning shopping locally and getting discounts by wearing pajamas. Sales are typically store wide starting at 6am and ending later that morning or early afternoon.ย
To make the Early Bird Pajama Sale even more wacky, local businesses and clubs race down Cottage Street in homemade and highly decorated beds.
Winners not only include 1stย and 2ndย place but “Most Spirited Team”
November 9th, 2024
Plan your visit to Bar Harbor’s Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Races
Visiting Acadia National Park in November
The rocky coastline of Acadia National Park in November
November is a perfect moment to experienceย Acadia National Parkย after the lively tourist season and before the serene onset of winter. The park usually remains fully accessible, draped in the remnants of autumn and awaiting the first whispers of winter snow.
A journey along theย Park Loop Roadย to Cadillac Mountain’s summit โ theย highest pointย inย Acadia National Parkย and on the Eastern Seaboard โ offers an unforgettable family outing and is one of the best things to do in Maine in November.
Unlike during the high tourist season, you don’t need a reservation to drive onย Park Loop Roadย inย Acadia National Parkย in November. This allows for spontaneous trips up the winding 3.5-mile route, which offers breathtaking views and the thrilling experience of climbing over 1500 feet.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise at Acadia National Park
Be the first to see the start of the new day atop Cadillac Mountain
When you visit Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park from mid-October to early March, you have a special opportunity that not many get to experience. You will be one of the very first in the United States to see the dawn of the new day.
Many visitors arrive hours before dawn to witness the first awakening of light, a truly serene group-felt moment worth the early start. The 3.5-mile journey to the summit takes about 30 minutes, allowing time to park and prepare for sunrise.ย
Be sure to dress warmlyโmost visitors enjoy the sunrise from the summit marker, exposed to the crisp November air and wind.
Unlike the peak season, you won’t need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain in November, making your visit more flexible and stress-free.
Convenient amenities like restrooms and a gift shop are available at the summit, enhancing the comfort of your visit.ย
Pro Tip for Timing Your Trip to Acadia National Park in November
Plan to visit in the very first days of November to capture the latest November sunrise with the warmest temperatures.
On November 1st, for instance, the sun rises around 7:10 AM, but by the end of the month, the sunrise shifts to around 6:48 AM, with temperatures dropping significantly, often by 10-20 degrees.ย
To enhance your experience, try to schedule your visit just before the daylight saving time shift. This allows you to enjoy not only a slightly later sunrise but also less frigid temperatures, making your early morning adventure much more comfortable.
Why November in Maine is a Prime Time to Visit
November might be Maine’s off-peak tourist season, but it holds a unique charm that offers a special experience for families.ย
Why Visit Maine in November?
Less Crowded:
Withย fewer tourists, you can enjoy the trails and small towns of Maine in serenity, which means more quality time spent at each location and a more relaxed pace throughout your trip.
Cost-Effective Travel:ย
Accommodations and some activities can be cheaper in the off-season, allowing your family to get better value for your money.
Authentic Experiences:ย
Visiting in November lets you see a side of Maine that summer tourists often missโquiet cobblestone streets, cozy cafes,ย fresh seafoodย and the genuine warmth of local hospitality as towns prepare for the winter.
As weโve explored, November in Maine is not just the quiet transition between fall and winterโit’s a season brimming with potential and unique experiences for theย whole family.
From annual bed races through the streets of Bar Harbor to the vibrant cultural scenes in Portland and Bangor, Maine in November offers a blend of outdoor beauty and indoor warmth that makes for an unforgettable family getaway.
