As the wintertime approaches, most people look for interesting places to visit to take a break from their busy lives.
If you have decided to explore Maine this January, first, let us applaud your choice of location, as Maine is simply breathtaking.
The state of Maine is located on the northeastern side of the United States. New Hampshire borders it to the west, Massachusetts to the south, and Canada to the north.
Maine’s capital and largest city is Augusta, with smaller communities of Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Waterville.
The gorgeous US state has a long coastline, sandy beaches, and many small towns with old craftsman houses.
It is also known for its lobster fishing industry, making it a perfect tourist spot.
As enjoyable as this adventure may sound, you must keep the weather conditions in mind before packing your bags.
If you are clueless about what to do in Maine and what you should wear according to the weather, this article contains all the essential information you need before leaving for Maine in January.
Keep reading to find out what Maine’s weather is like in January, what activities you can do, and what type of clothing you will need there.
Maine’s Weather in January
The climate of Maine is characterized by freezing winters and mild summers. The southern side of the state tends to be a bit warmer, with an average winter temperature of 25°F.
On the other hand, the average winter temperature in the northern side of the state, including the central portions, doesn’t exceed 15°F.
The average temperature in Augusta, the capital of Maine, ranges between 15°F and 29°F. As the month progresses, the temperature keeps decreasing by 3 degrees daily.
At the end of January, the average low temperature turns to 13°F.On rare occasions, the temperature can get as low as -1°F or rise to 40°F.
Augusta is also covered in thick clouds during January, with an average rainfall ranging between 1.3 inches to 2.5 inches. In contrast, the average snowfall can range anywhere from 16 inches to 32 inches.
Another important city in Maine, Portland, also has similar weather conditions to Augusta. The average daily temperatures in Portland range between 20°F and 34°F.
The extreme temperatures that Portland can witness during January do not exceed 47°F or drop below 0°F.
Like Augusta, Portland also experiences heavy overcast during January, clearing up gradually as the month progresses.
The average rainfall in Portland during January remains between 1.5 inches and 3.5 inches, and the average snowfall ranges between 14.5 inches and 28 inches.
Bangor also remains cloudy all month long, with the same temperature range as Augusta and Portland. The average rainfall in Bangor ranges between 1.6 and 3.1 inches, and the snowfall between 14 and 26 inches.
What to Wear for Daytime Activities in Maine in January?
Before deciding on the clothing, let’s see what activities you can do in Maine in January. Maine is packed with numerous options to explore.
You can start your trip by visiting Portland. Portland offers a lot, from beautiful yet isolated beaches to ancient lighthouses.
If you like lobsters, you’d be glad to know that Portland is one of the most famous places for lobster fishing and home to the yummiest lobster rolls.
If you want to enjoy a village-like environment, you can visit Bar Harbor. There are plenty of parks, specialty stores, and small art galleries over there that you can explore.
If you love hiking, Camden is an excellent place to visit. Although small, it has a lot to offer from the tourism perspective. There are hiking trails close to Camden Hills State Park, which give you scenic views of the islands.
You can enjoy the harbor cruise, check out the stunning lighthouses, or enjoy delicious seafood, mainly lobsters.
If you want to spend some quiet time on a beach, you should go to Kennebunkport and enjoy the sunrise or sunset while lying on the beach.
Since Maine is a snowy state, you can enjoy multiple snow activities, like skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. You can also go skijoring or enjoy sleigh rides. Ice skating and Tubing are also popular daytime activities.
As you see, there’s a lot you can do in Maine, but dressing up appropriately for these activities is crucial.
Since the weather can be icy in Maine, wearing layers is essential. Woolen clothes with warm sweaters and cardigans, along with thick jackets or coats, should be worn.
Keep your head and neck covered with a scarf and a hat, and don’t forget gloves. For feet, snow boots will be the best option. For non-snowy areas, you can stick with insulated boots.
What to Wear for Nighttime Activities in Maine in January?
While daytime is suitable for covering scenic spots, you should reserve some energy to enjoy Maine’s nightlife, which is pretty vibrant.
You can find comedy shows, concerts, dance clubs, bars, and whatnot to keep you entertained after the sun goes down. You can also enjoy night skiing, take walking tours, or enjoy a hearty meal in a place of your liking.
As nights are colder than days, you need to add additional layers to keep yourself comfortable. Wear thermal innerwear inside your clothes. Layer with thick pants, a sweatshirt, and a long coat or down-filled jacket.
Needless to say, you need a neck scarf, a hat, and gloves even more during the night. But make sure to choose the extra warm ones. Also, thermal boots with good insulation should be your only choice for nighttime.
The more layers, the better, as you can easily add or remove them at your convenience.
Extra Things to Pack for Trip to Maine in January
Here are a few extra things you should pack for your trip to Maine in January
- Windbreaker jacket
- Down-filled jacket
- Lined gloves and hats
- Thermal innerwear and thermal socks
- Trekking shoes
- Backpack
- Water bottle and on-the-go edibles
- Charger and additional batteries
Final Advice
The weather in Maine is pretty cold in January. Therefore, it is important to pack accordingly.
While packing, you need to be prepared for snow and ice. You need warm clothes and boots that can withstand cold temperatures.
Accessories like warm socks, gloves, and hats will also come in handy, especially if it’s windy.
Above all, it is recommended to pack layers of clothing to stay comfortable during the winter season in Maine.
