The Climate of Maine

According to Abbreviation Finder, the US state of Maine (ME) is the most northeastern state of the US. Maine has a moderate continental climate. Within the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, this climate type is indicated by the letters Dfb. The summer months in Maine are humid and warm, the winters are mostly cool and see plenty of snow. Even the influence of the seawater cannot prevent it from getting quite cold in the winter months. This is mainly due to a strong supply of arctic air from the northern corner, which could plunge temperatures in Maine to freezing levels and even lower. Precipitation is fairly spread over the year, with the capital Augustaa total average annual precipitation of 1075 millimeters. In the period from December to March, the largest part of that precipitation falls in the form of snow, sometimes tens of centimeters in a day.

The summer months are fairly wet, but luckily the sun also makes an appearance, on average 220 to 280 hours per month. With temperatures that average between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius in the months of July and August, it can really be called summer, despite the possibility of a shower.

Climate figures

The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. The temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

The climate of Augusta

According to Countryaah, Augusta is the capital of Maine, the most northeastern state of the US. With around 20,000 inhabitants, Augusta is one of the smallest capitals in the US. Augusta’s tourist attractions are quite limited, including the Maine State Museum and the botanical garden, Viles Arboretum.

Augusta has a continental climate, with cool winters, in which considerable amounts of snow can sometimes fall. With an average minimum temperature of minus ten degrees in the winter period (December-February) it is cold. If you’re unlucky and have to deal with a supply of cold arctic air from the north, the mercury can easily drop to minus 20 degrees or lower. As spring arrives, temperatures soar at breakneck speed, reaching between 26 and 27 degrees on average during the afternoon hours in the warmest months. The almost eleven hundred millimeters of precipitation that falls on average per year is fairly well distributed over the twelve months. In winter this is mainly snow, in summer it can also be thunderstorms.

The climate of Bangor

Bangor is located in northeast Maine, on the Penobscot River. The city is an important commercial and cultural center for this part of Maine. The dense forests and location on the river made the area especially suitable for logging. Because the river froze over in the harsh winter, shipbuilding was not possible here, but the city was able to supply sufficient raw materials for the paper industry. The city has beautiful 19th century architecture that has been well preserved and largely determines the atmosphere of the city. The most notable building is the grand mansion, William Arnold House, which is today occupied by the author Stephen King. Many of his stories are set in the state of Maine and the city of Bangor.

Bangor has a humid continental climate. In the winter months you can count on a lot of snow and temperatures that drop well below zero. Especially in the months of December to March there is a lot of snow. Summers are very dry and have high temperatures. A summer day with a temperature of 38 °C is not unusual.

The climate of Lewiston

Lewiston is located in southeastern Maine and is often mentioned in the same breath as the city of Auburn, of which it is a kind of sister city. The two cities together are called L/A. Lewiston is located on the Androscoggin River, which turned the city into an industrial center. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, along with the town hall, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Lewiston has a wet continental climate, which is influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Winters are cold and wet, with a fair amount of snowfall per year, although it can vary greatly from year to year. The summers are very mild and humid, without ever getting really hot. The strong northeasterly wind that regularly blows its head here has an important influence on the climate in this area and in Lewiston.

Portland’s Climate

Portland is located in the southeastern part of the state of Maine, on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Fore River. Portland is the largest city in the state and also Maine’s main port. The famous writer Stephen King was born in this city. The port is Portland’s main source of income, primarily as an inland transit port, but fishing also plays a major role.

Portland has a humid continental climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are pleasant and wet and winters are cold and severe, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year. In the winter months, this precipitation will usually fall as snow. Particularly cold northeasterly winds can occur in the area, which have a major impact on Portland’s climate.