Bangor in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Bangor

21°C (70°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak festival season with Bangor Folk Festival bringing world-class musicians to waterfront venues - concerts run daily and many outdoor stages are free
Blueberry harvest season means fresh wild Maine blueberries at farmers markets for $4-6 per pound and u-pick farms charging $3-5 per pound
Perfect hiking weather with temperatures staying below 21°C (70°F) - ideal for Acadia National Park day trips without summer's oppressive heat
University of Maine summer programs create busy nightlife and cultural events without the chaos of fall semester crowds

Considerations

Rain falls 10 days out of 31 with sudden afternoon showers lasting 45-90 minutes that can disrupt outdoor dining and hiking plans
Tourist season pricing remains high with hotel rates 40-60% above off-season costs and restaurant wait times extending to 45+ minutes
Morning fog from Penobscot Bay reduces visibility until 10-11am, affecting early morning photography and kayaking conditions

Best Activities in August

Acadia National Park Day Trips

August's cool temperatures make this perfect for hiking without summer heat exhaustion. Cadillac Mountain sunrise viewing has comfortable 12-15°C (54-59°F) temperatures at 5:30am. Montenegro Harbor is only 47 km (29 miles) away, making day trips feasible. Park Loop Road cycling is comfortable in August's mild weather, unlike sweltering July conditions.

Booking Tip: Park entrance passes cost $30 for 7 days. Island Explorer shuttles run every 15 minutes in August and are free with park pass. Book Montenegro Harbor accommodations 3+ weeks ahead if planning overnight. See current tour options in booking section below.

Penobscot Bay Kayaking Tours

August offers the calmest water conditions of the year with winds typically under 15 km/h (9 mph) in mornings. Water temperature reaches 18-20°C (64-68°F) - warmest of the season. Morning fog creates mystical paddling through small islands, clearing by 10am for excellent visibility. Perfect weather window between July's crowds and September's rough waters.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $75-95 per person. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified Maine guides. Morning tours (8am-12pm) offer best conditions before afternoon winds pick up. Equipment and basic instruction included in most packages. See current options in booking section below.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

August's mild temperatures make extended outdoor walking comfortable - unlike humid summer months elsewhere. The city's lumber baron mansions and 19th-century architecture are at their most photogenic with summer landscaping in full bloom. Cool evenings perfect for twilight ghost tours that showcase Bangor's Stephen King connections and historic haunts.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking maps available free at visitor center on Harlow Street. Guided historical tours typically run $15-25 per person and operate twice daily in August. Evening ghost tours cost $20-30 and run Thursday-Sunday. Book weekend tours 5-7 days ahead. See current tour options in booking section below.

Maine Brewery Trail Adventures

August features special summer beer releases and outdoor beer garden season at peak comfort. Temperatures perfect for brewery hopping without sweltering heat. Many breweries host harvest festivals using early Maine ingredients. Cool evenings ideal for sampling heavier ales that are too warm-weather inappropriate in July.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $10-15 with tastings included. Many offer free tours on weekdays. Plan 2-3 breweries per day maximum. Designated driver services available for $40-60 per group. Book weekend brewery events 1-2 weeks ahead. See current tour options in booking section below.

Farmers Market and Local Food Tours

Peak harvest season means incredible variety of Maine produce - corn, tomatoes, blueberries, and early apples all at peak ripeness. Saturday Bangor Farmers Market features 40+ vendors with live music. Perfect weather for outdoor market browsing without summer's oppressive humidity. Local restaurants feature peak-season menus unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Farmers market runs Saturdays 9am-1pm at Abbott Square - free admission. Food walking tours cost $35-50 per person and run 2.5 hours. Book food tours 3-5 days ahead as group sizes limited to 12-15 people. Many restaurants offer harvest prix fixe menus $25-40. See current food tour options in booking section below.

White Water Rafting Day Trips

August water levels on Penobscot River perfect for Class II-III rapids - exciting but not dangerous spring flood levels. Water temperature comfortable for splashing without wetsuits. Cooler air temperatures prevent overheating during physical activity. Late summer offers reliable water flows unlike unpredictable spring conditions.

Booking Tip: Full-day rafting trips typically cost $85-120 per person including lunch and equipment. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend trips. Transportation from Bangor usually included in packages. Most outfitters require participants be 12+ years old. See current rafting options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August (typically final weekend)

American Folk Festival

Three-day waterfront festival featuring 6 stages of international folk music, traditional crafts demonstrations, and authentic ethnic foods. Completely free admission with camping available nearby. Features musicians from 15+ countries performing traditional music you won't hear elsewhere in Maine.

Mid August

Maine Blueberry Festival

Celebration of wild Maine blueberry harvest with pie-eating contests, blueberry pancake breakfasts, and live entertainment. Local farmers sell fresh berries, jams, and blueberry wine. Family-friendly event with activities for children and blueberry recipe competitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails stay muddy 24-48 hours after rain showers which occur every 3 days on average

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), requiring 9°C (16°F) adjustment

Compact umbrella - sudden showers last 45-90 minutes and occur without warning, often while walking downtown

Light fleece or wool sweater - evenings drop to 14-16°C (57-61°F) for outdoor dining and concert venues

Waterproof phone case - essential for kayaking tours and protecting electronics during frequent rain

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - downtown sidewalks become slippery when wet from morning fog and rain

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 even on partly cloudy days, higher than many expect

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - better than heavy raincoat for August's mild showers and occasional bay winds

Insect repellent - mosquitoes and black flies remain active in wooded areas and near water until first frost

Day backpack - essential for hiking, farmers market shopping, and carrying layers as temperature changes throughout day

Insider Knowledge

University of Maine students return third week of August, dramatically increasing downtown nightlife options and restaurant wait times - plan dining reservations accordingly

Morning fog typically lifts between 10-11am from Penobscot Bay - schedule photography and water activities after fog burn-off for better visibility

Many locals take their last summer vacations final two weeks of August - some favorite restaurants close unexpectedly for staff breaks, call ahead

Blueberry u-pick farms offer best prices and freshest berries early morning (7-9am) before heat builds and crowds arrive - bring cash as many don't accept cards

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities before 10am without checking fog conditions - bay fog reduces visibility to under 100 m (328 ft) and cancels many tours

Not making dinner reservations at popular restaurants - August weekend waits extend to 60-90 minutes as tourists and returning students compete for tables

Assuming Maine weather stays consistently cool - temperature swings of 9°C (16°F) between morning and afternoon catch visitors unprepared without layers