Bangor in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Bangor
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings 7-10°C (45-50°F) and comfortable afternoons reaching 18°C (64°F) - ideal for Acadia's 45+ mile trail network
- Spring migration peak brings 300+ bird species to Acadia National Park, making May the absolute best month for wildlife viewing along the Great Head Trail
- Montenegro Harbor businesses reopen after winter closures but summer crowds haven't arrived - restaurants have 30-minute waits versus July's 2-hour queues
- Lupine wildflowers bloom throughout Acadia creating spectacular purple carpets along Cadillac Summit Road - peak bloom is typically May 15-30
Considerations
- Ocean temperature remains cold at 10°C (50°F) making swimming uncomfortable and requiring wetsuits for any water activities
- Weather changes rapidly - morning fog can roll in within 30 minutes and afternoon temperatures can drop 8°C (15°F) when clouds cover the sun
- Some seasonal businesses operate limited hours until Memorial Day weekend, with many restaurants closing Mondays-Wednesdays
Best Activities in May
Acadia National Park Hiking Trails
May offers perfect hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and spring wildflower blooms. Morning fog creates dramatic photography opportunities on Cadillac Mountain, while afternoon clarity provides 65 km (40 mile) views to Mount Desert Island. Trails are dry and accessible after winter closures end May 1st.
Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tours
May marks the beginning of whale season when humpback and finback whales arrive in the Gulf of Maine following herring schools. Seas are typically calmer than summer months with 1-1.5m (3-5ft) swells versus summer's 2-3m (6-10ft) waves. Success rates are 80-85% in May.
Schoodic Peninsula Scenic Drives
The quieter eastern section of Acadia offers dramatic coastline views without summer crowds. May's clear air provides exceptional visibility for photography, and the 10 km (6 mile) Schoodic Loop Road remains largely tourist-free until June. Spring storm watching is spectacular when swells reach 4-5m (12-15ft).
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Photography
May's dramatic weather patterns create perfect conditions for lighthouse photography with morning fog, afternoon clarity, and dynamic cloud formations. The lighthouse is accessible without summer parking challenges, and golden hour occurs at 7:30pm with excellent westward sunset views.
Jordan Pond House Traditional Dining
The historic restaurant reopens for the season in early May serving their famous popovers with mountain views. May offers the perfect balance of spring ambiance without summer's hour-long waits. Outdoor lakeside seating is comfortable with afternoon temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F).
Frenchman Bay Sea Kayaking
May offers ideal kayaking conditions with minimal boat traffic and curious harbor seals approaching kayaks. Water temperature requires wetsuits but air temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make paddling comfortable. Montenegro Island can be reached at low tide for unique exploration opportunities.
May Events & Festivals
Acadia Birding Festival
Annual celebration of spring migration featuring guided walks, photography workshops, and expert talks. Peak warbler migration coincides with the festival making it exceptional for both beginners and experienced birders seeking rare species sightings.