October is the month we wait for all year. The anticipation is long, but when it finally arrives, we couldn’t be happier. And even though neither Laura nor I are true Mainers, we certainly feel like we belong once autumn settles in. October is autumn, and autumn is October – and it’s absolutely wonderful.
Maine isn’t a small state, so the weather can vary quite a bit from place to place. But generally, daytime highs hover in the upper 50s to low 60s, while nighttime lows dip into the low 40s and high 30s. As you can see – pretty perfect.
Rainfall in October is usually moderate – just enough to keep everything vibrant and beautiful without interfering with outdoor plans. This past October was an exception; we barely saw a drop of rain, and much of Maine has been resting firmly within the strong grips of an extreme drought. But typically, October offers that ideal balance of crisp air and clear skies.
I always tell people: if you’re coming to Maine, come in October. Sure, September has its charm, but October is better. Those who know, choose this month for camping, hiking, exploring, and enjoying great food and wine. It’s the smart move. Summer crowds? Not so smart. Fall in Maine? Very smart.
As for the bugs – by October, they’re mostly gone. Insects love heat, and there just isn’t enough of it to keep them buzzing in autumn. Ticks still linger, of course, mostly on the leaves that have fallen, but those bothersome flying pests; mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies – have all but vanished.
If I lived in a faraway place, I’d daydream about hitching a small tow-behind camper to my SUV and heading for this great state. I’d pick a quiet coastal campground and spend a full week unwinding. The crowds would be gone, the prices much lower than peak, and I’d practically have the place to myself. Then I’d explore Camden, Rockport, Rockland, Bar Harbor, and Acadia – some of the very best spots Maine has to offer. It would be a trip to remember, not just for the beautiful locations, but for those cool autumn nights and wide-open, star-filled skies. There’s nothing like them.
