When you’re planning Halloween in Maine, the weather can matter just as much as the costumes and candy. Usually, daytime highs land somewhere in the 40s to low 50s, and nights drop into the 30s. So, a jacket almost always ends up part of the costume, and trick-or-treating feels crisp, sometimes even downright chilly.
You’ll see conditions change a lot depending on where you are. Coastal towns like Portland stay a bit milder, but inland spots cool off fast once the sun goes down. Some years, a light rain falls, but once in a while, you might get a surprisingly warm evening or even a dusting of snow.
Knowing what’s typical helps you prepare, but honestly, Maine’s Halloween weather has a mind of its own. From record warmth to early snowstorms, the holiday’s history is full of surprises that shape the experience.
Typical Halloween Weather in Maine
Halloween in Maine usually brings cool afternoons, chilly evenings, and a chance of rain. Temperatures swing a lot depending on where you are, with the coast often milder than inland areas. Rain happens more than snow, but both have made their mark on past Halloweens.
Average Temperatures on October 31
In southern Maine, including Portland, daytime highs usually climb into the low- to mid-50s °F. Inland and northern towns like Augusta or Caribou stay cooler, with highs in the mid-40s.
At night, lows usually slip into the 30s, and the coast keeps a few degrees warmer than the interior. Historic records show much wider swings. For instance, Portland hit 80 °F in 1946, while Caribou plunged to 16 °F in 1944.
This kind of variability means you need to be ready for anything—a crisp fall evening or a downright cold night. Wearing layers is probably your best bet for comfort while trick-or-treating.
Typical Precipitation Patterns
Rain shows up most often around Halloween in Maine. Along the coast, you might get drizzly weather or passing showers. Inland towns see steadier rain at times. Some years, it really pours—over 3 inches fell in Portland back in the 1950s.
Snow is rare but not impossible. A handful of Halloweens have brought light accumulations, especially up north or when an early-season storm rolls in. Portland actually got measurable snow in both 1906 and 2011.
Precipitation can be all over the map, so always check the forecast before you head out. Usually, a light raincoat or umbrella works better than full winter gear, but sometimes you do need snow boots.
Daytime and Nighttime Conditions
During the day, skies vary from partly cloudy to overcast, with the coast sometimes catching a bit of sun. Afternoon highs make outdoor events pretty comfortable, but you’ll still want a jacket.
Once evening hits, things cool down fast. Temperatures often settle into the 30s inland, and coastal towns might hang in the low-40s. Light winds can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
For trick-or-treating, expect it to be darker, cooler, and maybe damp. A flashlight, warm layers, and decent shoes go a long way toward keeping the night safe and comfortable.
Regional Differences Across Maine
Halloween weather in Maine really depends on your location. Coastal towns tend to feel milder thanks to the Atlantic, while inland and northern areas cool down faster and might even get frost or snow. These differences matter if you’re planning outdoor events or traveling.
Coastal Versus Inland Weather
Along the coast, places like Portland usually get milder Halloween weather. Highs hit the low to mid-50s °F, and nighttime lows hover in the upper 30s °F. The ocean keeps things from getting too harsh, so evenings aren’t as biting as they are inland.
Rain is more likely than snow here. Light showers pass through now and then, but heavy storms are pretty rare this time of year. Coastal breezes can make it feel chillier, so you’ll probably want a jacket after sunset.
Inland, away from the ocean, things cool down much faster. Central Maine towns see highs in the upper 40s °F and lows that flirt with freezing. Without the ocean’s help, frost is common, and trick-or-treating feels a lot colder.
Northern and Eastern Maine Conditions
Northern and eastern Maine are usually the coldest by late October. Highs stick to the mid to upper 40s °F, and nighttime lows can fall into the upper 20s °F. Frost is frequent, and snow flurries sometimes show up before November.
In places like Caribou or Presque Isle, shorter days and higher elevation make evenings feel especially brisk. Wind can add a sharp chill, even if the daytime temperature seems okay.
Eastern coastal towns near Machias are a bit milder than the far north but still cooler than southern Maine. Expect damp air and a higher chance of light rain, which somehow makes the cold feel even sharper.
Historic Halloween Weather Extremes
Halloween in Maine has thrown just about everything at people—from record-breaking heat to freezing cold, plus heavy rain and the occasional snow. These extremes just prove how unpredictable late October can be, especially in places like Portland and central Maine.
Warmest and Coldest Halloweens
Temperatures on Halloween can swing wildly from year to year. In Portland, the warmest Halloween hit 80°F in 1946, while the coldest dropped to 18°F in 1966.
Other spots in Maine have seen similar extremes. Caribou’s Halloween temps have ranged from 16°F in 1944 to 69°F in 1989. Augusta had its own record-breaker, with 75°F in 2024, beating the old 69°F record from 1956.
On average, Portland’s Halloween high is about 54°F, and lows sit near 36°F. These averages just show how out of the ordinary the most extreme years really are.
Record Rainfall and Snowfall
Some Halloweens have brought a ton of rain. In Portland, the wettest Halloween happened in 1955, when 3.10 inches fell in one day. That much rain can make trick-or-treating a soggy mess, with puddles everywhere.
Snow is rare but has happened. The snowiest Halloween in Portland was in 1906, when just under 1 inch fell. It’s not much compared to winter, but for Halloween, it’s enough to make sidewalks slippery for families out in the evening.
So, while rain is more likely than snow on Halloween, both have shaped Maine’s holiday weather history.
Notable Weather Events
A few Halloweens really stand out. In 2005, Portland warmed up to 70°F, which felt more like late summer than fall.
Central Maine had a wild year in 2024, hitting 75°F—the hottest Halloween ever there.
Cold snaps have left their mark too. The 1966 low of 18°F in Portland still reminds people that Halloween can feel like winter’s knocking. These events just show how memorable and unpredictable late-October weather can be.
Halloween Weather Trends and Climate Change
Maine’s Halloween weather has changed over the years, with records showing colder extremes in the past and warmer conditions lately. These changes affect what you wear trick-or-treating and how the season feels all over the state.
Observed Warming Over Decades
Long-term records show a steady warming trend in late October across Maine. In Portland, average Halloween temps have climbed by nearly 6°F since the 1970s. What used to be a chilly evening now often feels milder.
Historic extremes show the contrast. The warmest Halloween in Portland hit 80°F in 1946, and the coldest dropped to 18°F in 1966. The overall trend, though, points toward warmer conditions.
Nighttime lows have warmed up too. Warmer nights mean less frost, making late October feel less crisp. This matches broader climate data showing autumn nights in the Northeast are warming faster than daytime highs.
For you, this might mean lighter jackets for outdoor events and less worry about freezing on Halloween night than your parents or grandparents had.
Recent Unseasonable Weather Patterns
Lately, Halloween weather in Maine has been all over the place. Northern areas like Caribou have seen record highs in the mid-70s, smashing old records. In the south, including Portland, Halloween sometimes feels more like early fall than late October.
You might notice bigger swings from year to year. One Halloween brings steady rain, the next is warm and dry. These ups and downs reflect changing weather patterns as the climate warms.
Dry, mild evenings are showing up more often, but heavy rain still happens. Portland once got over 3 inches of rain on Halloween in 1955, so the holiday can still turn stormy.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, prepare for just about anything. Warmer weather can be nice, but it also hints at how Maine’s seasonal patterns are shifting.
Weather Impacts on Halloween Activities
Halloween in Maine usually means cool temps, early sunsets, and a chance of rain or maybe even snow. These conditions shape how you get ready for outdoor plans, from when to trick-or-treat to how you pick costumes that work in the weather.
Trick-or-Treating Considerations
Expect Halloween evenings in Maine to be chilly, usually in the upper 30s to mid-40s. Some years, the temperature drops into the 20s at night, but other times, it stays closer to 50 degrees. Light rain is pretty common, and sometimes, there’s even snow on October 31.
Because of this range, it’s smart to plan for layers. A light jacket or sweatshirt under a costume keeps kids comfortable. Gloves and hats might come in handy in northern towns like Caribou, where highs barely reach the mid-40s.
Timing matters. Sunset comes early, so trick-or-treating happens in the dark. Wet leaves, frost, or a bit of snow can make sidewalks slippery. Carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective gear helps with safety.
Balancing fun with practicality is key. Getting ready for cold, damp, or dark conditions helps you avoid surprises once you’re out the door.
Costume Planning and Safety
Weather really influences costume choices in Maine. Thin fabrics or short sleeves get uncomfortable when it’s in the 30s at night. Costumes that fit a sweatshirt or thermal layer underneath work better.
Bulky coats can hide costumes, so a lot of families size up outfits to fit over warm clothes. Waterproof shoes or boots are smart if rain or wet grass is in the forecast.
Safety matters, too. Masks can fog up in cold air and block vision, so face paint or open masks work better. Long costume hems can drag on damp ground, so shorter lengths help avoid tripping.
Adding reflective tape or glow sticks makes costumes easier to spot in the dark. These little tweaks keep kids comfortable and safe, so they can enjoy the holiday.
Local Insights: Halloween in Portland
In Portland, Halloween weather flips between chilly evenings and mild afternoons. Some years bring steady rain or even a bit of snow, while others surprise you with warm temps. Checking out past conditions helps you prepare for trick-or-treating or anything you want to do outside.
Average Portland Weather on Halloween
Daytime highs usually land in the low to mid-50s °F. At night, temps drop into the mid-30s °F.
Honestly, you’ll probably want a jacket once the sun goes down. The air feels crisp, and it’s not rare for things to get a little damp.
Rain likes to crash the party. Some years, measurable precipitation has actually fallen on Halloween, and sometimes it’s heavy enough to mess with evening plans.
Still, you’ll see light showers more often than a full-on storm.
To give you an idea, here’s a quick look:
| Condition | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| High Temp | 52–55 °F |
| Low Temp | 34–37 °F |
| Rain Chance | Moderate |
| Snow Risk | Low but possible |
You’ll want to plan for layers. A costume that lets you sneak warm clothes underneath is usually the way to go.
It’s smart to keep an umbrella or rain jacket close, just in case.
Memorable Halloween Weather in Portland
Averages only hint at what happens, but certain Halloweens in Portland really stick in people’s minds. Back in 1946, the city hit 80 °F, marking the warmest Halloween ever. That year, kids headed out for candy in short sleeves.
Some years, the weather swung the other way. In 1966, temperatures plunged to 18 °F overnight, making it one of the chilliest Halloweens. Snow even showed up in 1906, when about an inch actually fell.
Sometimes, rain completely takes over the night. In 1955, over 3 inches of rain drenched Portland on October 31. Costumes and candy bags didn’t stand a chance.
Honestly, Portland’s Halloween weather just keeps you guessing. You could luck out with a mild, dry evening, or end up dealing with cold winds and wet sidewalks. If you plan for both, you’ll probably have a much better time.