Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southwest Harbor, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southwest Harbor, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America by month

January

January in Southwest Harbor is frosty. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February is frigid. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

If you are traveling to Southwest Harbor in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

April

April in Southwest Harbor can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May in Southwest Harbor can be chilly. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

June

Traveling to Southwest Harbor in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

July

July is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

September in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

October

If you go to Southwest Harbor in October, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

November

November in Southwest Harbor is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

December in Southwest Harbor is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwest Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America

Southwest Harbor is a charming town located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, United States of America. The town is known for its natural beauty, historic charm, and vibrant culture. The area offers a variety of activities to visitors of all ages, including hiking, sailing, and exploring local shops and restaurants. Here are the top tourist attractions in Southwest Harbor:

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a must-visit destination in Southwest Harbor. The park spans over 49,000 acres and includes pristine forests, lakes, and mountains. Visitors can explore over 120 miles of hiking trails, go kayaking or canoeing, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a picturesque lighthouse located on the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island. Built in 1858, the lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and cliffs. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance.

3. Beech Mountain Trail

Beech Mountain Trail is a scenic hiking trail that offers panoramic views of Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles long and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The summit of Beech Mountain offers a perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon with family and friends.

4. Southwest Harbor Farmers Market

The Southwest Harbor Farmers Market is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods from local vendors. Visitors can indulge in delicious Maine lobsters, homemade pies, and other local delights while enjoying live music and performances.

5. Wendell Gilley Museum

The Wendell Gilley Museum is a unique museum dedicated to the art of bird carving. The museum features the works of renowned artist Wendell Gilley as well as other local and national artists. Visitors can learn about the history and techniques of bird carving and see amazing examples of this intricate art form.

6. Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden

The Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden is a tranquil spot located in the heart of Southwest Harbor. The park offers a beautiful butterfly garden, walking trails, and a freshwater pond. Visitors can observe various species of butterflies and other wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem.

7. Great Harbor Maritime Museum

The Great Harbor Maritime Museum is a fascinating museum that showcases the rich maritime history of Southwest Harbor. The museum features exhibits on lobster fishing, boat building, and other local industries. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the town's seafaring past.

In conclusion, Southwest Harbor is a charming town that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. From exploring the natural wonders of Acadia National Park to visiting local museums and farmers markets, there is something for everyone in Southwest Harbor. So, come and experience the beauty and charm of this gem of Maine.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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