Why Maine Beaches Are Better in Winter Than Summer

The Maine coast may be best known for its rocky shorelines, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy.

In fact, I feel like the state gets a bad rap considering how many beaches there actually are to explore.

Sadly, the summer season isn’t exactly a long one here, so many folks don’t get many opportunities to take advantage of these coastal beauties. However, what if I were to tell you there’s actually a better season to experience these beaches? I’m talking about right now, in the middle of winter.

Is Winter the Best Time to Visit Maine's Beaches?

You might think that’s crazy, and maybe it is. However, not to me. I would rather spend time on a freezing cold beach in the middle of January than spend an entire beautiful day there in July.

No, I’m not just saying this to be contradictory, it’s a fact, and there are a number of reasons why.

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First off, nothing ruins a beach more than people. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a people person, an extrovert through and through. But I’m also a sneaky, hardcore biophile. I’ll take a quiet, remote day out in the wild over a night out in Portland any time. That includes a quiet, empty, desolate day on a Maine beach. Since that’s not possible in the summer, I guess winter will have to do.

A winter beach experience is beautiful, incredibly dog-friendly, and, did I mention, quiet? Plus, parking is easy, considering there’s no competition with tourists for spaces.

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Do beaches in Maine Suck in the Summer?

Honestly, I’m not sure what’s so great about a summer beach day.

Catching rays? More like catching cancer.

Swimming? Yeah, let’s go swimming in 55-degree water. Sounds great. I’ll skip that and swim in a warm lake.

Dogs not being allowed? What a miserable rule.

I’m starting to wonder why I ever consider going to the beach in the summer. What’s actually better?

I can tell you what’s better in the winter. In fact, there are numerous reasons why the beach is a much better place in the colder months than in the summer—you’ll find them below.

It’s time to join the winter beach movement. I know your dog wants to.