Bar Harbor — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends

Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used.

It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.

Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days

Water temperature in Bar Harbor has risen over the last week and month. Currently, the sea water temperature at this location matches the average for this day in previous years.

According to our forecast, Water temperature in Bar Harbor will be 10.5°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C

25°C

20°C

15°C

10°c

5°C

0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Bar Harbor sits on the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island in Maine and fronts the chilly waters of Frenchman Bay and the Gulf of Maine. Sea temperatures follow a pronounced seasonal cycle: in winter months the ocean is near freezing, roughly 0–4 °C, and spring brings only gradual warming to about 3–8 °C. By summer, coastal waters are at their warmest, typically ranging from 12–18 °C with peak values often in late July and August, before cooling again in autumn to roughly 8–14 °C. These figures reflect open-ocean and bay conditions influenced by deep, cold currents and variable weather, so actual temperatures at specific shorelines can differ day to day.