Summer gets the most fanfare, with millions of lobster-hungry visitors flocking to the state. And what’s not to love? With mostly fair skies and mild temperatures, a Maine summer is hard to beat. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s. If the mercury creeps past 80 in Hancock County, it’s considered a scorcher. Most days it’s warm enough to swim but cool enough to hike — win-win.

Locals and visitors alike flock to the water, be it the Atlantic or their favorite lake or pond. It’s a wonderful season to kayak or sail. Gardens are in full bloom and wildflowers appear along the roadsides. Keep an eye out for banks of purple, pink and white lupines in June.

As summer melts into autumn, the nights get cooler and the air crisper. The kids head back to school and the busy tourist season begins to wind down. Come October, the leaves will begin to change. The annual spectacle is a must-see. Take a drive along one of the state’s scenic byways and check out the forest awash in shades of red, yellow and orange.

When the leaves fall, Mainers brace for winter. The days are short and the snowbanks high, but there is something undeniably beautiful about the landscape covered in a thick blanket of white. While some residents stick close to the fire, others venture out to experience the season firsthand. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing are some of the most popular activities.

Spring may be the most celebrated season of all for year-round residents. When the temperature first hits 50, locals break out their short-sleeved shirts. The earth — saturated with melted snow — begins to firm up and transition from mud to soil. Gardeners dig in. Watch for crocuses popping up in the yard; it’s a sure sign that spring has sprung.

What’s your favorite Maine season?

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Summer

Poll Maker