Discover the 8 Coldest Places in Maine

Allagash, Maine

Allagash easily tops the charts as one of the coldest places in Maine for the frigid Arctic air that blew through in January 2009. It brought the coldest temperature ever recorded in Maine to the Big Black River, 20 miles south of Allagash. 

During the year (but mostly during winter), Allagash receives, on average, 98 inches of snow. That’s a 250% increase over the U.S.’s average of 28 inches of snow.

Van Buren, Maine

Van Buren rivals Allagash as one of Maine’s coldest places because of its previously record-setting low temperature. Though recorded in 1925, the dastardly cold negative temperature functioned as Maine’s coldest day for over 80 years. 

Coming slightly behind Allagash again, Van Buren receives an average of 96 inches of snow a year. It has more rain and less sunny days on average than the rest of the U.S. as well.

Rangeley, Maine

If you love resorts and cold weather, you’ll love Rangeley, Maine. As the heart of the Rangeley Lakes Region, the town of Rangeley has plenty of winter activities to do that make great use of its average 120+ inches of snow every year. Thanks to its high elevation, Rangeley provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The coldest temperature in the town, measured more recently than others on the list, hit a chilly -45 degrees in January 1994.

Jackman, Maine

One of the smallest towns in Maine is also one of the coldest. Jackman, with a measly population of just over 750 people, has record-setting cold temperatures. In February 1993, weather experts measured the temperature outside at -44 degrees. The tourism office of Maine recommends Jackman as a perfect place for snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter. You’ll have prime opportunity throughout December, January, and February — when most of the 100+ inches of snow falls over the town.

Clayton Lake, Maine

In Maine, Clayton Lake lies nestled inland at the top of the state. It’s an unincorporated village that only had a post office until 2008 when USPS discontinued it. Because the North Maine Woods completely surrounds the hamlet of Clayton Lake, there’s next to nothing there. It’s a place mostly used by loggers, and in the summer, anglers.

Fort Kent, Maine

Also located near the Canadian border like the other places on this list, Fort Kent brings cold winters and warmer summers to its residents. Known for the elusive muskellunge within its waters (because the town sits at the confluence of the Fish and the Saint John Rivers), tourists usually don’t realize just how cold Fort Kent can get. In February 1966, experts measured the record-low temperature for the town at -42 degrees.

Caribou, Maine

Caribou, Maine is a unique place. Not only is it the most Northeastern town in America; but it’s also the site of one of the National Weather Service’s forecast offices. During the winter, Caribou is frigid cold for residents and visitors. It receives an average of 97 inches of snow per year and has an average temperature well under the freezing point for most of the snowy months. Its lowest recorded temperature was measured in February 1955.

Portland, Maine

The famous town of Portland, Maine has long been a destination for visitors in the summer, itching to taste fresh lobster and seafood. During the winter, however, the town gets significantly colder. Portland averages about 61 inches of snow per year and 49 inches of rain — making for a wet, cold winter in Portland. Weather services measured the town’s lowest temperature in February 1943.