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Swimming in Maine
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June through September

Swimming in Maine

Maine’s swimming options range from the iconic sandy beaches of the southern coast to remote mountain ponds accessible only by hiking trail. Whether you prefer ocean waves or calm freshwater, you’ll find your perfect spot.

Ocean Beaches

Southern Maine Beaches: The warmest ocean swimming in Maine. Old Orchard Beach offers seven miles of sand and surf. Ogunquit Beach, Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, and Higgins Beach in Scarborough are local favorites.

Midcoast Gems: Reid State Park in Georgetown features two sandy beaches with warmer water in the protected lagoon. Popham Beach State Park offers dramatic scenery where the Kennebec meets the sea. Pemaquid Beach is a small but scenic option.

Acadia: Sand Beach is the park’s only sandy ocean beach—beautiful but cold. Echo Lake offers warmer freshwater swimming with a lifeguard.

Lake Swimming

Sebago Lake State Park: Maine’s premier freshwater beach destination. Warm, clean water and excellent facilities. Extremely popular—arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends.

Range Pond State Park: Less crowded alternative to Sebago with a pleasant beach and warm water.

Rangeley Lake: Mountain-ringed lake with several public access points. Water is cooler but the scenery is spectacular.

Mount Blue State Park: Webb Lake beach offers swimming in the western mountains with facilities and lifeguards.

Swimming Holes

Maine’s rivers and streams harbor countless informal swimming spots—local knowledge required.

  • Screw Auger Falls, Grafton Notch: A scenic cascade with pools for swimming.
  • Smalls Falls, Rangeley: Roadside waterfalls with swimming pools at multiple levels.
  • Gulf Hagas: The “Grand Canyon of Maine” features swimming holes along the hiking trail.
  • Coos Canyon, Byron: Former gold panning area with swimming holes in the Swift River.

State Park Beaches

Many state parks offer supervised swimming areas with facilities:

  • Sebago Lake State Park (Casco)
  • Range Pond State Park (Poland)
  • Lake St. George State Park (Liberty)
  • Damariscotta Lake State Park (Jefferson)
  • Mount Blue State Park (Weld)
  • Peaks-Kenny State Park (Dover-Foxcroft)
  • Lily Bay State Park (Greenville)

Safety Considerations

  • Cold Water: Even in summer, hypothermia is possible in Maine waters. Know your limits.
  • Currents: Ocean beaches can have rip currents, especially after storms.
  • Bacteria: Avoid swimming 24-48 hours after heavy rainfall, particularly at ocean beaches.
  • Visibility: Some lakes have limited visibility. Enter slowly to check depth.

Highlights & Species

Sandy Ocean Beaches
Freshwater Lakes
Swimming Holes
State Park Beaches
Quarry Swimming

Pro Tips

  • !

    Ocean water in Maine rarely exceeds 65 degrees F, even in August. Lakes are generally warmer.

  • !

    Check for beach closures due to bacteria levels after heavy rains, especially at ocean beaches.

  • !

    Arrive early at popular swimming spots on summer weekends—parking fills quickly.

  • !

    Water shoes are helpful at rocky lake beaches and river swimming holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is the ocean in Maine?

Ocean temperatures typically range from 55-65 degrees F in summer, with southern beaches slightly warmer. Many visitors find it refreshing for a quick dip rather than extended swimming. Freshwater lakes are generally 70-75 degrees F by mid-summer.

Are there lifeguards at Maine beaches?

Major state park beaches like Reid, Popham, and Sebago Lake have lifeguards during summer season. Many town beaches and swimming holes are unguarded—swim at your own risk.

Where are the warmest swimming spots?

Shallow freshwater lakes and ponds warm up fastest. Sebago Lake's sandy beaches, Range Pond, and many smaller ponds in southern and central Maine reach comfortable swimming temperatures by late June.

Best Regions

Know the Laws

Make sure you have the proper licenses and know the current regulations before you go.

View Official Rules