March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Maine’s coastal waters warm, though not balmy

CAPE ELIZABETH — At 62 degrees, the surf isn’t exactly like bathtub water at Crescent Beach State Park.

But it’s actually warmer than usual thanks to the warmest June on record, followed by a balmy July. The average water temperature last summer was 58 degrees, said lifeguard Jeff Small.

A few miles down the road, the water temperature hit 66 degrees Sunday at Scarborough Beach State Park.

At Acadia National Park’s Sand Beach, it was 66 on Tuesday, although the water temperature has gone as high as 68. And it was about 65 off Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg.

“It’s not that bad,” said Jack Sabon of Portland after jumping into the water Monday at Crescent Beach.

The hot weather that has boosted water temperatures also has helped boost attendance at state parks.

The number of visitors to state parks, beaches and historic sites this summer is up 43.5 percent from last year, said Ron Hunt, associate director of the Southern Regional Park Districts.


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