Bar Harbor named ‘coziest’ autumn destination in the country

BAR HARBOR, Maine (WABI) - Bar Harbor has been named the coziest fall destination in the United States for 2026, ranking highest in a new study of 20 classic autumn getaways.

The research, conducted by BetMGM Casino, placed the coastal resort town at the top of the list, surpassing traditional northeastern favorites such as Salem, Massachusetts, and Stowe, Vermont.

The study analyzed various seasonal factors, weighting weather and climate conditions at 70% of the overall score and cozy local amenities at 30%. Bar Harbor earned the top spot with a Cozy Fall Score of 66.9 out of 100.

According to the study, Bar Harbor secured its ranking through a combination of rainy fall days, near-perfect sweater weather, shorter daylight hours, and robust local amenities.

Key findings from the research include:

• Rainfall: Bar Harbor averages 16 inches of rainfall during the fall, the highest of all 20 analyzed destinations.
• Temperature: The town’s average fall temperature is 52 degrees Fahrenheit, just one degree from the study’s defined “ideal” sweater-weather temperature of 53 degrees.
• Daylight: Shorter daylight hours arrive in October, averaging 10 hours and 21 minutes of daylight.
• Foliage: Autumn colors remain highly vibrant throughout October, with peak foliage expected to mark the landscape around Oct. 21 this year.

Beyond weather conditions, the study highlighted Bar Harbor’s local charm, noting the town boasts up to 15 coffee shops, cafes, and bakeries, two bookstores, several parks, and a weekly farmers market to keep visitors cozy once temperatures begin to drop.

Researchers compiled data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Time and Date, and the 2026 Explore Fall Foliage Map.