Maine is famous worldwide for its delicious, fresh lobster. If you’re planning a trip to Vacationland this year, you’ll want to know the best time to visit to indulge in juicy freshly caught lobster. Here’s a complete guide to lobster season in Maine 2022 and the prime times to enjoy this iconic New England delicacy.
Overview of Lobster Season in Maine
While lobster can be caught year-round in Maine peak season is late spring through late fall when lobsters are most active and plentiful close to shore. Here’s a quick look at lobster season in Maine
- Early Season: Late April – early June
- Peak Season: Late June – late December
- Off-Season: January – mid April
During peak season, an abundance of soft shell and hard shell lobsters are harvested all along the rugged Maine coastline. Prices also tend to be lower compared to the off-season.
When is the Best Time for Lobster in Maine?
While you can savor fresh Maine lobster any time of year, late spring and early fall tend to offer the best experience:
Late Spring (May – early June)
- Soft shell lobsters from this season are tender and sweet
- Lower tourist crowds than summer
- Cooler weather but still comfortable for outdoor dining
Early Fall (September – October)
- Post-Labor Day, crowds thin but weather is still mild
- Hard shell lobsters are more abundant
- Scenic foliage along the coast and inland
Summer is prime tourist season so restaurants and activities will be busier. But any time is a great time for lobster in Maine!
Top Events for Lobster Lovers
Two iconic events celebrate the Maine lobster season:
Maine Lobster Festival (Early August)
This week-long event in Rockland features:
- 20,000 lbs of fresh lobster prepared in every way imaginable
- Cooking contests, art shows, parades, and carnival rides
- Live music and entertainment
Harvest on the Harbor (October)
Portland’s food and libation festival includes:
- “Lobster Chef of the Year” competition
- Seminars by celebrity chefs
- Pairing dinners with wine/beer
- Lobster-focused vendors and dishes
Where to Enjoy Lobster This Season
When traveling in Maine, you’ll find plenty of great spots to enjoy lobster on-the-go or as fine dining:
Lobster Shacks
For classic lobster rolls and BYOB dining, check out casual spots like Red’s Eats or Bagaduce Lunch.
Restaurants
Upscale restaurants like DiMillo’s or Fore Street Grill serve multi-course lobster tasting menus.
Lobster Boats
For total immersion, take a trip on a Downeast lobster boat to see traps hauled and learn lobstering first-hand.
Lobster Bakes
All-you-can-eat lobster bakes on the coast let you stuff yourself with steamed lobsters, clams, corn and more.
Plan Your Maine Lobster Trip
To make the most of lobster season 2022 in Maine, book your trip between late May and mid-October. Reserve your hotel early, especially for August when demand is highest. Choose spots along the Mid-Coast or Downeast regions for easiest access to lobster. And come hungry – you’ll want to try lobster rolls for lunch and elegant lobster dinners to get your fill!
The rocky shores, picturesque lighthouses, and charming coastal villages of Maine provide the perfect backdrop for indulging in its world-famous lobster. Follow this guide to discover the very best of lobster season 2022 and devour delicious fresh lobster on your Maine getaway.
Maine Lobster Season
FAQ
What is the best month for lobster in Maine?
What month is lobster cheapest?
Are lobsters cheaper in Maine?
What part of Maine is best for lobster?
When is Maine lobster festival 2022?
With the 75th Maine Lobster Festival back on again after a two-year hiatus, the week of Aug. 2-7, 2022 is going to be bigger and better than ever. Since summertime is the peak season for the state’s tourism industry, it’s a good idea to start planning now to book your travel to and lodging in Rockland, Maine.
When is lobster season in Maine?
Although summer and fall mark the height of Maine lobster season, supplies of fresh, live lobster will slowly taper into winter as the weather grows colder. This means you can expect reasonable pricing until November or December some years.
When is the best time to Cook Maine lobster?
As the weather continues to warm into May and June, heading toward the summer Maine lobster season, this early prep will start to pay off. For consumers, spring is the perfect time to learn how to cook live Maine lobster via boiling, baking, grilling, and more before the bounty of summer sets in.
Does Maine lobster market price increase during Labor Day?
While Maine lobster market price tends to increase near the winter holidays and peak into the new year, you don’t have to give up on adding lobster to the menu just because Labor Day has passed. Any time you need Maine lobster delivered fresh to your door, you can count on Lobsters-Online.com to deliver.