Maine in June

The June guide is coming — here’s what we’re covering. In the meantime, our May guide covers a lot of the same early-season territory.

• Wildflowers

  Lupine season

  Lupines bloom along Maine roadsides from roughly the second week of June through early July. The drives on Route 172 through the Blue Hill hills and the back roads of the Bold Coast are particularly good.

• Crowds

  Quieter than July — but not for long

  June sits in the window before peak summer. Acadia is open and operating, but the parking situation that defines August hasn't arrived yet. If you're flexible, early June is one of the best times to be in the park.

• Bugs

  The black fly situation

  Black flies peak through most of June in the woods and along inland trails. The coast is usually more bearable — a sea breeze helps. They're mostly gone by late June. This is worth knowing before you plan a backcountry hike.

• Music

  Kneisel Hall opens

  The Kneisel Hall chamber music season in Blue Hill begins in late June or early July. The opening concerts are worth planning around — the hall is small, the season is short, and the programming is consistently adventurous.

• Fishing

  Lobster boats running full schedules

  By June, lobster boats are running full summer schedules and the working harbors — Stonington, Lubec, Eastport — are at their most active. Worth being up early if you want to watch the fleet leave.

• Wildlife

  Puffins through June

  Atlantic puffins are on their nesting islands through late July. June boat tours from Jonesport and Bar Harbor have good odds of close-range viewing on calm mornings before the afternoon chop.