The best time of the year to travel to Maine for soft-shell lobster is summertime. Soft-shell lobsters molt in the summer, so they become more plentiful in June and more so as the summer progresses.
Hard-shell lobster is the more traditional type of lobster that you picture when you think of a surf 'n' turf meal. Lobster is fished year around in Maine, so hard-shell lobster is always available.
Although you can find a good lobster dinner any time of year, travel is most popular during late spring or early summer. Summer is a great time to visit if you enjoy fishing, boating, the coast and festivals. The Rockland Lobster Festival and the Winter Harbor Lobster Festival are both held in August. If you are interested in nature and breathtaking scenery, the fall foliage and colors in Maine can't be beat. Tourism declines after Labor Day, making fall a great time to visit Acadia National Park, go hiking or take a scenic drive. Because Maine is far north, it is known for having harsh winters. If you enjoy skiing and can handle cold temperatures, this might be a good time for you to see all that Maine has to offer.
