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Bangor

Bangor travel guide

City in Maine, United States

Best time to visitJuly and September
Nearest airportBGR · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population31,753

About Bangor

Bangor is the county seat and largest city of Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The city proper has a population of 31,753, making it the state's third-most populous city, behind Portland (68,408) and Lewiston (37,121). Bangor is known as the "Queen City".

Places to visit in Bangor

  1. Paul Bunyan Statue

    Landmark

    A giant statue of the legendary lumberjack stands on Main Street near the riverfront, a nod to Bangor's past as a booming lumber port and a popular photo stop for passing travelers.

  2. Bangor Waterfront

    Park

    A park and riverside trail along the Penobscot River that hosts large outdoor concerts in summer and provides pleasant walks within easy reach of downtown restaurants and shops.

  3. Cole Land Transportation Museum

    Museum

    Displays a large collection of trucks, tractors, snowplows, sleds and rail vehicles from Maine's history, along with a moving set of war memorials and veterans' stories on the grounds.

  4. Maine Discovery Museum

    Museum

    A hands-on children's museum downtown spread over several floors, with interactive exhibits on science, nature and the human body, and play areas inspired by classic Maine children's stories.

  5. Mount Hope Cemetery

    Mount Hope Cemetery

    Historic · 3 mi from centre

    A garden cemetery with rolling, landscaped grounds and ponds, offering peaceful walks among historic monuments, mature trees and graves of notable figures from the city's lumber era.

Where to stay in Bangor

Popular hotels in Bangor, out of 28 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Bangor

Best time to visit Bangor

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bangor is July and September, when average daytime highs are around 72–81°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 13° – 30° 13
Feb 13° – 33° 9
Mar 25° – 42° 14
Apr 34° – 53° 12
May 46° – 65° 10
Jun 55° – 73° 13
Jul 63° – 81° 11
Aug 60° – 77° 12
Sep 54° – 72° 7
Oct 44° – 61° 9
Nov 32° – 46° 9
Dec 20° – 35° 11

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Bangor weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 52° 32° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 58° 35° 10%
  • Fri 23 Oct 48° 31° 19%
  • Sat 24 Oct 55° 28° 6%
  • Sun 25 Oct 61° 34° 2%
  • Mon 26 Oct 66° 40° 3%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Bangor

These are the airports closest to central Bangor. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BGR Bangor International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Bangor

Getting around Bangor

Downtown Bangor and the waterfront is easily explored by foot; the nearby Pickering Square parking garage offers the first two hours for free. Traveling to sites outside of downtown will require a car.

Bangor travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Bangor?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bangor is July and September, when average daytime highs are around 72–81°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

What is the weather like in Bangor?

July is usually the warmest month in Bangor, with average highs of 81°F (27°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 13°F (-11°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 135 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Bangor?

Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Bangor.

What time zone is Bangor in?

Bangor uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Bangor?

Downtown Bangor and the waterfront is easily explored by foot; the nearby Pickering Square parking garage offers the first two hours for free. Traveling to sites outside of downtown will require a car.

What are the best places to visit in Bangor?

Top sights in Bangor include Paul Bunyan Statue, Bangor Waterfront, Cole Land Transportation Museum and Maine Discovery Museum. A giant statue of the legendary lumberjack stands on Main Street near the riverfront, a nod to Bangor's past as a booming lumber port and a popular photo stop for passing travelers.

Where should I stay in Bangor?

Popular areas for hotels in Bangor include Downtown, Bangor Airport Area and Bangor Area. Well-reviewed options include Residence Inn Bangor and Bangor Aviator Hotel, Bw Premier Collection.

How many hotels can I book in Bangor?

Destina Holidays currently lists 28 properties in and around Bangor, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.