Andover is a beautiful town located in the western mountains of Maine, United States. Located in Oxford County, Andover is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests. The town is situated near the border with New Hampshire and is part of the beautiful Mahoosuc Range region. With a population of approximately 800 residents, Andover offers a serene and close-knit community atmosphere. Major landmarks in Andover include the Height of Land scenic overlook, the Appalachian Trail crossing, and the Richardson Hollow Historic District.
Climate and Weather Overview
To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate in Andover, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 22°F | 4.12 inches | 5 days |
| February | 25°F | 3.55 inches | 6 days |
| March | 33°F | 4.21 inches | 7 days |
| April | 44°F | 4.23 inches | 7 days |
| May | 55°F | 4.23 inches | 8 days |
| June | 65°F | 4.33 inches | 8 days |
| July | 70°F | 4.08 inches | 8 days |
| August | 68°F | 4.20 inches | 7 days |
| September | 59°F | 3.83 inches | 6 days |
| October | 47°F | 4.48 inches | 6 days |
| November | 36°F | 4.62 inches | 5 days |
| December | 26°F | 4.20 inches | 5 days |
Weather by Month
January
January in Andover is characterized by cold temperatures and moderate snowfall. Average temperatures hover around 22°F, with occasional snow showers contributing to an average precipitation of 4.12 inches. With only 5 sunny days, outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are popular among residents and visitors.
February
February brings similar weather conditions to January, with cold temperatures averaging around 25°F. Snowfall continues, although precipitation levels decrease slightly compared to January, with an average of 3.55 inches. With 6 sunny days, outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy winter activities such as snowmobiling, sledding, and ice skating.
March
As spring approaches, March sees a gradual increase in temperatures in Andover, with average highs reaching 33°F. While temperatures rise, snowfall continues, contributing to an average precipitation of 4.21 inches. With 7 sunny days, residents and visitors can begin to embrace the changing seasons by participating in activities such as maple sugaring, hiking, and wildlife watching.
April
April marks the onset of warmer weather in Andover, with average highs climbing to 44°F. While temperatures become milder, snow showers are still possible, with an average precipitation of 4.23 inches. With 7 sunny days, outdoor activities such as birdwatching, fishing, and exploring the town’s scenic trails and waterways become more popular as residents welcome the arrival of spring.
May
May brings even warmer temperatures to Andover, with average highs reaching 55°F. While temperatures rise, rainfall becomes more frequent, with an average precipitation of 4.23 inches. With 8 sunny days, there are ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking as residents and visitors enjoy the blooming wildflowers and budding trees.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Andover, with average highs soaring to 65°F. The weather becomes significantly warmer, with occasional rain showers contributing to an average precipitation of 4.33 inches. With 8 sunny days, residents and visitors can fully embrace the summer season by participating in activities such as camping, boating, and attending local festivals and events.
July
July is typically the warmest and wettest month in Andover, with scorching average highs of 70°F and heavy rainfall averaging 4.08 inches. Despite the rain, there are still 8 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and exploring the town’s scenic waterfalls and swimming holes.
August
Similar to July, August maintains warm temperatures in Andover, with average highs around 68°F. Heavy rainfall continues, with an average precipitation of 4.20 inches. With 7 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and visiting local farms and orchards.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Andover, with average highs of 59°F. While temperatures moderate, occasional rain showers are still possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 3.83 inches. With 6 sunny days, outdoor activities such as leaf-peeping, apple picking, and attending fall festivals become popular as residents embrace the changing colors of autumn.
October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures in Andover, with average highs dropping to 47°F. While the weather remains mild, rainfall levels increase slightly compared to September, with an average precipitation of 4.48 inches. With 6 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and exploring the town’s scenic vistas and fall foliage.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and shorter days to Andover, with average highs of 36°F. While temperatures cool, precipitation levels increase, averaging 4.62 inches. With 5 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and attending local craft fairs and markets are popular as residents embrace the crisp autumn air and prepare for the upcoming holiday season.
December
December in Andover is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average high temperature is around 26°F, with cool evenings and occasional snow showers. Precipitation levels remain consistent with other winter months, with an average of 4.20 inches. Despite the snow, there are still 5 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and holiday shopping.
Natural Disasters
While Andover is relatively sheltered from major natural disasters, it is still susceptible to occasional hazards common to the region, including severe winter storms, flooding, and forest fires. Severe winter storms can produce heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures, leading to hazardous travel conditions and power outages. Flooding can occur during periods of intense rainfall or snowmelt, particularly in low-lying areas and along rivers and streams. Additionally, forest fires can pose a significant threat to public safety, particularly during periods of drought and high temperatures. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to follow evacuation orders and safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Andover offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some recommended activities by month include:
- January: Skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing.
- February: Snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating.
- March: Maple sugaring, hiking, wildlife watching.
- April: Birdwatching, fishing, exploring scenic trails.
- May: Hiking, biking, picnicking.
- June: Camping, boating, attending local festivals.
- July: Swimming, fishing, exploring waterfalls.
- August: Hiking, canoeing, visiting farms and orchards.
- September: Leaf-peeping, apple picking, attending fall festivals.
- October: Hiking, hunting, enjoying fall foliage.
- November: Hiking, birdwatching, attending craft fairs.
- December: Skiing, snowshoeing, holiday shopping.