Honestly, if you're looking at the weather forecast for Kennebunkport ME right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of gray on your screen. It’s January 18, 2026, and the coast of Maine is doing exactly what it does best this time of year—keeping everyone guessing with a mix of "is it snowing?" and "is it just really cold mist?"
Currently, it's a crisp 32°F out there. But, you’ve got to account for that west wind at 5 mph because it makes the air feel more like 28°F. That’s the thing about the Port; the ocean has this way of making the numbers on the thermometer feel like a suggestion rather than a rule.
The "January Thaw" is a Myth This Week
Don’t expect a sudden heat wave. Today, Sunday, we’re looking at a high of 35°F and a low of 27°F. There’s about a 20% chance of snow during the day, which jumps up to 45% tonight. It’s not a blizzard, just those classic Maine snow showers that make Dock Square look like a greeting card but turn the sidewalks into a skating rink.
If you're planning your week, tomorrow—Monday, January 19—brings more light snow. The high stays around 34°F before the bottom drops out at night, hitting a low of 20°F.
Then things get serious. Tuesday is going to be beautiful and sunny, but don't let the blue sky fool you. The high is only 25°F, and the low is 16°F. With 18 mph winds coming off the water, you’re going to want the heavy-duty parka. Basically, the weather forecast for Kennebunkport ME is telling us to stay inside with a bowl of chowder.
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Why the Ocean Changes Everything
Most people look at a Maine forecast and think "frozen tundra." But Kennebunkport is part of the Coastal Division. This means the Atlantic Ocean acts like a giant, slightly-above-freezing radiator. While folks up in Bangor or Presque Isle are dealing with sub-zero temps and three feet of snow, we usually stay a few degrees warmer.
But there’s a trade-off.
Humidity is sitting at 90% today. Cold, wet air is a different kind of beast. It gets into your bones. It’s why you’ll see locals wearing wool layers rather than just one big puffy jacket. Wool stays warm even when the sea mist dampens everything.
Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Outlook
If you’re visiting later in the week, Thursday looks like the "warm" spot with a high of 39°F. Enjoy it while it lasts because by next Sunday, January 25, we’re looking at a high of only 15°F and a low of 7°F.
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- Wednesday, Jan 21: Light snow transitioning to rain and snow at night. High 32°F / Low 15°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Partly sunny and actually bearable. High 39°F / Low 20°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Mostly cloudy. High 26°F / Low 14°F.
- The Deep Freeze: Saturday and Sunday (Jan 24-25) won't break 25°F during the day.
Coastal Flooding: The Real Winter Threat
While everyone tracks the snow totals, the smart money in Kennebunkport is on the tide charts. We're currently seeing no active warnings, but history tells a different story. Just two years ago in January 2024, the town saw record-breaking floods.
When the "Sou-easters" hit—storms with powerful southeast winds—they push a wall of water into the harbor. If a storm lines up with a high astronomical tide, places like the Portland Pier and low-lying spots in Kennebunkport can see water in the streets. Right now, the flood stage is set at 12 feet at the Portland gauge, and we’re well below that at about 3.96 feet, but it’s always something to watch when a Nor'easter starts brewing.
What to Actually Pack
Forget the fashion boots. Seriously. Between the salt on the sidewalks and the slush at the crosswalks, you need something waterproof with a lug sole.
You've gotta have:
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- Thermal base layers: Leggings or long-johns under your jeans.
- The "Bean Boot" or equivalent: If it’s not waterproof, don't bring it.
- A balaclava or neck gaiter: That west wind on Tuesday is going to bite.
- Gloves with liners: Humidity makes your hands freeze faster.
Actionable Tips for Navigating the Week
If you’re in town or heading this way, here’s how to handle the next few days. First, check the wind direction. When it’s coming from the west (like it will be Tuesday through Sunday), the ocean won't protect you from the chill as much as an easterly wind would.
Second, plan your outdoor walks for Thursday. That 39°F high is the best window you’re going to get for a beach walk at Goose Rocks or a stroll past the Bush compound at Walker’s Point.
Lastly, keep an eye on Monday night. The drop from 34°F to 20°F means anything that melts during the day is going to turn into "black ice" by Tuesday morning. Drive slow on the winding roads like Route 9 and Ocean Ave. The Maine Department of Transportation is good, but they can't be everywhere at once.
Stick to the local shops in the mid-afternoon when the sun is at its highest, and keep your gas tank at least half full—cold snaps are notorious for killing older car batteries in the middle of the night.