New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in December
December at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 43°F and an overnight low around 28°F, with about 5.2" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes December a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 28°F
- Average high
- 43°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 5.2 in
- Snowfall
- 4 in
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: roughly 5,900 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1998 to 2025.
That makes December the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.9×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 37/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 36°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 49% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 18,330 recreation visits, up 7.6% from 17,034 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 78.4%, so December may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 53°F / 37°F | 0.6× Quiet | 52 Fair |
| December | 43°F / 28°F | 0.6× Quiet | 37 Poor |
| January | 38°F / 22°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at New Bedford Whaling, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 43°F and an overnight low around 28°F at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, with about 5.2 inches of precipitation and roughly 4 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is quiet at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 37/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 6,000 recreation visits at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1998–2025.
Where to stay near New Bedford Whaling in December
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Top-rated places to stay near New Bedford Whaling
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1998–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.