New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in January
January at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 38°F and an overnight low around 22°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation and roughly 11" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 22°F
- Average high
- 38°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Snowfall
- 11 in
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: roughly 3,200 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1998 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at New Bedford Whaling; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 2.9× the average — so January is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 42/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 30°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. 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 January instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.3 hours of daylight in January to explore — between the 9-hour midwinter low and the 15-hour summer high.
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 January may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 43°F / 28°F | 0.6× Quiet | 37 Poor |
| January | 38°F / 22°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| February | 40°F / 23°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at New Bedford Whaling, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 38°F and an overnight low around 22°F at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, with about 3.8 inches of precipitation and roughly 11 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.
January is very quiet at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 42/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. January sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 3,000 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 January
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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 January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1998–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.