Updated October 2026
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Weather by Month
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is warmest in July, when the nearest NOAA climate station averages a high of 84°F and a low of 67°F, and coldest in January, with an average high of 38°F and an average low of 22°F. March is the wettest month, with about 5.3 inches of precipitation. Snowfall is heaviest in January, at about 11 inches.
These figures are NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, the 30-year average for each calendar month, from the nearest long-record weather station, 2.9 miles from the park's reference point. A single station cannot describe a whole park: temperatures elsewhere in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park can differ from these, particularly with elevation.
Warmest month
Jul
84°F avg high
Coldest month
Jan
22°F avg low
Wettest month
Mar
5.3 in avg
Snowiest month
Jan
10.9 in avg
Longest days
Jun
15.0 h of daylight
Average weather at New Bedford Whaling by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 22°F | 3.8 in | 10.9 in | 9.3 h |
| February | 40°F | 23°F | 4.1 in | 8.5 in | 10.4 h |
| March | 47°F | 29°F | 5.3 in | 6.6 in | 11.7 h |
| April | 56°F | 40°F | 4.6 in | 1.7 in | 13.1 h |
| May | 68°F | 50°F | 3.7 in | 0.0 in | 14.3 h |
| June | 78°F | 60°F | 4.2 in | 0.0 in | 15.0 h |
| July | 84°F | 67°F | 3.6 in | 0.0 in | 14.7 h |
| August | 82°F | 66°F | 4.1 in | 0.0 in | 13.7 h |
| September | 75°F | 59°F | 4.2 in | 0.0 in | 12.3 h |
| October | 64°F | 49°F | 4.9 in | 0.0 in | 10.8 h |
| November | 53°F | 37°F | 4.6 in | 0.4 in | 9.6 h |
| December | 43°F | 28°F | 5.2 in | 4.4 in | 9.0 h |
| Year total | 52.3 in | 32.5 in |
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals from station USC00195246, 2.9 miles from the park's reference point. Daylight is the monthly average, computed from the park's latitude. Each month links to how crowded New Bedford Whaling is at that time of year.
New Bedford Whaling weather by season
Winter: December to February
Average highs bottom out at 38°F in January, between 43°F in December and 40°F in February, with average lows between 22°F and 28°F. The average low is at or below freezing in all three months. Together the three months average 13.1 inches of precipitation, about 25% of the yearly total. Snowfall averages about 24 inches for the season. Daylight is at its shortest, about 9.0 hours in December.
Spring: March to May
Average highs climb from 47°F in March to 68°F in May, with average lows between 29°F and 50°F. The average low is at or below freezing in March. Together the three months average 13.6 inches of precipitation, about 26% of the yearly total. Snowfall averages about 8.3 inches for the season, most of it in March. Daylight lengthens from about 11.7 hours in March to 14.3 in May.
Summer: June to August
Average highs peak at 84°F in July, between 78°F in June and 82°F in August, with average lows between 60°F and 67°F. Together the three months average 11.9 inches of precipitation, about 23% of the yearly total and less than in any other season. Daylight is at its longest, about 15.0 hours in June.
Fall: September to November
Average highs fall from 75°F in September to 53°F in November, with average lows between 37°F and 59°F. Together the three months average 13.7 inches of precipitation, about 26% of the yearly total and more than in any other season. Snowfall averages about 0.4 inches for the season. Daylight shortens from about 12.3 hours in September to 9.6 in November.
What the National Park Service says about the weather
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, you’ll experience all four seasons in their full glory! Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 56°F to 83°F, perfect for enjoying the coastal breeze. As the year turns, fall brings crisp, cool weather, with temperatures between 30°F and 70°F, offering the ideal backdrop for stunning autumn foliage. Winters are chilly, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 45°F, occasionally bringing snow to the scenic city. By spring, the weather begins to warm up again
Weather description courtesy of the National Park Service — official park site.
Today's forecast for New Bedford Whaling
Averages describe a typical month, not this week. For current conditions and the seven-day outlook, the National Weather Service issues a forecast for the park's reference point at 41.64°N, 70.92°W. It covers that one spot, so other elevations in the park can differ from it, as they do from the averages above.
National Weather Service forecast for New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park →
Weather and crowds together
July is both the warmest month and the busiest, with about 2.9× the visitors of the park's average month. January is the quietest. To see those crowds set against the weather for all twelve months, read the best time to visit New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. For hotels, cabins and rentals close to the park, see where to stay near New Bedford Whaling.
Where to stay near New Bedford Whaling
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Frequently Asked Questions
July is the warmest month at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, with an average high of 84°F and an average low of 67°F. That is the 1991–2020 average at the nearest long-record NOAA station, 2.9 miles from the park's reference point. Temperatures inside the park can differ, particularly with elevation.
January is the coldest month at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, with an average low of 22°F and an average high of 38°F, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
March is the wettest month, with about 5.3 inches of precipitation. July is the driest, at about 3.6 inches. The station records about 52.3 inches of precipitation in an average year.
Yes. The nearest long-record NOAA station, 2.9 miles from the park's reference point, averages about 33 inches of snow a year. January is the snowiest month, at about 11 inches. The station averages at least a tenth of an inch of snow in 6 of the 12 months.
Weather at nearby parks
28 mi away · warmest in July (84°F)
43 mi away · warmest in July (83°F)
49 mi away · warmest in July (85°F)
50 mi away · warmest in July (79°F)
50 mi away · warmest in July (85°F)
51 mi away · warmest in July (82°F)
Keep exploring
Sources: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (station USC00195246), daylight computed from latitude, weather description from the National Park Service, crowd levels from National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1998–2025). Updated 2026-10-11. Lodging results are provided by Stay22; WhenToVisitParks may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.