Boston

Massachusetts Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Massachusetts, the United States of America in December.

Planning a trip to Massachusetts, the United States of America this December? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Massachusetts in December

Massachusetts, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. December in Massachusetts generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with high precipitation. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from very cold in Florida at 2°C (36°F) to cold in Vineyard Haven at 8°C (46°F). At night it cools down to 0°C (32°F) in Vineyard Haven and -6°C (21°F) in Florida.

For a closer look at conditions across Massachusetts, the United States of America, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From high snow/rainfall in Amherst with an average of 110 mm (4.3 in) to high snow/rainfall in Sandwich with 142 mm (5.6 in). Based on our climate, it is the month with the most precipitation throughout the year in Boston.

Average sunshine

Sunshine is fairly consistent across many areas. Boston receives about 141 hours of sunlight in December, providing a good balance between sunny spells and cloud cover. If you're after more sunshine hours, take a look at our weather planner for other sun-rich destinations worldwide.

Explore Massachusetts by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Massachusetts — and find the best time to visit. (based on Boston)

Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Massachusetts.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Massachusetts

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Massachusetts, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Massachusetts (December)

Precipitation variation in Massachusetts (December)

Boston

In December Boston generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
144 hours
141 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
95 mm (3.7 in)
132 mm (5.2 in)
90 mm (3.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
12 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Rockport

In December Rockport generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
144 hours
141 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
97 mm (3.8 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
105 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Gloucester

In December Gloucester generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
144 hours
141 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
99 mm (3.9 in)
136 mm (5.4 in)
96 mm (3.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Cambridge

In December Cambridge generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
2°C (36°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
144 hours
141 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
94 mm (3.7 in)
133 mm (5.2 in)
89 mm (3.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
12 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Hyannis

In December Hyannis generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 0°C (32°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
8°C (46°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
0°C (32°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
149 hours
147 hours
147 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
120 mm (4.7 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
106 mm (4.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
14 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Massachusetts, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Massachusetts in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Boston 6°C (43°F) -1°C (30°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Rockport 6°C (43°F) -1°C (30°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Gloucester 6°C (43°F) -2°C (28°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Cambridge 6°C (43°F) -2°C (28°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Hyannis 8°C (46°F) 0°C (32°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
West Yarmouth 8°C (46°F) 0°C (32°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)

Massachusetts weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Massachusetts, the United States of America in December?

Expect poor weather across Massachusetts, the United States of America in December. The popular destination of Boston averages 6°C (43°F) by day and -1°C (30°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in Massachusetts, the United States of America in December?

In Boston, the average daytime high in December is 6°C (43°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -1°C (30°F).

Does Massachusetts, the United States of America get a lot of snow/rain in December?

Yes, December tends to be a wetter month in Massachusetts, the United States of America. Average snow/rainfall in Boston sits around 132 mm (5.2 in).

Is December a Good Time to Visit Massachusetts, the United States of America?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Boston, December may not be the ideal time to visit Massachusetts, the United States of America.

On average, the best time to visit Massachusetts, the United States of America is in August and September with generally perfect weather in Boston. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Massachusetts.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.