Bar Harbor

New England Weather in December

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

Thinking about venturing to New England, the United States of America this December and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in New England in December

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

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is very cold in Stowe at 1°C (34°F) to cold in Plymouth at 8°C (46°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -2°C (28°F) in Plymouth and -8°C (18°F) in Stowe.

For specific regional insights in New England, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snow/rainfall in Burlington with an average of 89 mm (3.5 in) to high snow/rainfall in Bar Harbor with 159 mm (6.3 in). Looking at the climate data spanning the last 30 years, this month sees the heaviest rainfall of the year in Boston.

Average sunshine

Most areas see decent amounts of sunshine this month. Boston gets around 141 hours of sunlight, providing a pleasant balance of sun and clouds. If you'd prefer more guaranteed sunshine, our weather planner can show you sunnier spots around the world.

Explore New England by month

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

Best Places to Visit in New England in December

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

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 New England

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

Temperature range in New England (December)

Precipitation variation in New England (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

Bar Harbor

In December Bar Harbor generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
4°C (39°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-9°C (16°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
134 mm (5.3 in)
159 mm (6.3 in)
93 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
15 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Portsmouth

In December Portsmouth generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
5°C (41°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
127 hours
134 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
94 mm (3.7 in)
128 mm (5 in)
86 mm (3.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Providence

In December Providence generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C (45°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
12°C (54°F)
7°C (45°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
2°C (36°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
147 hours
147 hours
170 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
106 mm (4.2 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
99 mm (3.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Burlington

In December Burlington generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
2°C (36°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
93 hours
93 hours
128 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
59 mm (2.3 in)
89 mm (3.5 in)
49 mm (1.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in December

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Boston 6°C (43°F) -1°C (30°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Bar Harbor 4°C (39°F) -5°C (23°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Portsmouth 5°C (41°F) -4°C (25°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Providence 7°C (45°F) -2°C (28°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Burlington 2°C (36°F) -6°C (21°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Hartford 6°C (43°F) -3°C (27°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)

New England weather in December: frequently asked questions

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

In December, New England, the United States of America generally has poor weather conditions. Boston sees daytime temperatures near 6°C (43°F), with nights cooling to roughly -1°C (30°F).

What is the average temperature in New England, 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 New England, the United States of America get a lot of snow/rain in December?

Boston typically receives notable snow/rainfall in December, about 132 mm (5.2 in) on average across New England, the United States of America.

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

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

Generally speaking, August and September provide perfect weather in Boston. The weather in January, February, March and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in New England.

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.

Bucket list

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