WinterOff season ~39°F highs

Things to do in New Bedford in December

December is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit New Bedford, with average highs around 39°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

Plan a December weekend Where else in December

Best picks for December

What's famous here, weighted toward what shines in December.

1Indoor escape

Plimoth Patuxet

museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

2Indoor escape

New Bedford Whaling Museum

maritime museum in New Bedford

USS Massachusetts

1941 South Dakota-class battleship

Holidays in December 2026

Christmas Day · Fri, Dec 25

Expect busier roads and pricier stays around these dates. See long weekends.

What’s on in New Bedford in December

Concerts, games and shows in the next few weeks. Tickets open on Ticketmaster.

Tue, Dec 1 · 7:00 PMBrown University Bears Hockey vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers HockeyMeehan Auditorium Plan a weekend around it

Tue, Dec 1 · 7:30 PM

New Bedford in December: quick answers

Is December a good time to visit New Bedford?

December is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit New Bedford, with average highs around 39°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

What is the weather like in New Bedford in December?

Average daytime highs are around 39°F, compared with 79°F in the warmest month. Check the forecast a week out; our planner favors indoor stops on rainy days.

What are the best things to do in New Bedford in December?

Top picks for December: Plimoth Patuxet, New Bedford Whaling Museum, USS Massachusetts, Pilgrim Hall Museum, USS Lionfish.