December weather - Winter 2024

Weather in December
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in December
Average pressure in December
Average wind speed in December
Average humidity in December
Average rainfall in December
Average rainfall days in December
Average snowfall in December
Average snowfall days in December
Average sea temperature in December
Average daylight in December
Average sunshine in December
Average sunshine days in December
Average UV index in December
Average cloud cover in December
Average visibility in December

Amazing stonework looking over at the white Breakwater Entrance Lighthouse in the New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts

Weather in December

December welcomes winter in full force to New Bedford. Fetching winter temperatures range from 33.3°F (0.7°C) to 42.4°F (5.8°C). It’s a time when the city is often dressed in its full winter attire, accompanied by snowfall. Muted daylight and stronger winds add to the overall brisk and cold conditions. Despite the chilly weather, New Bedford’s December offers an enchanting winter charm, making it a uniquely beautiful time in the city.

Temperature

With the arrival of December, New Bedford experiences a modest decline in average high-temperatures, transitioning from a fresh 50.9°F (10.5°C) in November to a wintry 42.4°F (5.8°C). Throughout the month of December, New Bedford observes an average nighttime temperature of 33.3°F (0.7°C).

Humidity

In New Bedford, the average relative humidity in December is 76%.

Rainfall

In New Bedford, during December, the rain falls for 9.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.69" (43mm) of precipitation. In New Bedford, during the entire year, the rain falls for 133.2 days and collects up to 17.2" (437mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through April, November and December are months with snowfall. In December, it is snowing for 3.2 days. Throughout December, 0.79" (20mm) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 21.4 snowfall days, and 5.87" (149mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In New Bedford, in December, the average water temperature is 46.9°F (8.3°C).
Note: With the appropriate swimsuit, one can swim in 46.9°F (8.3°C) even if temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C); otherwise, be ready for cold shock and breath issues. A fleeting swim around 55.4°F (13°C) is distressing.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 12min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:51 am and sunset at 4:14 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:10 am and sunset at 4:23 pm EST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine in New Bedford is 4.9h.

UV index

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: The UV index of 2 during December leads to these advisories:
Protection from prolonged sun exposure is necessary for babies, children, and individuals with sensitive skin. Avoiding direct sunlight during midday hours helps reduce the risk from intense UV radiation. A wide-brimmed hat provides unparalleled sun protection for sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, and neck. Be on the lookout! Nearly twofold UV radiation from the Sun can be reflected by snow.

Updated: Jun 4, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

Is December cold?

December temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 42.4°F (5.8°C) and a low-temperature of 33.3°F (0.7°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

The average relative humidity in December is 76%.

How much does it rain in December?

In New Bedford, in December, it is raining for 9.5 days, with typically 1.69" (43mm) of accumulated precipitation.

How many days does it snow in December?

In December, it is snowing for 3.2 days. Throughout December, 0.79" (20mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the water temperature in December?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 46.9°F (8.3°C). Swimming in 46.9°F (8.3°C) is considered life-threatening. Even a few minutes in 55.4°F (13°C) water is uncomfortable, and swimming below 50°F (10°C) may cause total loss of breathing control and cold shock, depending on a person's physique.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

What is the average length of the day in December?

In New Bedford, the average day length in December is 9h and 13min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:51 am and sunset at 4:14 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:10 am and sunset at 4:23 pm EST.

How long on average sun shines in December?

In New Bedford, the average sunshine duration in December is 4.9h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in New Bedford.

What is the UV index reading in December?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal hazard to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N December

Nov

December

Jan

Average high temperature

50.9°F 10.5°C

42.4°F 5.8°C

36.3°F 2.4°C

Average low temperature

Average pressure

Average wind speed

Average max. wind speed

11.8mph 19km/h

12mph 19.3km/h

12.6mph 20.3km/h

Average wind speed gusts

Average humidity

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

Average snowfall

Average snowfall days

0.6

3.2

6.5

Average sea temperature

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average sunshine days

18.3

Average UV index

Average cloud cover

Average visibility

Average temperature in December
New Bedford, MA

Average high temperature in December: 42.4°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (78.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36.3°F).

Average low temperature in December: 33.3°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (66.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (26.8°F).

Average pressure in December
New Bedford, MA

Average pressure in December: 30.03"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.07"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
New Bedford, MA

Average wind speed in December: 11.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (8mph).

Average humidity in December
New Bedford, MA

Average humidity in December: 76%

The months with the highest relative humidity are June and July (80%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are March, April and November (74%).

Average rainfall in December
New Bedford, MA

Average rainfall in December: 1.69"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (1.93").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.06").

Average rainfall days in December
New Bedford, MA

Average rainfall days in December: 9.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (8.2 days).

Average snowfall in December
New Bedford, MA

Average snowfall in December: 0.79"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (1.77").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
New Bedford, MA

Average snowfall days in December: 3.2 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
New Bedford, MA

Average sea temperature in December: 46.9°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (68.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (38.2°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
New Bedford, MA

Average daylight in December: 9h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

Average sunshine in December: 4h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).

Average sunshine days in December
New Bedford, MA

Average sunshine days in December: 18.3 days

The months with the most sunshine days are November and December (18.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (14.4 days).

Average UV index in December
New Bedford, MA

Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in December
New Bedford, MA

Average cloud cover in December: 47

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 49).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 28).

Average visibility in December
New Bedford, MA

Average visibility in December: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

December weather forecast
New Bedford, MA

Contents