Winter comes to northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) in November, but by December the entire region is in its thrall.

High temperatures may be about 30° to 40°F (-1.1° to 4.4°C), but are often lower. Low temperatures may be 10° to 20°F (-12° to -7°C).

Usually there is some snow, although in a snowless winter December is best for ice skating on New England's thousands of glacial lakes and ponds. Once snow arrives in quantity after the ponds freeze, the skating season may be over (barring a January thaw.)

The ski resorts are open, and though they may be fairly busy on weekends, innkeepers offer special low prices on weekdays to lure vacationers.

Until the Christmas holiday (December 25th), this is not a busy month for tourism. Travel is heavy on the day or two preceding Christmas and the day or two following, then there is a lull until New Year's, when travel intensifies again.

Between Christmas and New Year's, many New Englanders go skiing, or take short vacations to New York City, which is very busy then.

As in most of the world, the last day of the year, December 31st, is a perfectly good excuse for a party—in this case, New Year's Eve and First Night.

Some cities in the region, especially Boston, organize special amusements and entertainments.

Boston's First Night features indoor and outdoor concerts, fireworks, an ice sculpture show and competition on Boston Common, fireworks over the river, and a dozen other activities.

Burlington VT also has elaborate First Night activities and entertainments. More...

---

---

January November Tom's New England Almanac New England's Climate Festivals & Holidays When to Go Homepage New England Transportation