Early winter · Weather & things to do
Portland, Maine in December
Portland, Maine cools off: highs slip to 40°F (4°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 31°F (0°C) and about 5.6 in (141 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 36/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 5.6 in (141 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 36/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 40°F (4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 31°F (0°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect regular rain: about 5.6 in (141 mm) falls in the month.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 46 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 31°F.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 46 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 51/100 in November to 36/100.
- Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.6 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Portland, Maine in December
With 5.6 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
The Holy Donut
Maine potato donuts in flavors like dark chocolate sea salt.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Oyster bar known for its brown-butter lobster roll on a steamed bun.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Portland Museum of Art
Strong Winslow Homer and Maine art collection in the Arts District.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Casco Bay Lines
Ferries to Peaks Island and the outer islands for a cheap harbor cruise.
Allagash Brewing Company
Belgian-style brewery with a tasting room and free tours.
Why now A cozy break on a 40°F day.
Nearby in December
- Portsmouth in December~48 mi · highs 40°F, 5.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Maine in December~51 mi · highs 32°F, 4.5 in rain or snow · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
- White Mountains in December~67 mi · highs 11°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 16°C (29°F) cooler by day, drier
- New Hampshire in December~73 mi · highs 36°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Portland, Maine in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Portland, Maine?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 36/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 5.6 in (141 mm) of rain. Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Portland, Maine in December?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 31°F (0°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Portland, Maine in December?
Yes: about 5.6 in (141 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.7 in (1363 mm).
What should I pack for Portland, Maine in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.6 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Portland, Maine
Planning Portland, Maine in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.