Are you thinking about visiting New Bern, North Carolina? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is New Bern worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for one to two days. New Bern is a charming town that's located on the banks of a river. It has a small town atmosphere with a quaint downtown that is nice to explore on foot. You'll find local restaurants as well as some interesting historical sights. We first visited in 2013 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its local atmosphere and its southern hospitality.
New Bern, NC
Reasons to Visit New Bern
Museums
Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.
Food
There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.
Shopping
There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.
Authenticity
New Bern has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is New Bern worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in New Bern is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
The weather in New Bern is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (80°F). But it can get as warm as 31°C (88°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm and the famous sights and museums.
Summer Weather in New Bern
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (80°F) | 169 mm (6.6 in) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
Is New Bern worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in New Bern, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums and savor the small town atmosphere.
Autumn Weather in New Bern
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 13°C (56°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Is New Bern worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in New Bern. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in New Bern can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and dine out at amazing restaurants.
Winter Weather in New Bern
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (44°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Is New Bern worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in New Bern. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (62°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the small town charm.
Spring Weather in New Bern
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 16°C (62°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| June | 25°C (76°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting New Bern
Nightlife: Most people don't associate New Bern with a lively nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, New Bern might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for New Bern here or see if New Bern is expensive here.
Related
What is New Bern most famous for?
New Bern is most famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi. The town is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping. It is often described as laid back, quaint, and charming.
What is the most famous sight in New Bern?
The most popular sight in New Bern is the Tryon Palace. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in New Bern on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Tryon Palace and other attractions here.
How touristy is New Bern? Is it a popular town to visit?
New Bern is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in New Bern?
The ideal length of time for a trip to New Bern is one to two days. Since New Bern has activities such as museums, dining, and shopping, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in New Bern? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in New Bern?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.