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New Bern

New Bern travel guide

City in North Carolina, United States

Best time to visitApril and October
Nearest airportEWN · 2 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population31,291

About New Bern

New Bern (pronounced /'nu bərn/ NEW-bern, is a city in Craven County, North Carolina, United States, and its county seat. It had a population of 31,291 at the 2020 census. It is located at the confluence of the Neuse and the Trent Rivers, near the headwaters of Pamlico Sound on the North Carolina coast. It lies 112 miles east of Raleigh, 89 miles north of Wilmington, and 162 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia.

Places to visit in New Bern

  1. Tryon Palace

    Tryon Palace

    Historic

    A reconstruction of the colonial governor's residence with formal gardens and a modern history center, where costumed interpreters and exhibits explain North Carolina's early government and daily life.

  2. Downtown New Bern Historic District

    Historic

    Walkable streets of colonial and Federal-era buildings, independent shops and restaurants, including the corner pharmacy site where Pepsi-Cola was first created, now a soda shop for visitors.

  3. Union Point Park

    Park

    A waterfront park at the meeting of the Neuse and Trent rivers, good for a picnic, watching sailboats and enjoying sunset views just steps from downtown.

  4. Croatan National Forest

    Croatan National Forest

    Nature · 13 mi from centre

    Pine forests, pocosin wetlands and blackwater creeks just southeast of town offer hiking, paddling and the chance to see carnivorous plants such as Venus flytraps growing in the wild.

Where to stay in New Bern

Popular hotels in New Bern, out of 16 properties you can book.

See all hotels in New Bern

Best time to visit New Bern

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit New Bern is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–75°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 34° – 52° 10
Feb 40° – 60° 8
Mar 47° – 68° 8
Apr 54° – 75° 6
May 63° – 81° 15
Jun 69° – 89° 13
Jul 74° – 89° 23
Aug 70° – 85° 18
Sep 66° – 82° 11
Oct 55° – 73° 5
Nov 48° – 67° 8
Dec 37° – 56° 7

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

New Bern weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 67° 48° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 69° 43° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 71° 46° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 67° 51° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 71° 54° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 73° 52° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to New Bern

These are the airports closest to central New Bern. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • EWN Coastal Carolina Regional Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
Search flights to New Bern

Getting around New Bern

The downtown shopping district is walkable. Elsewhere in town a car is necessary. There is no public transportation and taxis are rare and expensive.

New Bern travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit New Bern?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit New Bern is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–75°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in New Bern?

July is usually the warmest month in New Bern, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 190 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to New Bern?

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of New Bern.

What time zone is New Bern in?

New Bern uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around New Bern?

The downtown shopping district is walkable. Elsewhere in town a car is necessary. There is no public transportation and taxis are rare and expensive.

What are the best places to visit in New Bern?

Top sights in New Bern include Tryon Palace, Downtown New Bern Historic District, Union Point Park and Croatan National Forest. A reconstruction of the colonial governor's residence with formal gardens and a modern history center, where costumed interpreters and exhibits explain North Carolina's early government and daily life.

Where should I stay in New Bern?

Popular areas for hotels in New Bern include New Bern area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn New Bern and DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront.

How many hotels can I book in New Bern?

Destina Holidays currently lists 16 properties in and around New Bern, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.