A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hot Springs vs. New Bern for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hot Springs or New Bern?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hot Springs or New Bern? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hot Springs or New Bern?

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.

New Bern

New Bern is a town in the coastal region of North Carolina. The town, which has a population of about 30,000, is the county seat of Craven County. It sits at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers close to the North Carolina coast, although there is no coastline in town. The town makes a nice daytrip from Raleigh, which is 112 miles away, and Wilmington, which is 87 miles away. It's also 162 miles from Norfolk, Virginia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and New Bern, we can see that Hot Springs is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs than you might in New Bern.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hot Springs Expensive? and Is New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or New Bern?

Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs and New Bern, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hot Springs or New Bern?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hot Springs or New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and New Bern. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

Hot Springs is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than New Bern. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hot Springs or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as New Bern. Additionally, many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than New Bern. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hot Springs or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than New Bern. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hot Springs or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Hot Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months.

Hot Springs is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than New Bern. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Hot Springs