Weather in Boston

Find out what weather awaits you in Boston. This section presents current meteorological reports, forecasts, and useful weather charts so you are always up to date.

Boston, located in the northeastern part of the USA, is characterized by a humid continental climate. This means the city experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique weather conditions. Travelers should expect significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, making clothing choice an important aspect of trip planning.

Summer in Boston (June-August) is usually warm and occasionally hot, with average temperatures reaching 20-24°C, and maximums approaching 28°C in July. Winters (December-February), by contrast, are cold, with average temperatures around zero or slightly below, and minimums dropping to -4°C. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures, offering comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing, although the weather can be changeable.

As for precipitation, it is distributed quite evenly throughout the year in Boston. There is no pronounced rainy or dry season. On average, each month has from 8 to 13 days with precipitation, which often falls as snow during the winter months. This means that a light umbrella or raincoat may come in handy at any time of the year.

The annual temperature progression in Boston demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations characteristic of its climate. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 23.7°C, and daytime highs can rise to 27.9°C. Conversely, the coldest month is January with an average temperature of -0.4°C and nighttime lows dropping to -4.0°C. Thus, the annual range of average temperatures extends from light frost to comfortable summer heat, offering diverse weather conditions throughout the year.

The summer months in Boston, from June to August, bring pleasant warmth, occasionally turning into heat. In June, the average temperature is around 20.2°C, warming up to 24.7°C during the day, while nights remain comfortable with temperatures around 15.7°C. July, as the warmest month, is characterized by average daytime temperatures of 27.9°C and nighttime temperatures around 19.5°C. August follows with a slight decrease but remains very warm: the average temperature holds at 22.9°C, with daily highs up to 27.1°C and nightly lows around 18.8°C. During the summer period, the difference between day and night temperatures is approximately 8-9 degrees, providing some relief from the daytime heat in the evenings.

Winter in Boston, spanning December, January, and February, is characterized by cold and sometimes frosty conditions. In December, the average temperature is 1.9°C, with nighttime frosts down to -1.5°C and daytime temperatures rising to 5.3°C. January is the harshest winter month: nighttime temperatures consistently drop below freezing (averaging -4.0°C), and during the day the thermometer rarely rises above 3.2°C. In February, a gradual, though slight, warming is observed: the average temperature is 0.9°C, the minimum nighttime is -3.2°C, and the maximum daytime is around 5.1°C. In winter, fluctuations between day and night temperatures are also noticeable, although slightly smaller than in summer, averaging about 6-8 degrees.

Precipitation in Boston is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, without pronounced wet or dry seasons. The monthly amount of precipitation is small and fluctuates within a narrow range: from 2 mm to 4 mm. The "driest" month in terms of moisture volume is May, when only 2 mm of precipitation is recorded. Slightly more, 3 mm each, falls in February, June, August, September, and November. The maximum amount of precipitation, 4 mm, is characteristic of January, March, April, July, October, and December.

Regarding the frequency of precipitation, the number of "wet" days per month varies from 8 to 13. The highest number of days with precipitation falls in April – on average 13 days. Precipitation occurs least frequently in November, where there are about 8 such days. In other months, the number of days with precipitation fluctuates between 9 and 12, which suggests the need to be prepared for possible precipitation at almost any time of the year when visiting Boston.

The nature of precipitation in Boston depends directly on the season. In the winter months – December, January, and February – and often in March, when average and especially minimum temperatures drop below freezing (for example, to -4.0°C in January), precipitation predominantly falls as snow. During the rest of the year, from April to November, it is usually rain. Despite the moderate total amount of millimeters, even summer months such as July and August count 12 days with precipitation, which can be either drizzling rain or short-term showers.

When planning a trip to Boston, it is important to consider its changeable weather and distinct seasonal changes. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes will be indispensable, as Boston is a city best explored on foot. Given that precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, with 8-13 rainy days per month, a compact umbrella or light raincoat will become your faithful companions at any time of the year.

If your trip falls during the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature hovers around 0°C and drops to -4°C, be sure to take a warm winter jacket, hat, gloves, and a scarf. Waterproof shoes will also be useful, as precipitation often falls as snow. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are characterized by transitional weather conditions. It is still quite cool in March and November (average temperature from 4.2°C to 6.7°C), so a medium-weight jacket, sweaters, and the ability to wear multiple layers of clothing will come in handy. In April, May, September, and October, the weather is usually milder, but evenings can be cool.

Summer in Boston (June-August) is warm, and at times hot, with average temperatures of 20-24°C and maximums reaching 28°C. During this period, you will need light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, even in summer, it is worth having a light sweater or cardigan with you for evening walks or air-conditioned rooms. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Despite the warmth, summer months also count about 12 days with precipitation, so a light raincoat or umbrella may still be useful.