Boston catches people out because it swings so hard. February lows hit 23°F (-5°C), July highs reach 84°F (29°C), and the wind off the harbor makes a mild spring or fall day feel colder than the forecast. Pack layers you can add and drop, not one heavy coat or a bag full of shorts.
Boston weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 37°F3°C | 39°F4°C | 48°F9°C | 57°F14°C | 68°F20°C | 77°F25°C | 84°F29°C | 79°F26°C | 73°F23°C | 64°F18°C | 50°F10°C | 41°F5°C |
| Low | 25°F-4°C | 23°F-5°C | 32°F0°C | 39°F4°C | 50°F10°C | 59°F15°C | 68°F20°C | 63°F17°C | 57°F14°C | 48°F9°C | 36°F2°C | 27°F-3°C |
| Rain days | 12 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 10 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 37–41°F (3–5°C) and lows of 27°F (-3°C) to 23°F (-5°C). January is the wettest winter month with 12 days of rain or snow. You need a warm, waterproof coat, a hat, gloves and boots that handle slush on the Freedom Trail.
Spring
March–MayMarch is still cold at 48°F (9°C) with lows around 32°F (0°C). April warms to 57°F (14°C) and May to 68°F (20°C), with 9 to 12 rain days a month. Bring a warm layer and a rain shell, and don't trust a sunny April morning.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 77–84°F (25–29°C), with July the warmest and wettest month at 84°F (29°C) and 14 rain days. Evenings are pleasant at 59–68°F (15–20°C). Pack light clothes and a rain shell for thunderstorms, plus a layer for a harbor cruise or whale watch.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is the sweet spot at 73°F (23°C). October cools to 64°F (18°C) and November drops to 50°F (10°C) with lows near 36°F (2°C), and rain eases to 7 to 10 days a month. October is foliage season, so pack a sweater and a warm jacket for day trips out of the city.
What to bring to Boston
0 of 23 packedBoston gets 7 to 14 rain days every month of the year, and this one packs into its own pocket between showers.
The women's version, light enough to layer over a sweater on a windy October walk through the Common.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A cushioned crash pad and traction outsole make the brick and cobbles of Beacon Hill and the North End easy going.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zips keeps your phone and camera dry on a wet day on the Freedom Trail.
- A warm wrapClothing
Wrap it around your neck when the harbor wind picks up, then a blanket on the cold flight home.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Whale watches head out into open water, so chew one 30 to 60 minutes before you board and enjoy the trip.
Visiting from the UK, Europe or Australia, the sliding US plug gets everything charging in an American hotel room.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coatFebruary lows reach -5°C
- Warm hat, scarf and glovesDec–Feb
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsDec–Mar
- Sweaters or fleece · 2
- Light tops and shorts · 3July highs reach 29°C
- Jeans or casual pants · 2
Footwear
- Waterproof winter bootsSnow and slush Dec–Mar
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrellaRain falls year-round, 14 days in July
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Lip balmCold, dry winter air
- Hand cream
- SunscreenFor summer days by the harbor
Documents and money
- Passport or photo ID
- Contactless cardFor the T and the city
Tech
- Portable phone chargerCold drains batteries fast
What shoes should you pack for Boston?
Comfortable walking shoes for the Freedom Trail, the brick sidewalks of Beacon Hill and the narrow streets of the North End. In winter swap them for waterproof boots with grip, because slushy corners and icy brick are a real hazard. Sneakers are fine the rest of the year.
What do people wear in Boston?
Casual and practical. Jeans, a sweater or flannel, a good jacket, and plenty of college sweatshirts around Cambridge. The Financial District is more polished. Layers matter far more than style here.
What plugs does Boston use?
The US uses type A and B sockets at 120V. Visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia need an adapter, and a universal one covers all four. Check anything that heats up, like a hair straightener, because some aren't built for 120V.
Tours and things to do in Boston
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Boston.
What should you leave at home for Boston?
Leave the thin fashion coat in winter, the wind goes straight through it. Heels and brick sidewalks don't mix. In summer you can skip the heavy jacket, but don't skip a layer completely.
Packing for Boston: questions people ask
What should I wear in Boston in October?
Highs are around 64°F (18°C) with lows near 48°F (9°C). Jeans, a sweater, a medium jacket and comfortable shoes cover it.
How cold is Boston in winter?
Highs of 37–41°F (3–5°C) and lows down to 23°F (-5°C) in February. Pack a warm waterproof coat, a hat, gloves and boots with grip.
What shoes should I wear on the Freedom Trail?
Broken-in walking shoes or sneakers. The trail runs over brick and uneven sidewalk, and in winter you'll want waterproof boots.
Does it rain a lot in Boston?
Rain is spread through the year. July is the wettest month with 14 rain days, and January, May and June get 12 each.
Do I need a plug adapter for Boston?
Only if your home country doesn't use A and B plugs. The US uses type A and B sockets at 120V, so visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia need one.
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