Boston: When to Go

Late May through June and September are the best times to visit. Everything's open, prices are moderate, days are warm and nights are cool. The busiest, most expensive times are high summer (July and August) and foliage season (late September to mid-October). During these popular times, many lodgings have restrictions about minimum stays, children, service charges, deposit refunds and payment; be sure to ask. The winters are often snowy and quite cold.

Weather

Boston springs are ephemeral; blink and the leaves have turned from buds to full-blown shadow puppets. Summer can get a bit steamy at times but September and October are predictably pleasant, with clear blue skies, cool mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons. January and February bring harsh winds and punishing temperatures, but snowfall accumulation is measured in inches rather than feet. Air masses from the Great Lakes and Canada collide with moderate Gulf Stream currents, making for sudden and frequent weather changes. Dress in layers and be ready for anything. Surprisingly, Boston is windier than Chicago and gets more rain than Seattle.

Temperature (average ° C)

Humidity (average %)

Rainfall (average mm)

Sunshine (average hrs per day)