The city of Boston in the state of Massachusetts experiences a variety of weather throughout the year.
July is the hottest month, with average high temperatures reaching 82°F and lows at 66°F. This makes summer a warm and humid season, ideal for enjoying the city’s outdoor attractions and events.
In contrast, the cold season in Boston spans from early December to mid-March.
During this period, average daily highs drop below 45°F.
January stands out as the coldest month, featuring lows around 24°F and highs of 37°F. Snowfall primarily impacts the winter months, with February seeing the highest accumulation, averaging 4.72 inches.
The climate of Boston also features distinct seasons, with cooler temperatures setting in by November.
In the fall, temperatures gradually descend, making it a transitional period before the onset of winter.
The diverse weather patterns make Boston a city with rich seasonal variations, providing unique experiences year-round.
Average Temperature in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
The hottest month is July, with an average high temperature of 82ºF and a low of 66ºF.
On the other hand, January is the coldest month, where the average low temperature can drop to 24ºF, and the high averages around 37ºF.
Winter months are cold.
From December through February, temperatures often stay below 45ºF. In February, snowfall can reach up to 4.72 inches. The cold season generally lasts for about 3.4 months, from December to March.
Spring temperatures gradually warm up.
In April, the average low is 41ºF and the high reaches 56.5ºF. During the Boston Marathon, held on the third Monday of April, it’s usually cool to cold.
Summer begins in mid-June, bringing warmer weather.
June, July, and August see higher temperatures, often ranging from warm to hot and humid. The average temperatures can fall between 60ºF to 82ºF during these months.
Fall brings cooler temperatures again.
By October, temperatures start to drop, with average lows around 50ºF and highs around 60ºF to 70ºF. November continues this cooling trend, preparing Boston for the approaching winter.
| Month | Average High (ºF) | Average Low (ºF) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 37 | 24 |
| February | 40 | 26 |
| March | 47 | 33 |
| April | 56.5 | 41 |
| June | 76 | 60 |
| July | 82 | 66 |
| August | 80 | 64 |
| September | 72 | 57 |
| October | 60 | 50 |
| November | 50 | 42 |
| December | 40 | 28 |
Boston’s climate offers a variety of experiences throughout the year, from hot summers to cold winters.
Average Precipitation in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences a range of precipitation throughout the year, including both rain and snow. Understanding the average rainfall and snowfall can help residents and visitors prepare for any weather conditions.
Average Rainfall in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston typically receives substantial rainfall.
Monthly rainfall varies throughout the year, with the wettest months usually being November and March. On average, the city gets about 44 inches of rain annually.
During the summer, rainfall is often distributed evenly across June, July, and August, each month seeing about 3.5 inches.
Spring and fall also get consistent rain, making them quite wet seasons. It’s common to have several days with precipitation each month.
In winter, rain can mix with snow, leading to sleet and icy conditions.
Major rain events often occur during this time, contributing to the total precipitation for the year. The city’s drainage systems are designed to handle this surplus, mitigating flooding risks.
Average Snow in Boston, Massachusetts
Snowfall is a significant part of Boston’s climate. The city experiences an average of about 49 inches of snow annually.
Snowfall is most frequent and heaviest from December through February.
In February, snowfall peaks, often exceeding 12 inches for the month. January is also notably snowy, with averages around 10 inches. This period features numerous days with snow storms, sometimes leading to school closures and travel disruptions.
November and March also see some snow, though in smaller quantities, often between 3 to 6 inches.
Occasionally, late-season snow in April adds to the total snowfall for the year, but these instances are rare.
Snow and ice are monitored carefully, with city services on standby to clear roads and sidewalks. This helps maintain safety and accessibility during winter weather events.
Precipitation patterns make Boston a city with diverse and dynamic weather throughout the year.
Average Sun in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences changing sunlight patterns throughout the year due to its position and seasonal variations. This section provides insights into the amount of solar energy and hours of sunshine Boston receives.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s average daily shortwave solar energy sees significant fluctuations across the seasons.
During summer, from mid-June to August, there is the peak period for solar energy, with long, sunny days and more daylight hours.
In July, Boston averages about 82°F in temperature, with many days enjoying clear skies.
In contrast, the winter months, especially January, provide shorter days with less sunlight due to early sunsets and late sunrises. December sees an average high of only 44°F and more cloud cover, reducing the solar energy received.
The amount of daily sunshine can vary significantly.
For instance, summer can offer up to 9 hours of sunshine per day, while winter months might only see about 4 hours of sunshine. This variation impacts the average amount of solar energy that Boston receives daily.
Average Humidity in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year.
The most humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 72%. In contrast, February is the least humid month, averaging 62%.
Average humidity in Boston (MA) – World Weather & Climate Information offers detailed information on Boston’s monthly humidity levels.
Boston’s annual average humidity is approximately 67%.
Morning humidity tends to be higher, often around 7 AM, while afternoon levels drop.
| Month | Average Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 67% |
| February | 62% |
| August | 72% |
Dew points in Boston also fluctuate, often aligning with temperature patterns.
Higher dew points in summer can make the air feel stickier, while lower dew points in winter contribute to the cold, crisp air.
Boston has noticeable changes in humidity between seasons. These changes are essential for residents and visitors to understand, as they impact daily comfort.
For more detailed information, the Monthly Humidity Averages for Massachusetts provides specific data points collected at various times throughout each day.
Average Wind in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year.
Wind speeds typically range from light breezes to moderate winds. The average wind speed is around 9 mph.
March tends to be the windiest month, with average speeds often closer to 11 mph.
Here’s a quick look at the average wind speeds by month:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10 |
| February | 10.5 |
| March | 11 |
| April | 10.5 |
| May | 9.5 |
| June | 8.5 |
| July | 8 |
| August | 8 |
| September | 9 |
| October | 9.5 |
| November | 10 |
| December | 10.5 |
These wind patterns can influence daily activities and weather conditions.
Strong winds are often more prevalent along the coast. Meanwhile, locals might notice the wind more during the winter months.
Average Air Quality in Boston, Massachusetts
The air quality in Boston, Massachusetts varies throughout the year but tends to stay within the moderate to good range.
According to IQAir, the Air Quality Index (AQI) often ranges from moderate to good levels.
On days with moderate air quality, those sensitive to pollutants might experience minor health effects. During these times, PM2.5 levels are usually the main concern.
Weather, industrial activities, and traffic contribute to these patterns.
Boston also has relatively high visibility on most days, thanks to its clean air. Pressure readings typically hover around 29.92 inches, which is the average sea-level pressure.
Summer months often see higher sea temperatures. By the coast, sea temperatures can reach up to 68°F in July, making it pleasant for water activities.
These temperatures contribute to the overall climate, impacting air quality as warm air holds more pollutants.
For real-time updates, AccuWeather provides detailed air quality forecasts, helping residents plan their activities.
Boston’s air quality data over many years is accessible through tools like the AQICN Visual Map, which provides historical data and trends.
Topography of Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is located at a latitude of approximately 42.3584° N and a longitude of 71.0598° W. This geographical positioning places Boston on the eastern coast of the United States, along the Atlantic Ocean.
The city covers an area of about 89.63 square miles. Of this, 48.4 square miles consist of land, and 41.2 square miles are water. These water bodies play a significant role in the city’s climate and scenery.
Elevation:
- City’s official elevation: 19 feet above sea level, measured at Logan International Airport.
- Highest Point: Bellevue Hill, standing at 330 feet above sea level.
Boston features varied terrain. Areas closer to the coast are generally lower in elevation, while further inland, the ground rises and becomes hillier.
The Boston Harbor area is particularly notable for its series of islands and peninsulas, contributing to the city’s unique coastal topography. These natural formations create a scenic, but also a complex shoreline.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year. These include severe storms, flooding, heatwaves, and winter storms.
Severe storms are common in Boston. Intense rain and strong winds can cause damage to property and disrupt daily life.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, Massachusetts has experienced 15 severe storm events since 1980.
Boston also deals with significant flooding. Heavy rainfall and coastal storms can lead to both urban and coastal flooding.
NBC Boston notes that flooding is one of the most significant hazards as the state combats climate change.
Heatwaves have become more frequent. In recent years, temperatures have soared, leading the city to declare heat emergencies.
Last summer, the city faced significant rain, but this year there’s been a notable increase in heat emergencies. City teams work to ensure that residents, especially children and seniors, are safe during these extreme heat events.
Winter storms are another key concern. These storms have increased in both intensity and frequency.
Reports have shown that Massachusetts has experienced 15 major winter storm events since 1980.
Key Points:
- Severe storms: High winds, intense rain.
- Flooding: Urban and coastal areas affected.
- Heatwaves: Increased frequency and intensity.
- Winter storms: More severe since the 1950s.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Boston, Massachusetts
Boston experiences distinct seasons, each with unique weather and events. Visitors may find spring and fall to be the most appealing times to explore the city due to the pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
What is Boston, Massachusetts Like in Spring
Spring in Boston from March to May brings mild temperatures, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
Daytime temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. March can still be quite chilly and sometimes snowy, but by April and May, the city starts to bloom.
Flowers and trees in the Boston Public Garden and Arnold Arboretum come to life. Spring also marks the beginning of Boston’s festival season with events like the Boston Marathon in April.
Rain showers are common, so carrying an umbrella can be handy.
What is Boston, Massachusetts Like in Summer
Summer in Boston, from June to August, is warm with temperatures often reaching the high 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit.
July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F. Humidity can make it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.
Outdoor activities are popular in the summer. Enjoy concerts at the Boston Common or take a stroll along the Charles River. The Fourth of July sees spectacular firework displays.
Tourist crowds peak in summer, so book accommodations early. Afternoon thunderstorms are not unusual, so it’s good to be prepared.
What is Boston, Massachusetts Like in Fall
Fall in Boston from September to November is marked by cooler, crisp air and stunning foliage.
September and October see temperatures from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for walking tours and historical sightseeing. The fall foliage peaks in October, drawing many visitors to parks like the Boston Common and nearby regions.
With the drop in tourists after the summer months, fall is a quieter time to explore the city’s landmarks.
Festivals and events, such as Oktoberfest and Boston Film Festival, occur during this season. November brings colder days, and layers are recommended.
What is Boston, Massachusetts Like in Winter
Winter in Boston, from December to February, is cold and snowy.
January temperatures average around 36°F, but wind chills can make it feel much colder.
Snowfalls are frequent, sometimes heavy, which can impact travel plans.
Winter sports like ice skating at Frog Pond and skiing in nearby areas are popular.
The holiday season brings festive lights and decorations, especially around Faneuil Hall.
Museum tours and indoor activities are preferable during the harshest days.
It’s important to dress warmly and be prepared for winter weather conditions.