The climate of Boston
Boston, located in
Massachusetts, USA, embodies a humid continental climate where there is no dry season and summers are hot, classified as Dfa by the Köppen climate classification. This classification is prominently influenced by the city's geographical position near the North Atlantic Ocean.
Throughout the year, the climate portrays substantial shifts in temperature and precipitation. Temperatures can vary drastically from a chilly low of 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in winter to a high of 81.7°F (27.6°C) during summers. The year is distributed into months wherein the climate differs from snow-laden winters to hot, human summers with a fair bit of rain.
Highlighting some unique weather characteristics, the highest average rainfall of 2.91" (74mm) is observed in three non-consecutive months:
March,
April, and
December. In contrast, the driest month awards go to
September, measuring an average rainfall of only 1.26" (32mm).
While temperatures peak in
July, snowfall is mostly constrained to the winter months, reaching a maximum of 4.72" (120mm) in
February, yet drops to zero inches from
June to September. However, sea temperatures originate an additional dynamic, starting on the cooler side in February at 38.1°F (3.4°C) then progressively warming until
August with a peak at 67.9°F (19.9°C).
The best time to visit Boston
Between
May and
October would provide the most comfortable conditions for visitors to
Boston. This period sees the maximum daylight hours extending to 15.2 hours in
June and reasonably warm temperatures ranging from a high of 66.4°F (19.1°C) in May to 80.4°F (26.9°C) in
August. Sea temperatures are also favorable, ranging from 49.2°F (9.6°C) to 67.9°F (19.9°C) during these months. The general decrease in humidity surrounding these months offers clear visibility. Alongside, rainfall is relatively low, resulting in fewer rain days.
The worst time to visit Boston
The least favourable period for visiting
Boston extends from
November to
February when cold temperatures prevail. In these months, the maximum average temperature hardly rises above 39.9°F (4.4°C), and the minimum temperature can plunge to 22.6°F (-5.2°C). Moreover, most days experience snowfall reaching up to 4.72" (120mm) in February. Furthermore, these months offer limited daylight, decreasing to 9 hours a day in
December.
Spring weather in Boston
Spring in
Boston is from
March to
May, commencing with a blend of rain and snow. However, March experiences the most rainfall with day averages of 2.91" (74mm) over 11.6 days. With the advent of
April, temperatures start to rise, reaching up to 55.2°F (12.9°C) and snowfall decreases to 0.79" (20mm). By May, the average high temperature claims 66.4°F (19.1°C), ushering in the summer.
Summer weather in Boston
Summer months in
Boston from
June to
August depict a warm and humid atmosphere. The overall temperature experiences a high between 74.3°F (23.5°C) in June and 81.7°F (27.6°C) in
July. June and July have extended daylight hours reaching as far as 15.2 hours with prominent sunshine. Meanwhile, the volume of rainfall is relatively lower than other seasons - around 2.13" (54mm) in June to 1.61" (41mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Boston
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, indicates a cooling period after the hot summer. September maintains relatively warmer temperatures with highs at 72.7°F (22.6°C), gradually decreasing to 49.5°F (9.7°C) by November. Rainfall slightly increases from 1.26" (32mm) in September to 2.68" (68mm) in November. Moreover, the possibility of snowfall also resurfaces in November with 0.63" (16mm) on average.
Winter weather in Boston
Winter in
Boston is from
December to
February and is predominantly cold and snowy. The average high temperature ranges from 39.9°F (4.4°C) in December to 34.2°F (1.2°C) in
January, while the lowest averages from 29.7°F (-1.3°C) to 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in these months. December and February see the heaviest snowfall at 2.83" (72mm) and 4.72" (120mm), respectively. Daylight hours are minimal, reaching as low as 9.1 hours in December.
Weather in January
The
Boston climate in
January begins on a chilly note as the new year unfolds. Cold winter conditions govern the area with both high and low temperatures resting between 34.2°F (1.2°C) and 22.6°F (-5.2°C). On average, snowfall occurs for 7.6 days, leaving a total accumulation of 2.76" (70mm).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Boston transitions from
January to
February, a noticeable stride towards milder conditions does not occur. The weather conditions appear similar to January, making February another month of biting winter. February experiences different high and low temperatures ranging from 36.5°F (2.5°C) to 23.5°F (-4.7°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Boston is a transitional period, moving from winter to the refreshing spring season. Noticeable changes in the weather patterns occur as compared to
February's dominant cold. The region witnesses highs and lows from 43.5°F (6.4°C) to 30.9°F (-0.6°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The
Boston weather in
April signals a definitive arrival of spring. As the month proceeds, temperatures increase steadily, and weather patterns fluctuate less than in
March. In contrast to colder months, the high and low temperatures rest between 55.2°F (12.9°C) and 40.5°F (4.7°C).
Weather in April »Weather in May
Boston in
May is a delight for residents, offering pleasant climatic conditions. There's a shift from
April’s delicate spring towards a warmer pre-summer atmosphere. Marked weather differences show that high and low temperatures range from 66.4°F (19.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
For
Boston,
June marks the onset of summer. The weather becomes warmer than that witnessed in
May, and temperatures continue to climb. The city experiences a high of 74.3°F (23.5°C) and a low of 57.6°F (14.2°C). The extended daylight hours cater to evening gatherings, park outings, and barbecues.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The
Boston weather in
July is the epitome of summer, offering the warmest conditions of the year. Notably, Boston experiences its highest temperatures this month, with 81.7°F (27.6°C) and 64.9°F (18.3°C) being the maximum and minimum respectively.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Boston’s
August weather is quite similar to
July's, but with a slight decrease in temperature. Overall, a high temperature of 80.4°F (26.9°C) and a low of 64°F (17.8°C) becomes the new standard. Around this time, Boston experiences less humid conditions than those seen earlier in the summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
Boston steps into
September, the city starts bidding farewell to summer and welcomes the fall. A shift in the weather pattern from
August is noticeable, with high and low temperatures registering at 72.7°F (22.6°C) and 57.4°F (14.1°C) respectively.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the beautiful descent into fall in
Boston. The weather remains mild, but temperatures drop visibly if compared with
September. A further change in the weather shows a high of 61.5°F (16.4°C) and a low of 48.4°F (9.1°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
Boston in
November witnesses a transition from the moderate fall climate to the cold onset of winter due to decline in temperatures. The first half of the month enjoys fall, but the frosty winter starts dominating towards the end.
Weather in November » Weather in December
For
Boston,
December is synonymous with winter, and the climatic conditions validate this perception. A considerable drop in temperatures from
November's mildness indicates a high of 39.9°F (4.4°C) and a low of 29.7°F (-1.3°C).
Weather in December »