Boston, MA Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Boston has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The city's coastal location influences its weather, bringing ocean breezes and nor'easters.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Boston Climate Overview
Summers are warm with highs in the 80s°F (27-29°C). Winters are cold with temperatures often below freezing and significant snowfall. Annual precipitation is about 44 inches.
Boston experiences nor'easters bringing heavy snow in winter and occasional hurricanes in fall. The city sees rapid weather changes due to its New England location.
Boston Weather by Season
spring
Spring comes late to Boston — March can still bring major snowstorms, April is cool and rainy, and May finally warms into the 60s°F. Cherry blossoms peak in mid-to-late April.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the 80s°F and occasional heat waves pushing past 90°F. Thunderstorms are less frequent than in the Midwest but can be severe.
fall
Fall is Boston's finest season — crisp, clear, and with some of the best foliage in New England. Mid-to-late October brings peak color. Highs drop from the 70s°F to the 50s°F.
winter
Winters are cold and snowy. Highs average in the upper 30s°F, lows in the 20s°F, and nor'easters regularly dump a foot or more of snow. The 2014-15 winter delivered a record 108 inches.
Boston Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36° | 39° | 46° | 57° | 67° | 76° | 82° | 80° | 72° | 61° | 51° | 41° |
| Low °F | 22° | 24° | 31° | 41° | 50° | 60° | 66° | 65° | 57° | 46° | 38° | 27° |
Best Time to Visit Boston
Mid-September through October. Crisp, sunny, mild weather with peak foliage in the second half of October. Late May and June are also excellent before summer humidity peaks.
Severe Weather Risks
- Nor'easters
- Blizzards
- Coastal flooding
- Heat waves
- Ice storms
Weather Facts About Boston
- >Boston averages 48 inches of snow per year, but individual winters have ranged from 9 inches to 110 inches.
- >The city's coastal location means nor'easters often track just offshore, dumping heavy snow on the metro.
- >The 2015 winter broke Boston's all-time snowfall record with 110.6 inches, including 94 inches in February alone.
Boston Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Boston?
Late September through mid-October delivers Boston's best weather — mild days in the 60s-70s°F, cool nights, sunshine, and peak fall foliage. Late spring (May-June) is also beautiful.
How cold does Boston get in winter?
Average winter highs are in the upper 30s°F with lows in the 20s°F. Arctic outbreaks can push temperatures below zero, and wind chills along the coast can feel much colder.
What is a nor'easter?
A powerful storm that tracks up the US East Coast, pulling moisture from the Atlantic and slamming New England with heavy snow, high winds, and coastal flooding. Boston can get multiple nor'easters per winter.
How much snow does Boston get?
About 48 inches per year on average, but variability is extreme — some winters see 15 inches, others over 100. The historic 2014-15 winter dropped 110 inches in three months.