Boston, MA Climate Guide
Boston has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The Atlantic shoreline shapes the city's weather — ocean moderation, sea breezes, and powerful nor'easters that define New England winters.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Boston Climate Overview
Year-round, Boston averages about 44 inches of precipitation. Summer highs typically sit in the upper 70s to low 80s°F with sticky humidity; winter highs hover in the upper 30s°F with frequent freezes. Snow averages near 48 inches per year, but individual winters swing from under a foot to more than 100 inches.
Nor'easters are the signature winter hazard, often tracking just offshore and dumping heavy snow on the metro. Spring arrives late; fall foliage peaks in mid-to-late October. Rapid air-mass changes are common when Canadian cold meets Atlantic moisture.
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
What is the climate in Boston Massachusetts?
Boston has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa): cold snowy winters, warm humid summers, and about 44 inches of precipitation a year. The Atlantic coast moderates extremes but fuels nor'easters.
What is Boston weather like year round?
Winters average highs in the upper 30s°F with frequent snow; springs are cool and late; summers reach the 80s°F with humidity; fall is crisp with peak foliage in mid-to-late October. Expect rapid day-to-day changes.
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 coastal wind chills feel much colder during nor'easters.
How cold is Boston compared with inland New England?
Boston is usually a few degrees milder than inland Massachusetts because of the ocean, but wind and coastal flooding can make storms feel harsher along the shore.
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 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.
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.