The month in detail
What to expect in January
Winter in Boston is cool (3°C during the day). Days are short (5.3h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Rain risk remains low (25% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities.
January ranks 10 out of 12 months in Boston. Compared to December: −2°C daytime, +0.7h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-7°
Sea
4°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 25
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Boston is August (8.8/10), 4.8 pts higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Boston
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Boston
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · USA
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 29°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 3°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘApril · 30%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
New YorkUnited States
TorontoCanadaCape CodUnited StatesChicagoUSA
PragueCzech Republic
Location
Where is Boston ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
USATemperate oceanic climate with a 8.8 → 1.2 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
42.36°N · 71.06°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Boston?
August is the best month with 28.0°C highs, 18.0°C lows, 8.9h of sunshine and 25.0% rainy days. The months of August & July offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Boston get in August?
Boston averages 8.9 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.3/10.
What is the rainiest month in Boston?
December is the most unfavourable month with December has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Boston in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 18.0°C, while afternoon highs average 28.0°C.
Is Boston good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Boston scores 3.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 8.3/10.
When should you avoid Boston?
December is the most difficult month to visit Boston, with December has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Boston in January?
In January, the sea averages 4°C in Boston: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Boston in January?
The average UV index reaches 2 in January in Boston (low), with about 9.2h of daylight. No protection needed.