The month in detail
What to expect in December
Winter in Boston is cool (41°F during the day). Days are short (4.6h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Expect rain on 27% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Boston. Compared to November: −9°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in December
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-3°
Sea
7°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
8.9h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 27
Compare
Is December the right month?
The best month in Boston is August (8.8/10), 7.6 pts higher than December.
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 trip.
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 · 84°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 37°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘApril · 30%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in December
If December 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 82°F highs, 64°F 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 64°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
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 December?
In December, the sea averages 44°F in Boston: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Boston in December?
The average UV index reaches 2 in December in Boston (low), with about 8.9h of daylight. No protection needed.