boston seasons

Best Time to Visit Boston

By Dom Bewley

You need a vacation this year. After the past two years, everyone does. Why not try Boston, one of America's most historic cities? No matter what time of year you plan on traveling, there's so much to see and do. Here's our guide to the best time to visit Boston, catered just to you!

Including:

  • Summer sun and fun
  • Fall predictions and plans
  • Winter chills and thrills
  • Spring air and activities
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Boston's weather in summer

If you're one for brilliant sun, warmer weather, and slathering on the sunblock, summer's the best time to visit Boston!

Depending on the month, you're looking at highs from around 77-82°F to lows of around 59-66°F. That's some solid, short slash skirt weather, so pack your sunnies and plenty of airy clothes!

As for rain, you're looking at an average of 6-8 days per month, so maybe pack an umbrella in case you're not lucky!

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Things to do in Boston over the summer

So, what to do with all that fine summer weather? Make the most of it with some fantastic outdoor activities!

See all the sights and sounds the city has to offer with a trolley tour of Boston! You'll see great views of the city and tick off all the sightseeing attractions on your itinerary in one fell swoop! Boston's CityView Trolley tour lets you see all the top attractions, popular shopping destinations, museums, and more. All while you sit back, breeze running through your hair in a comfy chair. The onboard guide will weave you tales of the city's history as you go, and you can even hop off to get up and close at some places.

Prefer your cultural journey on foot? Take a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. Actors play the role of the trail's key personnel, dazzling you with bite-sized nuggets of history as you walk the famous red-brick road. And you'll pass many of Boston's most historic landmarks like the Massachusetts State House and the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party used to meet in secret.

How about something less historical? Try a trip to Franklin Park Zoo. With thousands of species to meet, it's the perfect place for kids and big kids alike.

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Boston's weather in the fall

If you prefer to complement your summer days with a warm jacket, fall is the best time to visit Boston!

The temperature difference is much bigger here, with September's summer hangover leading to temperatures of 57-73°F, while November's winter prep leads to lows of 37-52°F. So, bear that in mind when you pack your bags!

Rain is similar to summer, so expect 6-8 days every month, and pack accordingly.

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Things to do in Boston over the fall

With such a disparity in the temperature, let's look at a few options to cover our bases.

For warmer days, why not hang out with some animals at the New England Aquarium? A world of underwater wonder awaits you, from Antarctic polar deserts to Caribbean reefs. Visit the harbor seals and watch them play, discover new and exotic species that call the Amazon home, or meet over 60 delightful penguins and learn about their colony.

For the cooler days, why not take a tour of the famous Harvard University? Hosted by students, these tours take you inside and out of the famous campus, teaching you about what life is like at the college, and the famous faces that honed their craft there.

When the chill starts to take hold, art lovers will adore the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Boasting over half a million pieces across four floors and dozens of exhibits, it's one of the world's best art museums. No matter your taste, you're bound to find something there to inspire you!

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Boston's weather in winter

If you like the chiller days and indoor activities draped in cuddly coats, winter is the best time to visit Boston!

We're getting freezing now, so expect highs of around 37-43°F and lows of around 23-28. We're talking big wooly coats, mittens, hats, the whole shebang. Or just wear all your clothes at once. Your choice.

Expect a bit more rain this time, averaging around 7-9 days per month. Pack a raincoat or an umbrella, just to be safe.

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Things to do in Boston over the winter

Let's stay inside this time, shall we? Don't worry; Boston has some great indoor attractions too!

Want to learn more about Boston's most famous politician? Head to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Within, you'll discover artifacts, photos, and film footage across 25 large exhibits, giving you insight into the great man himself. See how Kennedy furnished the Oval Office, learn about the First Lady, and see how his campaign trail ended with the first live-broadcast presidential debate against Richard Nixon.

Take the little ones on an adventure at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. They can explore MINILAND®, a city made from 1.5 million multicolored bricks, see their favorite LEGO movie characters come to life at the 4D Cinema, or learn how to build masterpieces at one of the fun and informative workshops.

Or, get spooky at the Salem Witch Museum, where you'll learn the dark history of the settlers and how fear and accusations snowballed into the witch trials that took so many lives.

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Boston's weather in spring

If you prefer cool breezes and sunshine, spring is the best time to visit Boston!

As you'd expect, there's quite a difference in temperature, depending on when you visit. Expect highs of 46-66°F, and lows of 30-50°F. Pack for winter if it's early spring, and for summer if it's late April/May.

You might need an umbrella too, as you can expect an average of 8 days of rain each month.

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Things to do in Boston over spring

Like fall, we'll cover our bases with options for colder and warmer days.

On colder days, try the warm embrace of Boston's Museum of Science. Housing over 700 interactive exhibits, a whole heap of dinosaur fossils, and the galvanizing Theater of Electricity (pun intended, of course), it's a great place for big and little kids to open their minds.

On cooler days, get the blood pumping by renting a bike and touring the city! It comes with a helmet, lock, and bike, so you have everything you need to forge your own path around Boston's beautiful landmarks!

Or, if the weather is fine, go take a picnic and relax and Boston Common. If you're with that special someone, rent out one of the famous Swan Boats and go for a romantic paddle!

That's our guide to the best time to visit Boston!

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best museums in boston
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Best Museums in Boston

Heading to Boston on vacation, or a resident looking for some sweet, unadulterated culture? You've come to the right place. We're all about culture here, and we've plucked the finest of the city's museums out of the ether. So sit back, tune your eyes to reading mode, and prepare for an information overload. These are our picks for the best museums in Boston! Including: Museum of Science USS Constitution Museum Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Harvard Museum of Natural History Salem Witch Museum and more! Museum of Science Science. The ongoing answer to life's many questions. For millennia, it's helped us uncover more and more about our world and the many worlds around us. So, why not get hands-on with over 700 fascinating interactive exhibits at Boston's Museum of Science? Have your brain tickled by humankind's many mind-blowing discoveries, and ponder the things we're still only glimpsing. Walk among the many awesome exhibitions, like the Hall of Human Life, where you'll journey into the human body itself, find out how we work from the inside out, and learn more about how our choices make us who we are. Or, spark your imagination at the Theater of Electricity, a shrine to the wondrous energy found in nature and how we've learned to harness it. Learn all about electricity, magnetism, and the mechanisms we use it for, such as conductors and insulators. All of that, and the world's largest Van de Graaff generator await you! USS Constitution Museum Want to learn more about the country's seafaring history? Do yourself a favor and immediately head to the USS Constitution Museum. This famous ship, completed in 1797, even served in the War of 1812 against those evil Brits. We showed them, didn't we! Inside, you'll find two historic American vessels to explore, interactive exhibits that give you a hands-on with history, and learn about how these vessels worked. How exactly do you unfurl a 200-year-old sail? How did they fire their cannons? What everyday issues did sailors face back then? Find out the answers to all these questions and much more at the USS Constitution Museum, easily one of the best museums in Boston for the nautically curious! Museum of Fine Arts, Boston We all appreciate the finer things in life, whether it's extravagant furniture, meticulously-designed clothing, or a cheeseburger adorned with lashings of bacon. So, why not go look at some fine things at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston? One of the world's most impressive and comprehensive art museums, a whopping 500,000 works are held within. Good luck seeing half a million artworks in one visit! This mammoth collection is housed within more than 100 galleries that include paintings, sculptures, and myriad artifacts from throughout human history, as far back as ancient civilizations and all the way through to 19th-century painters like van Gogh. And, when you've explored as much art as you can physically manage in one day, rest your weary legs at the New American Cafe, where you can pick up small bites, a drink, or a fully-fledged meal. Nice. Harvard Museum of Natural History Boston is known for many things; baseball, basketball, its unique accent. But one of the jewels in the state's crown is undoubtedly Harvard University. One of the world's most renowned centers of higher education, it's no wonder they expanded into the museum business. At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, you'll find more than 12,000 natural artifacts, from dinosaur fossils to huge geodes. Given Harvard's renown as an education facility, it's no surprise you'll find so many amazing fossils and artifacts within. Explore the museum's many halls and exhibitions to learn all about Earth's natural history, from primordial ooze all the way to modern man. For inquisitive minds, this is easily one of the best museums in Boston! Salem Witch Museum Salem has become notorious in fiction for being a paranormal place where myths and monsters lurk around every corner. Really, all of this absolute make-believe stemmed from the sadly very real Salem Witch Trials. For those who don't know, here's a quick history lesson. Back in 1692, some bright sparks decided to accuse women of witchcraft, generally out of spite or petty disagreements. This idiocy soon snowballed into the trials themselves, where over 150 women were accused of being witches, resulting in 20 being put to death. It was a dark time in the nation's history, but an interesting one nonetheless. How did it happen? How could it happen? You'll find the answer to those questions and more at the Salem Witch Museum. Explore 13 life-sized sets that recreate the trials, learn about how the hysteria spread, and how perfectly normal people could be driven to such violent ends. Then, discover the fallout of the trials, the communities torn apart by them, and how colonists were left to pick up the pieces. One of the most fascinating and unique museums in Boston; it's best to see it yourself. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum How about seeing some inspiring art in an inspiring building? Look no further than the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Step inside this striking 19th-century building, and you'll immediately notice its Venetian influence. Within these historic galleries, you'll find works from world-renowned artists like Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The museum contains over 2,500 such works, so you'll be plenty occupied seeing them all! Then, when you're all art-ed out, make sure you wander the fantastic grounds around the museum. Maybe you'll find some inspiration to dig out the watercolors. Boston Children's Museum It's often said that the children are our future. And that was as true in the past as it is today, because the Boston Children's Museum has been delighting and teaching kids for over one hundred years. Inside, kids will get the chance to wall-climb, escape a giant maze, and create their own artistic 'masterpieces,' all while being stealth taught. The perfect way to get them educated is when they don't even realize they're learning. With a focus on science, the environment, art, and health, it's a great platform for your kids to ensure they're the best they can be. And, best of all, it's good fun too. They even have special events going on throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead before you travel and see what's available. For those of you with little ones, it's one of the best museums in Boston. And that's our list of the best museums in Boston!
Dom Bewley
Boston Summer
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Things to Do in Boston When It's Hot Out

Boston can swing between hot and cold, but don't worry, we've got all the tips you need to beat the heat.
Go City Expert
Blog

Things to Do in Boston in Summer

Summertime really makes the city of Boston seem to come alive. The streets are bustling with locals and visitors alike, as they make the most of the sunshine before sweater weather returns. Join them and bask in the Boston sun. There's so much to do from annual celebrations to outdoor activities in the sunshine. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Boston in the summer, check out our list of the top attractions, festivals and activities going on this year, including... Boston Duck Tours Whale Watching Cruise Fenway Park Tour Bike along the Charles River Esplanade and more... Boston Duck Tours You might have seen members of the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots or Red Sox riding on them on TV, but the experience of going on a Duck Boat isn’t just reserved for professional athletes. The Boston Duck Tour is definitely my number one recommendation for things to do in Boston in the summer. It's a unique attraction and such a fun way to see the city's sights. The tour will take you on a guided ride across both land and water, passing top tourist locations along the way. See Boston's top sites such as Trinity Church, the Hancock Tower, the Boston Common, the Holocaust Memorial, the Boston Public Garden and even “Cheers.” Check out our guide for tips for taking a Boston Duck Tour. Whale Watching Cruise Hop aboard a waterborne adventure with a New England Aquarium Whale Watch. Take a tour of the Boston Harbor for the chance to see the area’s incredible marine wildlife in their natural habitat. You'll sail out to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a feeding ground for all sorts of marine creatures. Your expert guides will tell you all about the natural history of this area and the habits of the critters that come here to feed. Be on the lookout for humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, and white-sided dolphins as you cruise in the comfort of a high-speed catamaran. Fenway Park Tour & Ball Game No summer trip to Boston would be complete without a trip to “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” – Fenway Park. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another park in the country that is ingrained into a city as much as Friendly Fenway is into Boston (Wrigley Field in Chicago comes close, though). We suggest taking a behind-the-scenes Fenway Park Tour. The tour takes about an hour and tickets are available for day-of only on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. During the walking tour, an experienced tour guide will bring you onto the field that Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, and Pedro Martinez called home. You can also opt to snag tickets to a game - what's better summer fun than a leisurely afternoon spent enjoying America's favorite pastime – watching baseball with a beer in hand? Roam the Boston Public Garden If you’d prefer something a little more relaxed to do in Boston, head to the Public Garden – the first public botanical garden in the United States – to see the early summer flowers in full bloom. The lovingly landscaped Public Garden is known for its iconic Swan Boats, unique vessels with over a hundred years of history. Enjoy a ride around the pond, and make sure to bring your camera. Exclusively available once the weather warms up, the historic Swan Boats are among the most iconic sites in the city. Hidden in the ponds of Boston’s gorgeous public gardens, the traditional Swan Boats date back to the 1870s. Still run by the original owner’s descendants more than 130 years later, the Swan Boats provide a relaxing, historic Boston experience! The Freedom Walking Trail Break out your walking shoes! The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trek marked by a line of red brick that guides you around the city. The trail begins in the Boston Common, right near the Public Gardens, and takes you to many historic locations and destinations. It's easy to follow, and you can stop at any time if you get tired or want to wander elsewhere. If you opt for a guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour, you'll be treated to informative narration about 16 historically significant sights. Keep an eye out for markers that feature information about the American Revolution and historical significance of each stop. In advance, you should also be sure to download a helpful map and list of the stops. Bike Rides Bicycling is a big part of Boston culture, and though the fiercest among us are out on two wheels year round, the spring and summer months are when the fair weather bicyclists take to the roads and paths. No bike? No problem. A Boston Bike Rental from Urban AdvenTours is all you need to join the crowd of cyclists that ride along the Charles every day in the summer. As one of the country’s most bike-able cities, you’ll find paved bike trails on the Esplanade that will take you all along the waterfront, trails in the parks, and well-established bike lanes on the roads – so you can ride feeling secure. Urban AvenTours will provide you with a bike lock, helmet, and a map of the popular Boston bike routes. See Boston’s historical buildings, gardens, and modern vistas! Boston Harbor Cruises The summer sun draws Bostonians to the harbor, where the piers are teeming with activity. Embark on a tasty harbor brunch cruise by Boston Harbor Cruises as you enjoy a fresh and diverse menu. There’s always time for a little romance on your vacation. Embark on a spectacular sunset cruise of Boston to experience the illustrious Boston Harbor at its most alluring. Feel the breeze and take in the salty sea air as you experience unparalleled views of the Boston skyline. Three spacious outdoor and indoor decks provide you with plenty of climate options, as well as your ideal vantage point. Boston is a maritime city, so a trip to Beantown just isn’t complete until you take to the seas! Franklin Park Although it’s not quite as famous as the Boston Common, Franklin Park is another marvelous green space in Boston that’s not to be left out of any outdoor activities. Picnic, stroll, run, or even just lounge on their beautiful lawns. There's also a nice golf course, for those who enjoy the game. Don’t forget about a visit to the local favorite Franklin Park Zoo! This family-friendly zoo is perfect for the little ones in your group, featuring a variety of exotic animals in several different authentic environments. They also host frequent special programming, so check their events schedule before you visit to see what's on. Museum of Science In the evening, turn your eyes to the sky to experience “Astronomy After Hours” at the Museum of Science on Friday nights. The Museum’s best-kept secret is the Gilliland Observatory on top of the Museum’s parking garage. This free-admission public event is one of the most unique Boston attractions, featuring a view that’s hard to get anywhere else in the city. If you want to visit the museum during the day to see their full scope of exhibits and offerings, there is more than enough to keep visitors of all ages occupied. Don't miss their landmark exhibit, the Hall of Human Life! Museum of Fine Arts If you’re more interested in the arts, there’s no better place in the country than the Museum of Fine Arts. This prestigious institution specializes in American art, both modern and classical, including American craftwork, furniture, and portraiture. This is not, of course, to devalue their fine and extensive collection of European and World art. Don’t miss out on the summer’s special exhibitions. There is an ever-changing roster of fantastic temporary exhibits which must not be missed. New England Aquarium If you love the idea of communing with nature but aren’t sure a whale watch is right for you (or, conversely, if you couldn’t get enough of the whales on your whale watch), head to the famous New England Aquarium, where you’ll find maritime critters from around the world. Be sure to scope out their famous colony of penguins, the exciting touch tank exhibit, their collection of Pacific ocean life, and exhibits featuring their conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Set along the harbor, enjoy a post-aquarium stroll on the pier and watch the sailboats and ships pass by. The Charles River Esplanade The Esplanade runs for a 3 mile stretch along the Charles River between Boston Museum of Science and the Boston University Bridge. Here you will find swing sets, sailboats, sculptures, and more! During July and August “Friday Flicks” are held every Friday night with a free (kid-friendly) movie you can watch on the grass. The movies start when the sun goes down, usually between 8-8:30PM. This waterfront park is very popular in the summertime and is one of the most beautiful places to walk and see views of the city. Insider tip: Walk across the Boston University Bridge near sunset for amazing photos of the city! Faneuil Hall You could easily spend the day wandering around Faneuil Hall. There's always something to see in this area of town during the warmer months, and it's simply perfect for people-watching. Whether it’s the shopping, historic bars, or tasty restaurants, Faneuil Hall is one of the most popular places to visit. You will find street performers, festival-style jugglers, and musicians all competing for attention and small change. There are also a number of souvenir shops, restaurants, and outlet shopping as well. Those who love the historical side of Boston will want to know that this site has been a marketplace and meeting hall since 1742! SoWa Sunday Vintage Markets Sundays are the best days to find outdoor festivals, markets, and activities happening during the summer months, and we Bostonians take full advantage of the warm weather. At the SoWa markets, you'll get to browse offerings from dozens of local vendors. The market is organized into 3 sections. First up are the handmade craft stands, featuring everything from one-of-a-kind paintings to Boston-themed home goods. You'll also find produce and food stands from local farmers and artisans where visitors can sample gourmet foods, stock up on fresh produce, and more. Don't forget about the food trucks from some of the best local eateries. Insider tip: The food trucks have become very popular so we recommend going before noon to avoid waiting in line, but either way, it’s worth the wait! Boston Harborfest Held as one of the many 4th of July events in the Boston area, Boston Harborfest is a local tradition. Designed to highlight Boston’s rich history, this festival features attractions, reenactments, and tours that emphasize the city’s colonial and maritime history. This year’s events include Revolutionary War-era re-enactments, walking tours, displays by U.S. naval ships, concerts, cruises, museum exhibits, and more. Often celebrations begin in June, meaning you'll be able to enjoy even more patriotic and historic events! Boston Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Fest This uniquely Boston event offers locals and visitors alike the chance to consume as much ice cream as they'd like. And it's for charity! (Proceeds go to benefit the Jimmy Fund at Dana Farber). What's not to love? After you've finished, you can also cast your vote for the best flavor out of 30 odd options. Plus, there's nothing that says you can't go back on every day of the event! Dragon Boat Festival If you're looking to explore a little bit of Boston's multicultural side, then a trip to the iconic Dragon Boat Festival is a must. It's now in its 40th year! This is actually the longest running dragon boat race in North America. You know there's some serious competitiveness going on! Trials occur on Saturday, and races will take place on Sunday. Visitors can also enjoy Asian arts & crafts, dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and more at the festival on Sunday. Insider tip: Watch the races from the Cambridge side of the river, because that's where the festival part takes place. Newport Folk Festival This perennial favorite festival is actually a bit outside of the immediate Boston area, but it’s well worth the trek. Previous celeb-studded lineups have featured folk legends and modern favorites from Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Portugal. The Man, Sheryl Crow and there are even more to be announced. You’ll also find beer, cider, and wine gardens, available for the 21+ crowd. Bring a little extra cash for the merchandise tents, too. You can go home with some souvenirs or t-shirts from your favorite bands. Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Boston 4th of July Weekend. Oh and here are a few fun things to do in Boston Labor Day Weekend, if you're around town then. Save on Summertime Activities So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Boston in the summer. While we’ve briefed you with a pretty extensive list, there are many more Boston attractions and popular events in the summer months. Check out all Boston tourist passes, attractions and prices. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time. Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with a pass by Go City. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip.
Katie Sagal

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