Boston local weather

Boston’s location, with its proximity to the Massachusetts Bay and Atlantic Ocean produces a tempered climate compared to most of the north east. Winters are brisk but not as cold as inland areas, spring and fall tend to linger with their own bursts of color. There are just enough seasonal differences that residents tend to appreciate each season and often look forward to the next change.

Winter

Cozy enough to make you feel at home with the world. One of the high seasons is in December, when dull colors of winter are warmed by the splendor of the holidays. Every aspect of the city and surrounding area are decked with the holiday spirit. Special seasonal events can be found at Old Sturbridge Village, Plimoth Plantation and in many of Boston’s historic places including a special Freedom Trail Holiday Stroll. The country’s oldest First Night Celebration ushers in the New Year with an amazing host of events. Some snowfall is a winter staple, which also ushers in the opening of the Frog Pond on the Boston Common for a favorite area pastime, ice skating. The weather can vary during the winter months from days warm enough for a light jacket, to brisk, downright cold but classic New England wintery spells. Boston is a city used to the contrast and offers plenty of exciting attractions for winter visitors including prime spectator sports from Bruins Ice Hockey to Celtics Basketball.

Spring

The season starts a wee bit early with a large number of Irish Celebrations honoring St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, a few days later the season officially begins with the first signs of spring and the promise of warmer temperatures. With April comes the seasonal launch of the Swan Boats in the Public Garden Lagoon and of course the Patriot’s Day spectacular, the Boston Marathon that has been run in the area for well over 100 years, it has no equal! Along with these events comes the sounds of “Play Ball” at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox come out to play with the big green monster. In May, when the trees bud and flowers bloom, temperatures become more consistent and quite pleasant. Memorial Day is celebrated with many events including the “funtastic” Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Street Performers Festival. Spring offers those days that wake-up and surprise with the promise of things to come, balmy breezes and warm sunny days signal it’s time to set up a tee time at one of the area golf courses.

Summer

Because of the city’s proximity to the ocean and bay, temperatures remain slightly cooler in the summer than in inland locations, which makes season an ideal time to explore the city and environs. June is the time for Dragon Boats and July begins with Boston Harborfest and one of the nations’ most famous Independence Day Celebrations! Where else can you see Old Ironsides turn around to honor the nation and the Boston Pops host an outdoor musical extravaganza with fireworks and cannons? Only here in Boston! The beaches of Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are just a day-trip from the city center. Some amazing golf courses are also close by, where summer days are ideal for leisurely game and great afternoons are perfect for walking one of the Freedom or Heritage Trails on the historic side of town. Of course the Red Sox are in the midst of a season, as are the Boston Strikers, the areas professional soccer club. End the day with a pleasant evening of dining at one of the many amazing restaurants scattered throughout the area.

Autumn

The warm September days flow into spectacular New England fall color and is a feast for the eyes through much of October, one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Boston area. It’s great season to check out the fall events including the Gallop’s Island or Wachusett Mountain Applefests, the Edaville USA Cranberry Harvest Festival or plan a grape crushing visit to the Sakonnet or Westport Rivers Vineyards. The daytime temperatures are wonderful and night frosts don’t appear until well into the season. And what a season it is in Boston with the New England Patriots on the prowl, the arts season is front and center and the Haunted Happenings in Salem are just one of the Halloween features visitors will want to see during this superb fall getaway period. Last but certainly not least, do not forget the Thanksgiving celebrations and re-enactments at Plimoth Plantation. With so much to offer, Fall or just about anytime is a great time to plan a visit to Boston!