Question 1

How windy is Boston throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Boston experiences moderate winds year-round, with an annual average wind speed of 14.4 km/h (9.0 mph) in 2024. As a coastal city on Massachusetts Bay, Boston sees consistent breezes that vary significantly by season.

March 2024 was the windiest month in Boston, recording average speeds of 17.4 km/h (10.8 mph), followed closely by January at 16.8 km/h (10.4 mph). Winter and early spring months tend to be windier overall, with winter months averaging 15.6 km/h (9.7 mph) and spring averaging 15.4 km/h (9.5 mph).

Summer brings the calmest conditions to Boston. August 2024 was the least windy month at just 11.1 km/h (6.9 mph), with summer months averaging 12.7 km/h (7.9 mph). This represents nearly a 3 km/h (1.8 mph) difference between winter and summer averages.

Fall provides moderate conditions in Boston, averaging 14.1 km/h (8.7 mph), though November sees an uptick to 16.4 km/h as winter approaches.

For outdoor activities, late summer offers the most pleasant wind conditions, while sailors and windsurfers find spring and winter ideal. The windier months from November through April may require extra layers when exploring Boston's waterfront areas like the Seaport or Harborwalk.

Question 2

What is the sunniest time of year in Boston?

Accepted Answer

Boston experiences its sunniest conditions during summer, with June 2024 recording the most sunshine at 325 hours. The summer months from June through August together delivered 928.7 hours of sunshine, making this period ideal for outdoor activities.

During the peak summer months, Boston averaged 309.6 hours of sunshine per month, translating to roughly 10.8 hours of daily sunshine in June. July followed closely with 316.8 hours, while August recorded 286.9 hours. These long, bright days provide excellent conditions for exploring the city's waterfront, parks, and outdoor dining spots.

In contrast, winter months see significantly less sunshine. January 2024 was the least sunny month with just 119.6 hours, averaging only 3.9 hours of daily sunshine. The winter period (January, February, and December) totaled 491.9 hours, averaging 164 hours per month.

Boston recorded 2,758.1 total sunshine hours in 2024. Fall months (September through November) offered a pleasant 727.9 hours of sunshine, while spring (March through May) provided 609.6 hours. For visitors seeking the brightest weather in Boston, planning trips between June and August maximizes sun exposure, though September and October also offer generous sunshine with milder temperatures.

Question 3

How much rainfall does Boston get per year?

Accepted Answer

Boston receives substantial precipitation throughout the year, with a total of 1,615mm (63.6 inches) recorded in 2024. This places the city among the wetter major metropolitan areas in the northeastern United States.

Spring is the wettest season in Boston, accumulating 566.7mm (22.3 inches) from March through May. March 2024 was particularly rainy, recording 290.1mm (11.4 inches) - more than double the monthly average of 134.6mm (5.3 inches). Winter follows closely behind with 462.1mm (18.2 inches), while summer brings 351.9mm (13.9 inches) of precipitation.

Fall is Boston's driest season, with only 234.3mm (9.2 inches) from September through November. October 2024 was the driest month of the year, receiving just 34.6mm (1.4 inches) of rainfall. This autumn dry spell provides ideal conditions for leaf-peeping and outdoor activities.

The city's precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, meaning visitors should always pack an umbrella regardless of the season. Boston's coastal location contributes to this consistent moisture, with nor'easters bringing heavy precipitation during late winter and early spring months.

Question 4

How cold does Boston get in winter?

Accepted Answer

Boston winters are cold, with average temperatures hovering around the freezing point. In 2024, winter months (December, January, and February) averaged 0.8°C (33.4°F), making layered clothing essential for anyone visiting or living in the city.

January 2024 was Boston's coldest month, with a mean temperature of exactly 0.0°C (32.0°F). The coldest recorded temperature of the year occurred in December, dropping to -13.1°C (8.4°F). These frigid lows are typical of Boston's continental climate, where Arctic air masses periodically sweep through the region.

Despite the cold, Boston winter weather shows significant variability. January 2024 saw temperatures swing by over 26°C (47°F) between the coldest and warmest days, with highs occasionally reaching 15.3°C (59.5°F) during milder spells. February 2024 was slightly warmer than January, averaging 1.0°C (33.8°F).

For visitors planning winter trips to Boston, expect daytime temperatures between -5°C and 5°C (23-41°F), with nights frequently dipping below freezing. The combination of cold temperatures and coastal winds can make conditions feel even colder, so wind-resistant outerwear is recommended for exploring the city's historic neighborhoods and waterfront areas.

Question 5

What is the average humidity in Boston throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Boston experiences an annual average humidity of 73.1% based on 2024 weather data, making it a moderately humid city throughout the year.

Humidity levels in Boston vary by season, with summer being the most humid period. During summer 2024 (June through August), average humidity reached 75.8%, with August recording the second-highest monthly reading at 78.9%. The peak humidity of 79.4% occurred in May 2024, when spring temperatures combined with increased moisture from the Atlantic Ocean.

The driest month in Boston during 2024 was November, when humidity dropped to 64.0%. Winter months (December through February) averaged 71.0% humidity, while fall (September through November) saw similar levels at 71.4%. The total humidity variation throughout the year spans about 15 percentage points.

For visitors and residents, Boston's humidity is most noticeable during summer when temperatures reach 20-23°C (68-74°F) combined with elevated moisture levels. This can make outdoor activities feel warmer than the actual temperature suggests. The relatively lower humidity in autumn makes October and November particularly pleasant months for exploring Boston's outdoor attractions, including the Freedom Trail and waterfront areas.

VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Campus

Massachusetts

Wind

Weather Map

FAQ

How windy is Boston throughout the year?

What is the sunniest time of year in Boston?

How much rainfall does Boston get per year?

How cold does Boston get in winter?

What is the average humidity in Boston throughout the year?