When to go · Boston
Boston in December
Mixed month. Outside the best window (May–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Holiday lights in New York, ski season opens; flights and hotels peak around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 42°C (108°F)108°F (42°C) / 29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 11
- Crowds
- High
- United States overall
- Prices
- High
- United States overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (May–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Holiday lights in New York, ski season opens; flights and hotels peak around Christmas and New Year.
Is another month better than December?
December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in December
- BostonHighs around 42 °C (108 °F), lows around 29 °C (84 °F), rain on about 11 daysHighs around 108 °F (42 °C), lows around 84 °F (29 °C), rain on about 11 days
- Northeast, United States · New York, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Mainecool
Cold, sometimes snowy winters; humid 30 °C (86 °F)+ spells in July–August; late September to October is the pick for foliage and walking.Cold, sometimes snowy winters; humid 86 °F (30 °C)+ spells in July–August; late September to October is the pick for foliage and walking.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas Day big impact
25 Dec · United States
Most businesses closed; flights full from about 20 Dec to 2 Jan.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United States overall
- High
- Prices · United States overall
- High
United States overall: Holiday lights in New York, ski season opens; flights and hotels peak around Christmas and New Year.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Boston, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Mixed
May: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 42 °C (108 °F)108 °F (42 °C)
May: 67 °C (153 °F)153 °F (67 °C)
Night low
Dec: 29 °C (84 °F)84 °F (29 °C)
May: 50 °C (122 °F)122 °F (50 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 11 (better)
May: 12
Crowds
Dec: High
May: Medium
Prices
Dec: High
May: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 1
May: 1
December: Outside the best window (May–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Holiday lights in New York, ski season opens; flights and hotels peak around Christmas and New Year.
May: Inside Boston's best window: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Boston: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket