Best time to visit Boston

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Boston

Best time of year to visit Boston

Massachusetts’ capital is rather busy year round, but May through October is considered to be the best time to visit Boston. Despite high prices and hordes of tourists, you can enjoy baseball games, open markets, whale watching, and seafood. A period between November and February can be cold and snowy, but that comes with moderate prices and almost desertlike streets. It's a perfect time for sledding or watching frozen waves, just don't forget to bring a warm coat! Known as the rainy season, March through early May can be rather cold but don't worry, great deals, raining poetry, and fiddleheads for dinner will warmly welcome you.

21 THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON (AUGUST 22 - AUGUST 31)

St Anthony Feast

St Anthony Feast

August 22-25, 2024 • event

This feast showcases Italian culture in America's melting pot

Lobster

Lobster

mid-May–mid-November • food

During the lobster season, seafood is particularly succulent

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Harbor Islands

May–mid-October • activity

The islands of Boston Harbour conceal abandoned forts, ancient lighthouses, and many other surprises

Raining Poetry

Raining Poetry

April–November • activity

Rainy weather reveals secret poetry that covers much of the city center

Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston Harbor Cruises

March–December • activity

Boston Harbor has all kinds of cruises on offer

SoWa Open Markets

SoWa Open Markets

May–October • event

Boston's South End Open Market takes food shopping to another level

Visit America's Oldest Lighthouse

Visit America's Oldest Lighthouse

late June–early October • activity

An ancient lighthouse overlooked by the Boston city skyline—a real trip for romantics

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

May–September • nature

Ruby-throated hummingbirds visit Massachusetts to nest and breed every summer

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

April–October • nature

Cruising in Boston Harbor is even more enjoyable when your companions are whales, dolphins, and seabirds

Baseball and the Red Sox

Baseball and the Red Sox

April–October • event

Visiting Boston without seeing the Red Sox is just unforgivable

Stargazing

Stargazing

all year round (best June–October) • nature

Cape Cod and other scenic areas offer decent stargazing during the warm season

Charles River Kayaking

Charles River Kayaking

April–October • activity

Boston is one of those lucky cities that can be observed by boat

Bocce

Bocce

April–September • activity

This ancient bowling game which comes from the Roman Empire is nowadays quite popular in Boston

Clams

Clams

June–September • food

Clams come fresh, steamed, baked, fried, breaded, and in clam chowder—one has no excuse to abstain from this divine delight

Concerts in the Courtyard

Concerts in the Courtyard

June–August (Wednesdays and Fridays) • event

Summer courtyard concerts—free of charge

Boston’s Historic Trails

Boston’s Historic Trails

April–October • activity

The glorious history of freedom-loving Bostonians lives on the city's numerous heritage trails

Beach Season

Beach Season

mid-May–mid-September • activity

If you don't mind frigid waters, you can enjoy a nice beach weekend

Singing Beach

Singing Beach

late May–early September (all year round) • activity

Shuffle the sand and listen to the magic sounds of this beach at Manchester-by-the-Sea near Boston

Canada & New England Cruises

Canada & New England Cruises

May–October • activity

Discover the amazing North Atlantic Coast with its history, national parks, and natural wonders

Swan Boats

Swan Boats

mid-April–mid-September • activity

A short-lasting voyage does magic: passengers come back revitalised​, relaxed, and feeling great!

Cycling

Cycling

April–November • activity

While the overcrowded downtown is slightly problematic for bicycles, scenic suburbian trails are perfect for the activity

40 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 1–July 4 • event

Enjoy the holiday in the city where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on July 18, 1776

Boston Pride Parade

Boston Pride Parade

overJune 12, 2021 • event

The most important event for LGBT community

What the Fluff?

What the Fluff?

out of rangeSeptember 23, 2023 • event

The abundance of yummy, fluffy delicacies makes for a true paradise for anyone with an appetite for sweets

Boston Harborfest

Boston Harborfest

out of rangeJune 30–July 4 • event

Naval ship cruising, historical reenactments, walking tours, and concerts—tonnes of fun and all for free!​

Boston Pizza Festival

Boston Pizza Festival

out of rangeJune 22-23, 2024 • event

Prepare yourself for a dough-filled weekend

Christmas Tree Lighting

Christmas Tree Lighting

out of rangelate November • event

The official start of the holiday season in Boston

Cherry Blossoms in Boston

Cherry Blossoms in Boston

out of rangeApril • nature

Witness spring splendor on the Charles River in Boston's Esplanade Park

Provincetown Carnival Week

Provincetown Carnival Week

out of rangeAugust 12–19, 2023 • event

A vibrant celebration of Cape Cod

New England Christmas Festival

New England Christmas Festival

out of rangeNovember 8-10, 2024 • event

A holiday tradition for superb gift shopping

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 18, 2024 • event

Boston's large Chinese community shows off colorful traditions and delicious food

New Year's Eve in Boston

New Year's Eve in Boston

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Join the famous First Night celebrations in Boston

Boston Book Festival (BBF)

Boston Book Festival (BBF)

out of rangeOctober 14, 2023 • event

The goal of this festival is to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire with the power of words

Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Boston Dragon Boat Festival

unconfirmedJune 9, 2024 • event

Charles River gets crowded with elegant dragon boats as well as live music and entertainment

Fall Foliage in & around Boston

Fall Foliage in & around Boston

out of rangeOctober • nature

A leisurely stroll in Boston's parks is a delightful autumn experience

St. Patrick's Day Parade

St. Patrick's Day Parade

out of rangeMarch 17, 2024 • event

A huge celebration of everything green and Irish

SoWa Winter Festival

SoWa Winter Festival

out of rangeNovember 24–December 17, 2023 (on selected dates) • event

The biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston

Restaurant Week Boston (Dine Out Boston)

Restaurant Week Boston (Dine Out Boston)

out of rangeMarch 12–25, 2023 • event

Choose the place that fits your budget and your appetite

Christmas Markets in Boston

Christmas Markets in Boston

out of rangemid-November–early January  • event

Festive entertainment and plenty of gift ideas for the holidays

Japan Festival Boston

Japan Festival Boston

on holdApril 27-28, 2024 • event

Passing on Japanese traditions has never been this fun

Charles Canoe and Kayak Races

Charles Canoe and Kayak Races

out of rangeOctober 20–22, 2023 • event

Check out the action on the Charles River in spring and autumn when Boston hosts two famous water races

Spring Blooms

Spring Blooms

out of rangemid-April–late May • nature

Boston is particularly charming and colourful during the spring flower blooming period

Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon

out of rangeApril 15, 2024 • event

Runners from all over the world come to Boston to partake in its most famous athletic competition

Boston Labor Day Weekend

Boston Labor Day Weekend

out of rangeAugust 31–September 4, 2023 • event

A fun-filled program to say goodbye to summer with a blast

Lowell Winterfest

Lowell Winterfest

out of rangeFebruary 17-18, 2025 • event

The weekend full of fun competitions and outdoor activities

Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston)

Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston)

out of rangeMay 1-8, 2024 • event

Watch about 100 new films and meet film-makers

Harvard Primal Scream

Harvard Primal Scream

out of rangeearly May | early December • event

A peculiar biannual tradition when students run naked around the Harvard Yard before finals begin

Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights

out of rangeOctober 6–15, 2023 • event

Nocturnal light magic at Franklin Park Zoo

Fiddleheads

Fiddleheads

out of rangeMarch • food

Have you ever tried eating ferns? In Boston, this green delicacy is quite a popular ingredient

Boston Calling Music Festival

Boston Calling Music Festival

out of rangeMay 24-26, 2024 • event

Dance, laugh and enjoy a great music festival at the Harvard Athletic Complex

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

out of rangemid-November–early January • event

Holiday illumination makes winter seem less dark, gloomy, and cold

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend

out of rangeMay 23–27, 2024 • event

Lots of special events, concerts, and activities all over the city

Christmas Lights and Events in Cape Cod

Christmas Lights and Events in Cape Cod

out of rangelate November–late December • event

Cape Cod is a perfect destination to visit during the winter holidays

Oysters

Oysters

out of rangemid-October–April • food

Oysters never taste better than during harvest season

Boston Comedy Festival

Boston Comedy Festival

out of rangeMarch 26-30, 2024 • event

The best multi-day comedy event in New England

Frozen Waves

Frozen Waves

out of rangeJanuary–February • nature

This unusual phenomenon is a great reason to visit an island of Nantucket when temperature drops

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate September–late October • event

The historical city comes alive with old legends and dark stories

Skiing near Boston

Skiing near Boston

out of rangeDecember–March (best in February) • activity

Take advantage of the snowy New England winter

Fan Expo Boston (Boston Comic Con)

Fan Expo Boston (Boston Comic Con)

out of rangeAugust 4–6, 2023 • event

The major comic convention in New England

Somerville Fireworks

Somerville Fireworks

out of rangeJune 29–30, 2023 • event

Experience a premier Fourth of July Celebration 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Downtown Boston

Sledding​

Sledding​

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

Boston's hilly terrain promises great winter fun

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