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Best time to visit

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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.

60 things to do in Boston

Autumn

September, October, November Weather

Warm and wet season is great for exploring the city

Summer

June, July, August Weather

Hot season with rains and thunderstorms

Spring

March, April, May Weather

The weather is unstable, and rains are frequent

Winter

December, January, February Weather

Snow and frost during the whole season

Boston Harbor Islands

May–mid-October Activity

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

Swan Boats

mid-April–mid-September Activity

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

Charles River Kayaking

April–October Activity

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

Fiddleheads

March Food

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

Boston Harbor Cruises

March–December Activity

Boston Harbor has all kinds of cruises on offer

Spring Blooms

mid-April–late May Nature

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

Cycling

April–November Activity

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

SoWa Open Markets

May 5–October 27 | November 29–December 22, 2024 Event

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

Boston Harborfest 4th of July

July 1–4, 2024 Event

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

Head of The Charles Regatta & Kayak Races

April 27, 2024 | October 18–20, 2024 Event

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

Frozen Waves

January–February Nature

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

Fall Foliage in & around Boston

October Nature

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

Sledding​

December–March Activity

Boston's hilly terrain promises great winter fun

St Anthony Feast in Boston

August 22-25, 2024 Event

This feast showcases Italian culture in America's melting pot

Baseball and the Red Sox

April–October Event

Visiting Boston without seeing the Red Sox is just unforgivable

Whale Watching

April–October Nature

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

Lobster

mid-May–mid-November Food

During the lobster season, seafood is particularly succulent

Beach Season

mid-May–mid-September Activity

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

Boston Marathon

April 21, 2025 Event

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

Visit America's Oldest Lighthouse

late June–early October Activity

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

Oysters

mid-October–April Food

Oysters never taste better than during harvest season

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

What the Fluff? Festival

September 21, 2024 Event

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

Boston 4th of July Fireworks, Events & Shows

June 29–July 4, 2024 Event

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

Restaurant Week Boston (Dine Out Boston)

March 12–25, 2023 Event

Choose the place that fits your budget and your appetite

Boston Pizza Festival

June 22-23, 2024 Event

Prepare yourself for a dough-filled weekend

Boston Calling Music Festival

May 24-26, 2024 Event

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

Boston Book Festival (BBF)

October 26, 2024 Event

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

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17, 2024 Event

A huge celebration of everything green and Irish

Boston Dragon Boat Festival

June 9, 2024 Event

Charles River gets crowded during the first dragon boat festival in the United States.

Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston)

May 1-8, 2024 Event

Watch about 100 new films and meet film-makers

Japan Festival Boston

April 27-28, 2024 Event

Passing on Japanese traditions has never been this fun

Boston Comedy Festival

March 26-30, 2024 Event

The best multi-day comedy event in New England

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

New England Christmas Festival

November 8-10, 2024 Event

A holiday tradition for superb gift shopping

Christmas Markets in Boston

mid-November–early January Event

Festive entertainment and plenty of gift ideas for the holidays

Christmas Tree Lighting

late November Event

The official start of the holiday season in Boston

Christmas Lights

mid-November–early January Event

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

SoWa Winter Festival

November 29–December 22, 2024 Event

The biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston

Chinese New Year

February 18, 2024 Event

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

Memorial Day Weekend

May 23–27, 2024 Event

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

Provincetown Carnival Week

August 17–24, 2024 Event

A vibrant celebration of Cape Cod

Halloween in Boston: Parties, Attractions & Tours

late September–late October Event

The historical city comes alive with old legends and dark stories

Harvard Primal Scream

early May | early December Event

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

Boston Labor Day Weekend

August 31–September 6, 2024 Event

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

Skiing near Boston

December–March (best in February) Activity

Take advantage of the snowy New England winter

Lowell Winterfest

February 17-18, 2025 Event

The weekend full of fun competitions and outdoor activities

Christmas Lights and Events in Cape Cod

late November–late December Event

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

New Year's Eve in Boston

December 31 Event

Join the famous First Night celebrations in Boston

Cherry Blossoms in Boston

April Nature

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

Hummingbirds

May–September Nature

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

Fan Expo Boston (Boston Comic Con)

August 8–10, 2025 Event

The major comic convention in New England

Stargazing

all year round (best June–October) Nature

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

Somerville Fireworks 4th of July

June 27, 2024 Event

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

Canada & New England Cruises

May–October Activity

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

Franklin Park Zoo Festival of Lights

August 2-November 3, 2025 Event

Nocturnal light magic at Franklin Park Zoo

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