Home
United States

Boston

© mdbrockmann82 / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

32
40
33
21
21
10
10
10
100
86
32
69
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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 4 • 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

July 4 • Event

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

Restaurant Week Boston (Dine Out Boston)

February 23–March 15, 2025 • Event

Choose the place that fits your budget and your appetite

Boston Pizza Festival

June 21-22, 2025 • 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

South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 16, 2025 • 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

April 1–5, 2025 • 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

January 24–February 15, 2025 • Event

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

Memorial Day Weekend

May 21–26, 2025 • 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

October 31 • 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

July 2025 • 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

Last updated:

Nearby destinations

United States
New York City (NYC)
Canada
Montreal
United States
New Hampshire
United States
Maine
United States
Massachusetts
United States
Connecticut
United States
Vermont
United States
New Jersey
United States
Rhode Island
United States
New York State