Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Boston in January
This is the coldest month in Boston: highs average 34°F (1°C) and lows 19°F (-7°C), with about 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.1 in (80 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 34°F (1°C).
Average lows of 19°F (-7°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 9 h 14 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and July – October.
- Comfort improves from 40/100 in December to 45/100.
- Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 19°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Boston in January
With highs near 34°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Neptune Oyster
Small North End oyster bar famous for its hot buttered lobster roll.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Encyclopedic art museum with strong American and Impressionist galleries.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Art collection displayed around a Venetian-style courtyard.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Union Oyster House
America's oldest operating restaurant (1826), serving oysters at a raw bar.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Boston Public Garden
Victorian garden with the swan boats and lagoon next to the Common.
Nearby in January
- Portsmouth in January~51 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- New Hampshire in January~63 mi · highs 30°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in January~98 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Woodstock in January~114 mi · highs 28°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, drier
These averages also cover Downtown Boston & the Waterfront and South Boston & Castle Island.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Boston in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Boston?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and July – October. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain or snow. Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Boston in January?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 19°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Boston in January?
Some: about 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 47.5 in (1207 mm).
What should I pack for Boston in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 19°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Boston in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.