Late spring · Weather & things to do
Boston in May
Boston warms up: highs climb to 66°F (19°C), from 56°F in April, with lows of 47°F (9°C) and about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 82/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (95 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 66°F (19°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 47°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (95 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is one of Boston's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and July – October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 74/100.
- Comfort improves from 67/100 in April to 82/100.
- May sits inside the May – Oct window our Boston to Portland route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.7 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Boston in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Fenway Park
Baseball's oldest ballpark (1912); take a tour or catch a game.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Apr–Sep.
Warren Tavern
Charlestown tavern from 1780 near the end of the Freedom Trail.
Why now May scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Freedom Trail
2.5-mile red-brick line past 16 Revolutionary-era sites.
Why now Highs near 66°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Regina Pizzeria
The original 1926 North End pizzeria serving thin, charred pies.
Union Oyster House
America's oldest operating restaurant (1826), serving oysters at a raw bar.
Nearby in May
- Portsmouth in May~51 mi · highs 58°F, 4.0 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- New Hampshire in May~63 mi · highs 67°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in May~98 mi · highs 54°F, 4.0 in rain · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Woodstock in May~114 mi · highs 66°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Boston?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 82/100. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Oct window our Boston to Portland route recommends.
How hot is Boston in May?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 47°F (9°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in May?
Some: about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 47.5 in (1207 mm).
What should I pack for Boston in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.7 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- Boston to Portland May – Oct
Planning Boston in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.