Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Boston in October
The year's rain peaks now, with about 4.8 in (123 mm) falling in Boston, alongside highs near 62°F (17°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C).
At 77/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 45°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 4.8 in (123 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 49 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 45°F (7°C).
Expect regular rain: about 4.8 in (123 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around October
October is one of Boston's best months on the climate data.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (October – December), which brings about 13.3 in (337 mm) in total.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 59/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 7°C (13°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 83/100 in September to 77/100.
- October sits inside the May – Oct window our Boston to Portland route recommends.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 45°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes4.8 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Boston in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Boston Public Garden
Victorian garden with the swan boats and lagoon next to the Common.
Why now October scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Neptune Oyster
Small North End oyster bar famous for its hot buttered lobster roll.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Encyclopedic art museum with strong American and Impressionist galleries.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Art collection displayed around a Venetian-style courtyard.
Warren Tavern
Charlestown tavern from 1780 near the end of the Freedom Trail.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 4.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in October
- Portsmouth in October~51 mi · highs 58°F, 5.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- New Hampshire in October~63 mi · highs 60°F, 4.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in October~98 mi · highs 56°F, 5.7 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Woodstock in October~114 mi · highs 58°F, 4.6 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Boston?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 77/100. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 4.8 in (123 mm) of rain. October is inside the May – Oct window our Boston to Portland route recommends.
How cold is Boston in October?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 45°F (7°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in October?
Yes: about 4.8 in (123 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 47.5 in (1207 mm).
What should I pack for Boston in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 45°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (4.8 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in October
- Boston to Portland May – Oct
Planning Boston in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.