Boston in January: a seasonal travel plan

Weather at a glance

Daytime high

1.3 °C

Nighttime low

-6.4 °C

Monthly precipitation

108.1 mm

Days with at least 1 mm

9.8

Daylight

9.5 h

2015–2024 averages. Daytime temperature is the average daily maximum; nighttime temperature is the average daily minimum.

Early, middle and late month

What this month is like

Boston, United States. In january, the average daytime high is 1.3 °C and the night-time low is -6.4 °C. Plan longer walks for the middle of the day and alternate them with indoor stops.

There are 9.8 wet days on average, with about 108.1 mm of precipitation. Keep an indoor backup route and a compact rain jacket in your day bag.

How to plan the day

Plan longer walks for the middle of the day and alternate them with indoor stops.

Average daylight is 9.5 hours, so put longer routes in the brighter part of the day.

What to pack

Pack a warm coat, several layers, a hat and non-slip shoes. Keep an indoor backup route and a compact rain jacket in your day bag.

Precipitation and an alternative plan

There are several days with precipitation during the month. A light waterproof layer can help you continue your route outdoors.

What to pack

A warm coat, closed shoes, a scarf and several clothing layers will be useful. Average night-time temperatures fall below freezing, so add warm clothes for early outings. A compact rain jacket takes little room in a day bag.

Compared with neighbouring months

Average daytime high: previous month — 4.4 °C, January — 1.3 °C, next month — 2.4 °C. Days with at least 1 mm of precipitation: 11.0, 9.8 and 10.2.

Things to do

Boston is compact and easy to read on foot: Boston Common is half an hour from the harbour, and the old quarters keep houses from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Charles River separates the centre from Cambridge, and bridges link the university side with the historic one.

Freedom Trail

Follow the Freedom Trail from Boston Common through Downtown to the North End, with a red line underfoot past the Old North Church and Paul Revere House. The full route takes half a day, and the North End is the place for lunch.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts on Huntington Avenue holds American painting, an Egyptian collection and the Impressionists. From here it is a short walk to Fenway Park if you want to see the ballpark from outside.

Harvard and the Charles

In Cambridge, walk through Harvard Yard to the bookshops of Harvard Square, then return to the river along the Esplanade. The day suits a slow pace and a coffee. The river path continues towards MIT.

Where to stay

Back Bay

Back Bay works for a first visit: Newbury Street, the Public Garden and the subway are close. It is expensive but quiet, and the centre is within walking distance. The Charles River is two streets away.

North End

The North End suits anyone who likes Italian food and narrow streets, with restaurants, bakeries and Paul Revere House nearby. Evenings are busy and popular places have long queues. Hanover Street is the main axis.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill draws people for brick houses, quiet lanes and a short walk to Boston Common. Hotels are few, but early walks through the side streets stay with you. Acorn Street is the photographed lane.

Getting to and around Boston

Logan Airport lies five kilometres from the centre; the Silver Line connects it to downtown stations and the Blue Line reaches State Street in a few minutes. The T subway, with four lines, is the main way around, alongside commuter rail. The centre is compact, and most of the Freedom Trail is covered on foot.

Three days in Boston

Freedom Trail and the North End

Start at Boston Common and follow the Freedom Trail past the Massachusetts State House and the Old North Church. Finish in the North End with lunch and a walk to the waterfront.

Back Bay and the museums

Walk through the Public Garden and along Newbury Street, then spend the afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts. Return to Fenway Park in the evening and eat in Kenmore.

Cambridge and the river

Take the subway to Harvard, walk through Harvard Yard and Harvard Square, then cross to MIT. Come back over the bridge and follow the Charles River Esplanade. Lunch in Harvard Square and coffee before the ride back.

Weather throughout the year

More destinations

Frequently asked questions