Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Boston, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Boston
- Important essentials for Boston
- Activities for Boston
- Boston in January: weather and what to pack
- Boston in February: weather and what to pack
- Boston in March: weather and what to pack
- Boston in April: weather and what to pack
- Boston in May: weather and what to pack
- Boston in June: weather and what to pack
- Boston in July: weather and what to pack
- Boston in August: weather and what to pack
- Boston in September: weather and what to pack
- Boston in October: weather and what to pack
- Boston in November: weather and what to pack
- Boston in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Boston, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Boston, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Boston. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Boston can be extremely cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Boston, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
February
If you are traveling to Boston in February, you will notice that it can be very chilly, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Boston, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
March
If you go to Boston in March, you will notice that it is cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Boston, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
April
April in Boston is cool and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
May
May here is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
June
If you visit Boston during June, you may notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you are traveling to Boston in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
August
If you go to Boston in August, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
September
September in Boston is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in this region is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to Boston in November, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December here can be very chilly, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Boston, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
Check out our guides for these other