Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Greater Boston, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Greater Boston
- Important essentials for Greater Boston
- Activities for Greater Boston
- Greater Boston in January: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in February: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in March: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in April: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in May: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in June: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in July: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in August: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in September: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in October: weather and what to pack
- Greater Boston in November: weather and what to pack
- Greater 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 Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Greater Boston, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Greater Boston, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Greater Boston. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Greater Boston is very cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to 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:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Greater 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 a perfect choice.
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
February in Greater Boston is brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows occasionally. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Greater Boston, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
March in this region is cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Greater 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 a perfect choice.
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
April is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
May
If you visit Greater Boston during May, you might notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
If you visit Greater Boston during June, you may see 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 regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
July in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
August in Greater Boston is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
September in Greater Boston is mild. 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:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
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:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
If you vacation in Greater Boston during October, you are likely to find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits 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
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
November in Greater Boston can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
December in this region is brisk, 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 best choice:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Greater Boston, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
If you go to Boston Public Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Activities for Greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Greater Boston.
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