Monthly weather averages & travel planning

North America › 🇺🇸 United States › Boston
Updated: March 2026
November is a fair time to visit Boston (4/10). Average highs of 10°C and 6 sunshine hours daily make conditions workable, though not exceptional. November suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 10 potential rain days. December offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Boston's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
Boston's November weather is shaped by atmospheric forces that make the data more than just numbers. The 10°C average high reflects persistent high-latitude air masses that hold temperatures below the seasonal average for the region. As a result, 6 daily sunshine hours are recorded on average, and rainfall of 94mm is distributed across approximately 10 days because precipitation events tend to be frequent but short-lived.
10°C
50°F
Avg High
3°C
37°F
Avg Low
10 days
94 mm total
Rain Days
6h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
The 7°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. The UV index of 1 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Wind averages 22 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 50°F average high, 37°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Boston in November means dressing for 10°C days and 3°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 10°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evening temperatures settle at 3°C, a modest 7°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. A compact foldable umbrella weighs almost nothing and earns its keep across 10 potential rainy days.
Local tip: Boston's 10°C days warm significantly in direct sunshine. A removable outer layer you can tie around your waist handles the midday warmth without leaving you cold on shaded streets or in the evening.
November has no major festivals or public holidays in Boston, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 10°C average highs and 10 rainy days
November brings the first meaningful shift toward cooler conditions in Boston, as the sun angle drops and day length shortens. Temperatures averaging 10°C by day and 3°C overnight are still comfortable by most standards, but the trend is clearly downward. At 42 degrees north latitude, autumn light has a particular quality: lower in the sky and warmer in tone, it gives the city a photogenic quality quite different from summer. Evening temperatures already demand a jacket, but midday hours stay pleasant for sightseeing. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Boston in November
November ranks 11th sunniest of the year in Boston, with an average 6 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are September, February, and August. July is the hottest month (28°C avg high); January is the coolest (2°C). From here, temperatures fall 5°C into December. Compared to last month (October: 16°C high, 10 rain days), November is cooler and equally dry. November is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -6°C | 10 | 6h | View |
| February | 3°C | -6°C | 9 | 7h | View |
| March | 7°C | -2°C | 11 | 8h | View |
| April | 14°C | 4°C | 11 | 9h | View |
| May | 19°C | 10°C | 11 | 10h | View |
| June | 25°C | 15°C | 10 | 11h | View |
| July | 28°C | 19°C | 10 | 12h | View |
| August | 27°C | 18°C | 9 | 11h | View |
| September | 23°C | 15°C | 8 | 9h | View |
| October | 16°C | 9°C | 10 | 8h | View |
| November | 10°C | 3°C | 10 | 6h | View |
| December | 5°C | -2°C | 11 | 6h | View |
January
10 rain days, 6h sun
February
9 rain days, 7h sun
March
11 rain days, 8h sun
April
11 rain days, 9h sun
May
11 rain days, 10h sun
June
10 rain days, 11h sun
July
10 rain days, 12h sun
August
9 rain days, 11h sun
September
8 rain days, 9h sun
October
10 rain days, 8h sun
November
10 rain days, 6h sun
December
11 rain days, 6h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Boston
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.