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Weather Comparison

Quebec City vs Boston

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Quebec City: -7°CBoston: 2°C495 km apart

January Weather: Quebec City vs Boston

MetricQuebec CityBostonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer-7°C (19°F)2°C (36°F)Boston
Average LowHigher is milder-15°C (5°F)-6°C (21°F)Boston
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days10 daysBoston
PrecipitationLess is drier83 mm93 mmQuebec City
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier5h/day6h/dayBoston
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better18 km/h23 km/hQuebec City

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Boston edges ahead as the better destination in January. Boston offers 6 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Quebec City sees 5 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.

Quebec City is on the cooler side at -7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Boston is cooler at 2°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Boston is the stronger choice in January. Boston receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Quebec City reaches an average high of -7°C (19°F) and drops to -15°C (5°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Boston averages 2°C (36°F) for the high and -6°C (21°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. There is a notable 9°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Quebec City receives approximately 83 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Boston sees 93 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Boston the drier option by 2 rain days and 10 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Quebec City vs Boston

Packing for Quebec City in January

Highs of -7°C, lows of -15°C, 12 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Boston in January

Highs of 2°C, lows of -6°C, 10 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Quebec City vs Boston

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthQuebec CityBoston
HighRainHighRain
Jan-7°C12d2°C10d
Feb-5°C10d3°C9d
Mar1°C11d7°C11d
Apr8°C12d14°C11d
May17°C13d19°C11d
Jun22°C12d25°C10d
Jul24°C15d28°C10d
Aug23°C13d27°C9d
Sep19°C11d23°C8d
Oct11°C13d16°C10d
Nov4°C12d10°C10d
Dec-3°C13d5°C11d
-7°

Quebec City Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

2°

Boston Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quebec City warmer than Boston in January?
No. In January, Boston is warmer with an average high of 2°C (36°F) compared to Quebec City at -7°C (19°F), a difference of 9°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Quebec City or Boston?
Quebec City gets more rain in January with 12 rain days and 93 mm of precipitation. Boston is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit Quebec City or Boston in January?
It depends on your preferences. Quebec City averages -7°C and 5 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Boston averages 2°C with 6 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Boston. For fewer rain days, Boston is the better pick.
How far apart are Quebec City and Boston?
Quebec City and Boston are approximately 495 km (307 miles) apart. Quebec City is located in Canada (North America) while Boston is in United States (North America).
What is the best month to visit Quebec City and Boston?
For Quebec City, June tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 22°C. For Boston, July is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 28°C highs.

Compare Quebec City and Boston in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Quebec City coordinates: 46.81°N, -71.21°E | Boston coordinates: 42.36°N, -71.06°E