2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Boston — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Boston. Warm weather with highs of 19°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. At 13°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

19°C

Avg Low

11°C

Rainy days

9days

Daylight

14.6h

Feels like 17°C / 8°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

84mm

Sunshine

10.4h/day

Humidity

69%

Humid
Sun Strength

8.6

Very High
Wind

20 km/h (gusts 40)

Sea Temp

13°C ❄️ Cold

Is May a good time to visit Boston?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:25

Sunset

19:58

14.6h daylight

Visiting Boston in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🌸
Lilac Sunday (Arnold Arboretum)
May Nature
🎵
Boston Calling Music Festival
May Music

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Boston Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 4°C -3°C 10d (104mm) 5.8h
67% Humid
2.8 Moderate
Good
Feb 5°C -3°C 8d (80mm) 6.6h
66% Humid
4 Moderate
Good
Mar 9°C 1°C 12d (113mm) 7.9h
64% Moderate
5.7 High
Good
Apr 13°C 5°C 11d (97mm) 8.5h
65% Humid
6.9 High
Good
May Current 19°C 11°C 9d (84mm) 10.4h
69% Humid
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Jun 24°C 16°C 10d (66mm) 11h
74% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Jul 27°C 20°C 11d (93mm) 11h
76% Humid
8.4 Very High
Good
Aug 26°C 19°C 10d (70mm) 10.7h
75% Humid
7.6 Very High
Good
Sep 22°C 15°C 9d (98mm) 8.7h
77% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Oct 17°C 10°C 8d (97mm) 7.3h
75% Humid
4.3 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 12°C 4°C 8d (69mm) 7h
67% Humid
3.3 Moderate
Good
Dec 6°C -1°C 11d (123mm) 5.4h
70% Humid
2.3 Moderate
Good

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthAugScore: 7.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Boston – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Boston

Freedom Trail history, Fenway Park, Ivy-league vibes across the Charles, seafood, and harbor charm.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Cool Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Boston?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Boston?
May is typically excellent for visiting Boston, with average highs of 19°C and around 9 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Boston in May?
Nights in Boston during May are cool at around 11°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Boston in May?
With highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in May?
Boston typically sees around 9 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Boston in May?
Swimming in Boston during May is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 19°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Boston in May?
In May, Boston gets approximately 14.6 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Boston?
Yes, May is peak season in Boston. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/New_York)

Last Updated: February 2026