Boston, Massachusetts, is a highly recommended trip for individuals who like to delve deeply into American history. It’s an academic powerhouse, home to institutions like Harvard, MIT, Emerson, Northeastern, Boston College, and Boston University. It’s a place where culture abounds, owing to outstanding museums and science institutes like the Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Science. It is just waiting for you to visit and take a look. 

“Boston is a dynamic city with a rich history, top-notch museums, and a varied culinary scene,” PhotoWalks Tours of Boston creator Saba Alhadi told Travel + Leisure. “Many attractions are within walking distance or easily accessible by the subway system.”

GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT

PhotoWalks Tours of Boston, which provides walking tours of the city focusing on photography and history, was founded by Saba Alhadi.

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, is a five-star hotel located in downtown Boston, and William Bunce is its general manager.

Boston is also well-known for having four significantly different seasons. 

The general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, William Bunce, said, “There’s always an energy and vitality here that captivates our visitors, regardless of the season.” Our eateries have quickly grown to be among the most varied in the nation, with chefs displaying international cuisines in areas close enough to stroll downtown. We are known as America’s walking city for this reason! Seasonal events planned for our waterfront will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors all year round.” 

One of the most recognizable cities in America is Boston. Although there is excitement all year round, the weather can change significantly from season to season. The year-round variations in crowd levels and hotel and excursion fees are also noted. The three primary travel seasons in Boston are:

Summer, from June until early September, is the high season.

Shoulder Seasons: April to May in the spring and September to November in the fall

Winter is the low season, which runs from December to March

These are the ideal times to visit Boston for gorgeous weather, fewer people, and other reasons.

When to Go to Boston if you want to avoid the crowds 

The shoulder and low seasons are the ideal times to visit Boston to avoid the crowds. The shoulder season in the city spans from September to December, followed by the low season in January and February, and then the second shoulder season in March and April in the early spring. The city’s leading museums, attractions, hotels, and restaurants are open year-round. This means that, even during the slowest travel season, you can still make reservations for almost everything you want to do, although with fewer other visitors. 

The Best Times to Go to Boston if the Weather Is Good 

We can confidently state that you will have pleasant weather throughout Boston’s shoulder season in the fall and summer, even though the definition of “good” weather is arbitrary. Boston’s warm season, with an average high temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, spans slightly over three months, from early June to mid-September, as noted by WeatherSpark. (July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 82 degrees.) Boston’s fall foliage is breathtaking, with highs in the 60s transforming the city’s leaves into a rainbow of hues. September marks the start of the leaf change, which typically peaks in mid-October. But even into November, the vibrant foliage may persist when the temperature drops into the mid-50s. 

When to Go to Boston to Get the Best Deals 

The winter months are Boston’s low season, when you’ll find the most excellent accommodation rates and possible savings on tours and other activities. In fact, between December and March, some of the best hotels in the city are known to have drastic price reductions. According to Meet Boston, the average daily hotel fee in Boston increased from $186.38 in January 2023 to $334.28 in May 2023. In addition to cheaper hotel rates, the city’s museums provide free or discounted admission days and hours throughout the year. Examples include the Museum of Contemporary Art, free every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and the Boston Children’s Museum, which charges $1 admission every Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

Ideal Times to Go to Boston to Watch Sports 

Boston is one of the most significant sports towns in the world, even putting aside its first-rate hotels, top-notch restaurants, museums, and historical attractions. Major sports clubs like the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins call it home (well, the Patriots, too, but we won’t include them because their stadium is in Foxboro, not in Boston proper). It is also the site of one of the most well-known marathons on the planet, drawing thousands of runners and spectators annually. 

Patriots’ Day, observed annually on the third Monday in April to commemorate the first fight of the American Revolution, is the most fantastic day to visit Boston for athletic activities. In addition, this is Marathon Monday, when guests are welcome to celebrate on the sidewalks that run from Boylston Street to Hopkinton. On Patriots’ Day, visitors may also watch a Red Sox game; as Boston Pastime noted, the team has played home games on the day (nearly) annually since 1960.

To the dismay of those who don’t live in Boston, our sports teams frequently win their leagues, and history lovers like learning new things about our revolutionary past, according to Bunce. In Boston, there’s always something going on that will surely fascinate and thrill every tourist. 

It’s okay if you miss Patriots Day; the Red Sox will play over 80 home games at Fenway Park this summer. And that coincides with the start of the basketball and hockey seasons, which start in October, so no matter when you travel, you can always watch a Bruins or Celtics game to support the home team. 

Worst Seasons to Go to Boston 

Though once more, “worst” is a subjective term, there are occasions when you would wish to avoid going to Boston. In Boston, the winters may be bitterly cold and covered in snow. Boston’s cold season typically lasts from early December to mid-March, with daily highs averaging in the upper 30s to lower 40s, according to WeatherSpark. With an average high temperature of barely 37 degrees and an average low of a bone-chilling 24 degrees, January is the coldest month in the city. 

Furthermore, avoid going during move-in season in early September and graduation season in early to mid-May because the city is heavily concentrated around colleges. Choose a different time to come if you are not one of the many families and students that fill the city during these hours. 

Conclusion

• Visit Boston during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to November) or the summer high season (June to early September) for pleasant weather.
• Opt for the shoulder and low seasons (September to December, January and February, and March to April) to avoid crowds while still enjoying major attractions.
• Save money by visiting during the winter low season (December to March), with reduced hotel rates and possible discounts on tours and activities.
• Sports enthusiasts can plan a visit during Patriots’ Day in April for events like the Boston Marathon and Red Sox games. Avoid move-in season in early September and graduation season in May for a less crowded experience.