This post is an overview of the January weather in Boston, including snow and precipitation forecasts, as well as tips on how to dress and things to do.
HOW COLD IS BOSTON IN JANUARY?
January in Boston tends to be very winter-like but with a few mild days.
Early in January, overnight and early morning low temperatures tend to be in the mid-20s F (-3 to -4 C) falling into the lower 20s F (about -5 C) towards the end of the month.
A few of the colder mornings, however, will dip down near 9-10 F (-12 to -13 C).
At night, the thermometer dips to 32 F (0 C) or below on about 25 days with zero F (-18 C) or less occurring about once every 2 years.
The all-time record low temperature for Boston in January is -12 F (-24.4 C).
Daytime high temperatures during January tend to average in the mid to upper 30s F (2 to 3 C).
A few of the warmer afternoons in January could reach up into the lower 50s F (11-12 C).
The all-time record high temperature in Boston during January is 69 F (20.6 C).
HOW MUCH SUN AND PRECIPITATION?
January in Boston will bring, on average, about 16 days of clear or at least partly sunny skies so there should be ample time to see some of the city’s historic locations.
DOES IT SNOW IN BOSTON IN JANUARY?
About 11-12 days during January record measurable precipitation with about 6-7 of these days reporting some snow.
Of the days with snow, about 3 to 4 will have snowfalls of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm), 1 or 2 days will record 3 inches (7.7 cm) or more and about 1 day this month will see snowfall of at least 5 inches (12.7 cm).
The average total snowfall in January in Boston is about 13 inches (33 cm); however, the record snowfall was 43.3 inches (110 cm) in 2005!
WHAT TO WEAR IN JANUARY?
This is a cold month so winter clothing is a must, including a warm coat along with scarfs, gloves, and boots for the snowy days and an umbrella for the rain.
Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes for nicer days.
WHAT TO DO IN BOSTON IN JANUARY?
Below are 8 top things to do in January in Boston.
But, be sure to read our full post on what to do in Boston in January, which includes free things to do, night and family-friendly activities and attractions, as well as our definitive post on the best things to do in Boston.
And if you are planning on visiting many of Boston’s top attractions, then you should consider a tourist discount pass.
These passes could save you up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.
- See a concert.
- Attend a basketball or hockey game.
- See a touring Broadway musical.
- See a live stand up comedy show.
- Save money with a tourist pass.
- See more of Boston on a walking tour.
- Go to a delicious Taste of Chocolate Festival.
- Enjoy the Extreme Beer Fest tasting.
- Join or watch the New Year's Polar Plunge.
- Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Be sure to check out all the top things to do in January in our main post.
The all-time record high temperature in Boston during January is 69 F (20.6 C).
Seasonal Outlook January to March 2024 Boston
There is a 80% chance for normal to above normal temperatures with near normal rainfall.
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Fred Pickhardt
Ocean Weather Services
