What is the Weather in Boston in December?

This post is an overview of the December weather in Boston, including snow and precipitation forecasts, as well as tips on how to dress and things to do. If you're visiting at the end of the month, look into weather in January too!

Temperatures
How Much Sun, Rain and Snow
What to Wear
Things to Do
Seasonal Outlook
Free Tours by Foot

HOW COLD IS BOSTON IN DECEMBER?

December brings winter weather to Boston as the daily temperatures fall rapidly throughout this month.

Early in December you can expect morning low temperatures in the mid-30s F (1 to 2 C) but by the end of the month lows will be in the mid-20s F (-3 to -4 C).

A couple of the colder mornings later in the month will see temperature dip down into the mid-lower teens F (-10 to -11 C). The record low temperature in Boston during December was -7F (-21.7 C)!

Afternoon high temperatures also will fall from the mid-40s F (7 to 8 C) early in the month to the upper 30 s F (3 to 4 C) by New Year’s Eve.

A few of the warmer afternoons, early in December will produce afternoon highs in upper 50s F (about 15 C). The record high temperature in Boston during December was 76 F (24.4 C)!

HOW MUCH SUN AND PRECIPITATION?

About 16 days during December will be clear or at least partly sunny with 15 days on average being mostly cloudy.

About 11-12 days will record at least .01 inches (0.25 mm) of precipitation, either rain or melted snow/ice but only 2-3 days will see heavy precipitation of 0.5 inches (13 mm) or more.

DOES IT SNOW IN BOSTON IN DECEMBER?

Snowfalls can vary a lot from year to year; however, the average December total snowfall is about 9 inches (23 cm).

The record monthly total snowfall was 27.9 inches (70.0 cm) set in 1970. During December you can expect at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of snow on about 2 days with 3 inches (8 cm) or more on one day.

Snowfalls of 5 inches (13 cm) or more occur about once every other year. Snow is most likely during the second half of the month.

WHAT TO WEAR IN DECEMBER?

A light to medium jacket and sweater may be ok early in the month for those few warmer days, however as Christmas approaches winter gear is a must, including a warm coat along with scarfs, gloves and perhaps boots for the snowy days.

Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes for the nicer days.

WHAT TO DO IN BOSTON IN DECEMBER?

Below are the top 10 to do in December in Boston.

Be sure to read our full post on what to do in Boston in December, 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 as you could save up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.