Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Boston experiences a captivating winter landscape marked by notable temperature fluctuations. The maximum temperature can reach a pleasant 19°C (67°F), while the average hovers around 0°C (32°F), reminding residents of the chill with a minimum dipping to -19°C (-3°F). Precipitation is common, with 79 mm (3.1 in) falling over approximately 9 days, contributing to the city’s winter charm. With humidity levels at 86%, January in Boston offers a unique blend of crisp air and occasional snow, shaping a quintessential New England experience.
In January, Boston experiences a striking range of temperatures that underscore the city's winter chill. With minimums plummeting to -19°C (-3°F), residents often endure frosty mornings, while the average temperature hovers around 0°C (32°F), offering a brief respite from the extreme cold. On the flip side, the maximum can surprisingly reach up to 19°C (67°F), showcasing the potential for milder days even in the dead of winter. This stark contrast sets the stage for the gradual warming trend that begins to unfold as January transitions into February and March, hinting at the forthcoming spring. Notably, as the month progresses, the trend shows a slow but steady rise in temperatures, with the average climbing just above freezing, indicating that while winter reigns, hope for warmer days is just around the corner.
In January, Boston experiences an average precipitation of 79 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 9 days, marking a relatively mild start to the year. This sets the stage for February, where precipitation increases to 97 mm (3.8 in) despite only a one-day rise in rainy spells. As the winter months progress into March, both precipitation and rainy days continue to climb, peaking at 102 mm (4.0 in) over the same 10 days. Interestingly, April brings a notable surge, with a significant leap to 135 mm (5.3 in) spread across 13 days, indicating a trend toward wetter conditions as spring approaches. This pattern of increasing precipitation persists through the year, with October's rainfall reaching its zenith at 149 mm (5.9 in), reinforcing Boston's reputation for dynamic weather changes as the seasons transition.
In January, Boston experiences its peak humidity at a notable 86%, setting a chilly tone for the winter. This high level of moisture gradually decreases over the following months, as February and March see a slight drop to 84% and 82% respectively. As spring approaches, humidity continues to decline, reaching 80% in April before plummeting to 72% by May and June. The trend of decreasing humidity persists into the summer months, with July and August showcasing notably drier conditions at 67% and 66%. However, as autumn rolls in, humidity levels begin to rise again, with September at 71%, peaking again in October at 78%. By November, humidity returns to 84%, hinting at the cyclical nature of Boston's climate as it prepares for another winter season, wrapping up the year with December's 81% humidity. This natural ebb and flow of humidity reveals a clear seasonal pattern, integral to Boston's unique weather identity.
In January, Boston experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating that while sun exposure is generally safe, some precautions should still be taken, especially with a burn time of 30 minutes. This trend of moderate UV levels continues into February and March, where the Index rises slightly to 5, yet the burn time remains consistent. As spring approaches in April, the UV Index escalates to 8, marking the onset of very high exposure, with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This pattern intensifies through the summer months, peaking in June at 10, before tapering off in September when the Index drops to 7—still high but offering a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. As autumn sets in, the trend shifts to lower indices, with November and December recording moderate to low levels of 4 and 2, respectively, allowing for longer durations of safe sun exposure, ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. This evolving UV Index throughout the year in Boston highlights the importance of monitoring sun exposure and adapting habits accordingly. For a detailed look at these changes, visit Boston UV Index.
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In Boston, January marks the beginning of the year with only 152 hours of sunshine, suggesting a cozy, wintry ambiance as residents huddle indoors. However, as the season progresses into February, the days grow brighter with 188 hours of sun, gently heralding the approach of spring. The trend accelerates dramatically in March, where sunshine surges to 253 hours, invigorating the city as winter retreats. By April, the daylight remains plentiful at 240 hours, further spurring outdoor activities. As May ushers in warm weather, sunshine peaks at 289 hours, setting the stage for a vibrant summer. The sun reaches its zenith in July with 334 hours, offering long, sun-drenched days, while August maintains this energy with the same amount of brilliance. As the calendar turns to fall, sunshine begins its slow descent, with hours decreasing to 278 in September and continuing to dwindle through October (221 hours) and November (201 hours). By December, the city wraps up the year with 178 hours, reminiscent of the January chill. Overall, the journey through the months in Boston reveals a compelling narrative of increasing light and warmth, culminating in the rich, sun-soaked glory of summer before settling back into the quieter, dimmer rhythms of winter.
In January, Boston experiences a 44% chance of sunny weather, making it a relatively bright start to the year compared to the following month, February, where sun visibility drops to 32%. This trend of fluctuating sunshine continues as spring approaches, with a notable increase in March to 61%. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunny days seems to stabilize around 40% as the calendar flips towards the latter part of the year, suggesting a seasonal rhythm where winter months tend to have a lower chance of sun, particularly in January and February, before the warmth of spring ushers in sunnier skies. Overall, while Boston's January may not boast the sunniest outlook, it offers a promising glimpse of brighter days on the horizon.
In Boston, January marks the beginning of the year with only 9 hours of daylight, a reminder of winter's grip. As the month progresses into February, there’s a subtle increase, granting us 10 hours to enjoy the slow return of light. By March, the days brighten further to 11 hours, signaling the arrival of spring and the gradual lifting of winter's gloom. This upward trend continues through April and May, with daylight extending to 13 and 14 hours respectively, inviting residents outdoors to bask in the warming sun. June, the peak of summer, showcases 15 hours, but as the season progresses into July and August, daylight begins to wane slightly, settling at 14 and 13 hours. The descent resumes in September and October, dropping to 12 and 11 hours of light. Finally, daylight once again contracts in November and December, returning to 9 hours, closing the cycle with winter's return. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight throughout the year not only shapes our daily lives in Boston but also underscores the beauty of the changing seasons.
In January, Boston experiences an average wind speed of 4.4 m/s (10 mph), marking a brisk start to the year. This gentle wind, which is slightly stronger than in February at 4.3 m/s, begins to pick up momentum as spring approaches, with March seeing an increase to 4.7 m/s (11 mph). Interestingly, as the city transitions into April, the winds soften to 4.2 m/s (9 mph) and continue to decrease throughout the summer months, reaching a low of 3.1 m/s (7 mph) in August. As autumn sets in, wind speeds gradually rise again, stabilizing around 4.1 m/s from October to December. This pattern indicates a dynamic interplay of seasonal shifts, with January's winds suggesting a robust yet fleeting strength before transitioning into a more tranquil summer breeze.
The weather in Boston changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Boston and find detailed weather information for every month.
The weather in January is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), while February shows a slight warming trend, featuring a minimum temperature of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F). Both months experience relatively high humidity, with January at 86% and February slightly lower at 84%. Precipitation increases from January to February, with January recording 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, compared to February's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days. For more localized insights, you can visit Boston weather in February.
January and March exhibit notable differences in weather patterns, particularly in temperature and precipitation levels. January typically sees lower temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -19°C (−3°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), while March experiences slightly milder conditions with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is more frequent in March, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days compared to January's 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days. Despite the higher precipitation in March, both months maintain relatively high humidity, with January at 86% and March at 82%. For more detailed insights, check out Boston weather in March.
In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -19°C (-3°F), while the average temperature hovers around 0°C (32°F), with a maximum reaching a mild 19°C (67°F). The month sees relatively high humidity levels at 86% and experiences precipitation over 9 days, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in). In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). While April has a higher amount of total precipitation at 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 80%. This shift from the bitter cold of January to the much milder and wetter April weather marks a clear transition into spring. For more detailed information, visit Boston weather in April.
January and May represent two distinct seasons in terms of weather comparisons. January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (−3°F) and an average hovering around 0°C (32°F), while May brings a much warmer climate, showcasing a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent, with January receiving 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days and May slightly wetter at 94 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days. Additionally, January's humidity at 86% creates a stark contrast to May's lower humidity of 72%, making the latter month feel much more pleasant. For more detailed insights, you can check out Boston weather in May.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (–3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), and occasional warmth reaching up to 19°C (67°F). The month sees around 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 86%. In contrast, June experiences a much milder climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F), with highs peaking at 33°C (92°F). The precipitation in June is slightly higher at 86 mm (3.4 in), occurring over 10 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 72%. For a more detailed look at June weather in Boston, check out Boston weather in June.
January and July showcase stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -19°C (−3°F), with an average of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum reaching only 19°C (67°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 86% and relatively low precipitation, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over about 9 days. In contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F), peaking at 34°C (94°F). This month experiences more precipitation, totaling 115 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 12 days, but the humidity is lower at 67%. For more insights into the warm summer climate, check out Boston weather in July.
January and August showcase a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet, with a minimum of -19°C (–3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), creating a frigid atmosphere where humidity hovers at a high 86%. This month sees about 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, often in the form of snow. In contrast, August brings warmth and vibrancy, with temperatures ranging from a mild minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a scorching maximum of 33°C (92°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). The humidity decreases to 66%, and while precipitation remains similar at 76 mm (3.0 in), it occurs over slightly more days at 10. For more details about summer conditions, check out Boston weather in August.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -19°C (-3°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), averaging around 0°C (32°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 86%, and precipitation occurs over 9 days, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in). In contrast, September brings much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging 19°C (67°F). Although precipitation in September is slightly higher at 92 mm (3.6 in), it falls over just 8 days, and humidity is lower at 71%. For more information on this topic, you can check Boston weather in September.
January and October present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures are much colder, with a minimum of -19°C (–3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), while October enjoys milder conditions, featuring a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation levels also contrast, with January receiving 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days and October experiencing more rainfall at 149 mm (5.9 in) across 12 days. Additionally, humidity is slightly higher in January at 86%, compared to October's 78%. For more detailed information about October's weather, visit Boston weather in October.
January and November present distinctly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -19°C (-3°F), with an average around freezing at 0°C (32°F) and a maximum reaching 19°C (67°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over about 9 days, coupled with a high humidity of 86%. In contrast, November features milder temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F), an average of 7°C (44°F), and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 100 mm (3.9 in) over 10 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 84%. For more detailed information, you can check the weather specifics here: Boston weather in November.
January and December showcase distinct characteristics in their weather patterns. January generally experiences a slightly cooler average temperature, with a minimum reaching -19°C (-3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), compared to December’s minimum of -16°C (3°F) and average of 2°C (36°F). Precipitation is notably lower in January at 79 mm (3.1 in) over nine days, compared to December’s 124 mm (4.9 in) and ten days of rain. Additionally, January has higher humidity at 86% versus December’s 81%, creating a chillier feel despite the average temperature being marginally higher in December. For more specifics on December weather, check out Boston weather in December.
As January embraces Boston, the city's weather takes a distinctive turn, characterized by chilly temperatures that often dip below freezing, quite unlike the milder months that precede and follow it. With an average temperature hovering around 0°C (32°F), the stark contrasts between day and night become apparent, showcasing the potential for extremes. This month typically sees a significant amount of precipitation, mostly in the form of snow, which adds a beautiful yet brisk flurry to the urban landscape. The high humidity levels of 86% further emphasize the cold, making January feel even chillier. For those curious about the broader climate patterns and how Boston's January fits into the yearly cycle, explore more at Boston Climate.