Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Boston, January presents a climate marked by notable contrasts. With maximum temperatures reaching 17°C (63°F) and plunging to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), residents experience a wide thermal spectrum, while the average temperature hovers around -3°C (27°F). This month is also characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over approximately 14 days—a reminder of winter's presence. Adding to the chill, humidity levels linger at a high 91%, making January a quintessentially brisk and wet month in this historic city.
In January, Boston experiences chilly temperatures that set the tone for a classic New England winter. With a minimum dipping to -21°C (-6°F), residents endure frigid days and freezing nights, while the average hovers around -3°C (27°F), providing a stark contrast to the mild spells of late spring and summer. Days can surprise, reaching a pleasant maximum of 17°C (63°F), hinting at the variability of winter weather. This month showcases the resilience of Bostonians, as they adapt to the cold, layering up for outdoor activities. As winter progresses into February and March, temperatures slowly begin to rise, but January remains a defining period where the cold is palpable, establishing the character of the season.
January brings a chilly start to the year in Boston, with precipitation totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) across approximately 14 days of the month. This sets the stage for a trend of increasing rainfall as winter transitions into spring; February sees a slight uptick to 90 mm (3.5 in) over 16 days. Interestingly, the overall trend reveals that January typically has lower precipitation than the subsequent months, such as April, which peaks at 119 mm (4.7 in). Notably, the winter months tend to have more precipitation days yet lower overall amounts compared to the heavier, more concentrated rainfalls of late spring and fall. As such, January serves as a crucial bridge in Boston's climate, transitioning from the relatively dry, cold days of winter into the wetter, warmer months ahead.
In January, Boston experiences a notably high humidity level of 91%, which lingers into February, creating a consistently damp winter atmosphere. As spring approaches in March and April, humidity begins to ease slightly, dipping to 88%. This trend of decreasing moisture continues into the warmer months; by July, humidity reaches a low of 77%, providing a reprieve from the earlier chill. However, as autumn sets in by October, we observe a gradual increase again, peaking at 83% in October before descending back to 88% in November, and culminating in December's humidity of 87%. Overall, Boston's humidity showcases a clear seasonal rhythm, oscillating between the extremes of winter's dampness and summer's relative dryness.
In January, Boston experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating a 30-minute burn time for fair-skinned individuals. While the sun's intensity is relatively low compared to the summer months, taking precautions against UV exposure is still important. As the year progresses, the UV Index steadily increases, peaking at 10 during the peak summer months of June and July. This shift highlights the need for enhanced sun safety measures as exposure times decrease, requiring just 15 minutes to risk sunburn. By September, the UV Index gradually declines, but Boston still sees significant UV levels in the spring, particularly in April and May, where it reaches 8 and 9 respectively. As winter returns in December, the index falls to a low of 2, allowing for a much safer exposure limit of 45 minutes. Understanding these trends is key for planning outdoor activities and ensuring skin protection throughout the year. For more detailed information, check out the Boston UV Index.
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In January, Boston experiences relatively limited sunshine, with only 91 hours to brighten the cold winter days. However, as the year progresses, there's a marked increase in sun exposure, particularly in February with 140 hours, laying the groundwork for a vibrant spring. By the time March rolls around, the hours jump significantly to 219, and April continues this upward trend with 232 hours. The delights of summer shine through with the peak sunshine in July and August, each basking in an impressive 338 hours. As fall approaches, the hours gradually decline, leading to October's 199 hours and eventually falling to 151 hours in November. The annual cycle in Boston showcases a vibrant transition from stark winter sunlight to the radiant summer skies, reminding us of nature's rhythm and the joy that longer days bring.
In Boston, January is typically characterized by its bracing cold and limited sunshine, offering only a 14% chance of sunny weather. This low likelihood marks the beginning of a gradual increase in sun exposure as winter transitions to spring. In the following months, the chances of sun rise significantly, with February seeing a modest increase to 21% and March experiencing a notable jump to 43%. As the city shakes off winter's chill, April and May average 39% and 44% sunny days, respectively, reflecting the city's gradual thaw and blooming landscapes. The trend culminates in the summer months, where sunshine dominates with chances soaring to around 45% in June. Thus, while January's skies may be more often gray, a brightening landscape awaits just around the corner.
In January, Boston experiences approximately 9 hours of daylight, marking the darkest period of the year. As winter gradually yields to spring, February brings an increase to 10 hours, hinting at the longer days to come. By March, the daylight expands further to 11 hours, allowing residents to enjoy more sunshine. This trend continues into April and May, where daylight reaches 13 and 14 hours, respectively, inspiring the vibrant blooms of spring. June peaks with 15 hours of daylight, providing the longest days of the year. However, as summer transitions to fall, days begin to shorten; July holds onto 14 hours, but by August, that drops to 13 hours. September and October continue this decline, with daylight dwindling to 12 and 10 hours. As the year ends, November and December both settle once again at 9 hours, completing the cycle with a return to winter's embrace. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight encapsulates the essence of Boston's seasonal shifts, enriching the city’s character throughout the year.
In January, Boston experiences a brisk average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), setting a tone of winter's chill that echoes throughout the month. This moderate breeze is a precursor to the increasing winds of February, which sees speeds rise to 4.0 m/s (9 mph). Interestingly, as spring approaches, March witnesses the strongest gusts of the year at 4.4 m/s (10 mph), signaling a dynamic shift as the city emerges from the cold. However, following this peak, wind speeds begin to ease, with April dropping to 3.7 m/s. The summer months typically bring calmer conditions, with July reaching a low of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), before a slight increase in September. Notably, the transition into winter brings back brisker winds, culminating in December's peak at 4.5 m/s (10 mph), encapsulating the cycle of nature's breath that influences the city's climate throughout the year.
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.
January and February both exhibit cold temperatures, but February tends to be slightly milder. In January, the average temperature hovers around -3°C (27°F), with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is significant, with 87 mm (3.4 in) recorded over 14 days. In contrast, February has an average temperature of -2°C (29°F), with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and a maximum reaching 20°C (69°F). This month sees a bit more precipitation at 90 mm (3.5 in) over 16 days, maintaining the same high humidity level of 91%. For more details, you can check Boston weather in February.
In comparing the weather of January and March, we see a notable transition as winter gives way to early spring. January boasts lower average temperatures, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), while March shows a slight increase, with an average temperature of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with January receiving 87 mm (3.4 in) over 14 days and March having slightly less at 80 mm (3.2 in) across 13 days. Humidity is also high in both months, with January at 91% and March at 88%. For a closer look at what to expect, you can check out Boston weather in March.
The weather in January and April presents a stark contrast in temperature and overall conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and average around -3°C (27°F), creating a frigid atmosphere characterized by high humidity at 91%. In contrast, April enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), allowing for more comfortable conditions despite occasional warmer highs reaching 28°C (82°F). Moreover, while January sees precipitation on 14 days totaling 87 mm (3.4 in), April experiences slightly more rain with 119 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days. For a deeper look into the specifics of April's weather, you can check out Boston weather in April.
In January, Boston experiences frigid temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -21°C (-6°F) and an average temperature around -3°C (27°F), while May brings considerably warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant maximum of 32°C (89°F). Although January has lower precipitation totals at 87 mm (3.4 in) compared to May's 107 mm (4.2 in), both months average about 14 days of precipitation. Additionally, the humidity in January is notably higher at 91%, whereas May sees a more moderate 82%, contributing to a more comfortable outdoor experience. For more detailed insights on May weather in Boston, you can refer to Boston weather in May.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The high can reach 17°C (63°F), but the overall climate remains chilly, accompanied by significant humidity at 91% and about 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 14 days. In contrast, June brings a welcome warmth with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to an average of 19°C (67°F), and reaching up to a maximum of 32°C (90°F). The humidity decreases to 79%, and the precipitation is similar at 89 mm (3.5 in) but falls over just 12 days. For more detailed information about June weather, you can check Boston weather in June.
In January, the weather is characterized by icy temperatures, often dipping as low as -21°C (-6°F) and averaging around -3°C (27°F), with a high reaching only 17°C (63°F). This winter month also brings significant humidity at 91% and sees about 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 14 days. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a scorching maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). While July experiences slightly higher precipitation levels at 127 mm (5.0 in) over around 15 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 77%. For more details on July's climate, you can check Boston weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -21°C (-6°F), with an average around -3°C (27°F) and a maximum reaching only 17°C (63°F). The month sees substantial precipitation, with 87 mm (3.4 in) falling over 14 days, coupled with high humidity levels averaging 91%. In contrast, August enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a pleasant maximum of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation remains similar, at 85 mm (3.3 in) over 13 days, but humidity is lower, averaging 72%. For more details on August weather, check out Boston weather in August.
January and September present strikingly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -21°C (-6°F), with an average temperature around -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 91% and considerable precipitation, averaging 87 mm (3.4 inches) over 14 days. In contrast, September enjoys much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a pleasant maximum of 31°C (89°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 76 mm (3.0 inches) over just 9 days, along with a drop in humidity to 76%. For more details about this month's weather, check out Boston weather in September.
In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -21°C (-6°F), with an average temperature around -3°C (27°F) and occasional highs reaching 17°C (63°F). The month sees a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over approximately 14 days, while humidity remains high at 91%. In contrast, October experiences milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to an average of 12°C (54°F) and maximums hitting 29°C (84°F). Precipitation increases to 134 mm (5.3 in) over about 16 days, and humidity levels are slightly lower at 83%. For more details on the specific weather patterns, you can check Boston weather in October.
In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -21°C (-6°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F), whereas in November, the minimum temperature is slightly milder at -14°C (8°F) and the average rises to 4°C (40°F). January sees a maximum temperature of only 17°C (63°F), compared to November's higher maximum of 25°C (77°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, with January recording 87 mm (3.4 in) over 14 days and November slightly higher at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 15 days. Humidity remains high in both months, at 91% in January and 88% in November. For more detailed information, check out Boston weather in November.
January tends to be slightly colder than December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), compared to December's range of -19°C (-2°F) to 18°C (65°F). While both months experience significant precipitation, January has slightly less at 87 mm (3.4 in) over 14 days, contrasted with December's 105 mm (4.1 in) over 18 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, but January is marginally more humid, sitting at 91% compared to December's 87%. For a deeper look at the climate in December, refer to Boston weather in December.
January in Boston is a month of extremes, where the biting chill and frequent precipitation set it apart from the milder months. This time of year typically brings the coldest temperatures, with an average hovering around -3°C (27°F) and even plunging to a stark -21°C (-6°F) on particularly frigid days. The high humidity, averaging 91%, adds to the discomfort, making the cold feel even more penetrating. With 87 mm of precipitation spread over 14 days, January sees frequent snows and rain, which can transform the city into a winter wonderland, but also presents challenges for residents. While other months may offer a reprieve with warmer and drier conditions, January undeniably embodies the essence of winter in Boston. For a broader perspective on how January compares with the rest of the year, visit Boston Climate.