Boston in December
In December, Boston averages 5°C (41°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (106 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 7 days.
December in Boston is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Boston
December is one of the coolest months in Boston (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (15°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (11°C) and cools 3°C in January (2°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Boston
Times shown for Boston local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Boston — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Boston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Boston in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Boston's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Boston
Boston is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Boston
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
❄️ Snowy — Boston in December
Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.
Sea temperature in Boston — December
Across the year Boston's sea swings from 3.5°C (February) to 19.6°C (August) — December sits at 6.2°C.
Boston in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -6°C / 21°F | 88 mm | 10 | 10 |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -5°C / 23°F | 88 mm | 10 | 9 |
| March | 7°C / 45°F | -1°C / 30°F | 104 mm | 11 | 5 |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | 92 mm | 11 | 1 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 88 mm | 11 | 0 |
| June | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 95 mm | 11 | 0 |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 84 mm | 9 | 0 |
| August | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 63°F | 94 mm | 9 | 0 |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 85 mm | 9 | 0 |
| October | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 96 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 2°C / 36°F | 108 mm | 11 | 1 |
| December | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F | 106 mm | 12 | 7 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Boston in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Boston in December?
In December, Boston averages a high of 5°C (41°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in December?
December can be fairly wet in Boston, with about 12 rainy days on average and roughly 7 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Boston?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Boston in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Boston for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.