Boston in October
In October, Boston averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (96 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
It's peak hurricane season in Boston during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Boston
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Boston (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (15°C). October runs 6°C cooler than September (23°C) and cools 6°C in November (11°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Boston
Times shown for Boston local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Boston — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Boston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Boston in October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and Boston's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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: comfortable tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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.
Sea temperature in Boston — October
Across the year Boston's sea swings from 3.5°C (February) to 19.6°C (August) — October sits at 15.1°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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Boston in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Boston in October?
In October, Boston averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in October?
October can be fairly wet in Boston, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Boston?
October is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Boston in October?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Boston for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.