When is the best time of year to visit Boston?

Question

I am thinking of going in mid May. How is the weather there at that time of year? I live in Texas and like it to be nice & sunny (probably 60s-70s). Also, I'd like to visit Harvard--will I hit massive student traffic, or is it pretty tame?

Answer 1

Sometime around the end of September/beginning of October..... perfect weather, no more bugs, beautiful scenery and schools will be in session so you'd get to see them in action.

Answer 2

In May it is usually warm, but you really never know with New England weather. I went to a June wedding in Connecticut a couple of years ago and it was only about 60 degrees that day (it was an outdoor wedding in the morning and we were all freezing), when we would've thought it would be the heat we'd need to worry about that time of year.

Most of the summer is very nice, but we do get some heat waves (classified as at least 3 days of 90+ degree weather) and it is generally on the humid side, but not as humid as further south.

As others mentioned, fall is a nice time to go because of the leaves turning colors. However, if you like warm, sunny weather, fall isn't for you. It is usually cool that time of year and it's also the cloudiest time of year in New England. Spring has some rain, but not as cloudy as Fall, while Summer and Winter both tend to be pretty sunny (in Winter it's because it's usually too cold for the air to hold any moisture, i.e., clouds!).

If you go in early to mid-May, I would expect a lot of students around who will probably be somewhat unhappy because it's exam time. Exams end on May 25 in 2007, so go after that if you don't want to be around a lot of sleep-deprived people with their heads in books.

If you're driving, there will always be that kind of "traffic" to contend with in the Boston area. It's best to take public transportation while you're there, unless you're out late at night, which case a taxi would probably be safer.

Answer 3

The best time to visit Boston (and elsewhere in New England) is the first half of October (peak foliage) but it is very hard to find lodgings then (and what there are are often marked up). If you do go then and want to do foliage and Vermont as part of your trip consider staying in Montreal as your base for that instead.

As for May: Boston weather often just what you describe you like, with rainstorms every few days, but Boston then also subject to occasional bouts
of "back door" fronts and changable winds that blow from the east off of the still icy Atlantic. They bite to your bone, so bring a jacket to be prepared. By all means, however, check the date for Harvard's graduation and avoid visiting that week: it becomes a zoo.

Answer 4

Mid May is a nice time to visit Boston. All things are blooming and Summer is just around the corner. The Red Sox should be in 1st place too!

Answer 5

June till October.

Mid May is okay, but don't be surprise if it's still cool at times.

And I disagree with the guy above, Boston does not suck during the winter. There are winter theme things to do if you like snow. For instance, we get a lot of visitors on New Year's eve, which is usually the coldest night of the year.

Answer 6

I think the best time to visit Boston is the summer. The weather is awesome.
I don't recommend Boston in the winter, Boston reallty sucks in the winter

Answer 7

May would be good, and around the 60's. Students will be starting to leave around then so it won't be too bad. I would say if not may then June would be best.

Answer 8

Mid-October. Mild weather, beautiful New England foliage....

Answer 9

+ early fall at the start of the foliage season. It is still warm and there is less chance of rain. May can be rainy. If you are staying in town you can use local transportation pretty easily

Answer 10

Fall is always the best time for the North East.