Thanksgiving in Massachusetts usually brings that cool, crisp air everyone expects for the holiday. Daytime highs often land in the mid-40s to low 50s, and nights drop close to freezing.
That’s the average, but the weather can swing wildly—sometimes it’s sunny and mild, other times it’s raw and damp, with a hint of snow in the air.
If you’re planning to travel across the state or just want a walk after dinner, knowing the expected weather comes in handy. Rain does happen, though it’s usually light, and snow isn’t common but can’t be ruled out.
Coastal spots feel a bit milder, while inland towns cool off quickly, especially once the sun goes down.
Weather around Thanksgiving in Massachusetts can change on a dime, so it makes sense to prepare for just about anything. If you know the usual patterns, you’ll pack smarter, plan your travel better, and maybe set the right mood for your holiday.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Massachusetts
Thanksgiving here usually means chilly air, shorter days, and maybe a bit of unsettled weather. Expect a mix of cool temperatures, a chance of rain or snow, and big swings from year to year depending on where the storms go.
Historical Weather Patterns
Looking back, Thanksgiving weather in Massachusetts covers a lot of ground. Highs usually hit the mid-40s °F, while lows drop into the low to mid-30s °F.
Those averages tell part of the story, but the extremes really stand out. Some years, the afternoon sun pushes temps close to 70 °F.
Other years, you might wake up to snow-covered mornings. Early-season cold fronts in southern New England often set the tone.
Rain on Thanksgiving has usually been light, with many years getting less than a quarter inch. Snow happens less often but still shows up, especially in central and western Massachusetts.
This kind of variability means you really need to check the forecast each year, not just trust the averages.
Common Weather Conditions
When you plan Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, expect it to be cool, sometimes damp. Highs usually fall between 40 °F and 50 °F, and nights often get close to freezing.
After a cold front, a brisk northwest wind can make it feel even colder. Rain happens more than snow in coastal and lowland spots.
Snow chances go up in the higher hills out west. Even without snow, frost is pretty common in the mornings, and icy patches can pop up on untreated roads or walkways.
You’ll also notice the days are short—sunset hits before 4:30 p.m. That early darkness, plus the chill, often pushes gatherings indoors.
Travelers should stay alert for delays if a storm rolls through southern New England.
Recent Thanksgiving Weather Trends
Lately, Thanksgiving weather in Massachusetts has leaned a bit milder compared to decades past. Warmer days show up more often, though a cold snap still sneaks in now and then.
This shift means you might see more rain than snow, especially in the eastern part of the state. Storms still play a role, and some years bring tricky travel days.
Rainstorms moving up the East Coast sometimes hit right on the holiday, making roads wet and visibility worse. Snow’s less common but still possible, especially inland.
No matter what, variability remains the big story. One year, you get a sunny, crisp afternoon; next year, it could be raw and rainy. Best bet—prepare for cool temps, keep an eye on the forecast, and expect anything across southern New England.
Average Temperatures and Highs
Thanksgiving in Massachusetts usually means cool days and crisp air. Daytime highs land in the 40s, and nights get chilly—sometimes near freezing.
These swings make planning ahead a smart move.
Average High Temperatures
In late November, average highs in Massachusetts sit around 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C). Boston, being on the coast, often stays a bit warmer, while Springfield and other inland towns trend cooler.
Afternoons feel brisk but not too harsh. Most folks get by with a light jacket or layers for outdoor plans.
Near the coast, the ocean keeps temperatures steadier. Out west, things can cool off fast.
Here’s a quick look at typical Thanksgiving highs in a few spots:
| Location | Average High °F | Average High °C |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | 48°F | 9°C |
| Springfield | 45°F | 7°C |
| Provincetown | 49°F | 9°C |
Temperature Variability
You really need to be ready for just about anything. Some years, afternoons climb into the 50s.
Other times, the thermometer barely budges out of the 30s. Storm tracks, clouds, and wind direction all play a part.
Eastern Massachusetts stays steadier thanks to the Atlantic, but inland valleys and hill towns can change fast. Even a shift in wind can drop temps quickly.
So, flexible clothing is your friend. One year, a sweater is plenty; the next, you might need a heavier coat.
Travelers should check forecasts closely as the holiday approaches.
Temperature Extremes
Averages help, but extremes are part of the Thanksgiving story in Massachusetts. Records show highs have hit the upper 60s to near 70°F (20°C) in some rare, warm years.
Other times, Thanksgiving barely gets above freezing. The coldest years see highs in the 20s to low 30s°F (-6°C to 0°C).
These chilly days don’t happen often but can make outdoor plans tough without the right gear.
Keep in mind, overnight lows often drop into the upper 20s°F (-2°C to -4°C), even in average years. Frosty mornings are common, and icy spots can show up in shaded or rural areas.
Precipitation and Rain Showers
Rain is pretty common in Massachusetts in late November, and Thanksgiving often brings some unsettled weather. Light to moderate showers show up, with heavier bursts now and then, and sometimes a mix of rain and snow in the higher hills.
Frequency of Rain Showers
Rain showers pop up fairly often around Thanksgiving. On average, Massachusetts gets precipitation every three days or so, and that trend continues into late November.
You’re more likely to get rain than snow in the east and along the coast. The Berkshires and higher spots out west can see a rain-snow mix.
Records show light showers are typical, but a steady rain isn’t surprising either.
About one in three Thanksgivings in the last few decades has had measurable precipitation. If you’re planning to be outside, expect damp conditions just in case.
Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall on Thanksgiving usually stays modest. Most years bring less than an inch, with averages closer to a couple tenths of an inch.
A typical Thanksgiving might see 0.1–0.3 inches of rain, but storms can drop closer to an inch. Rarely, heavier systems deliver more, especially in southern New England.
Snowfall happens less often, but when it does, it’s usually in the western hills or northern parts of the state. When snow mixes in, rain totals might be lower, but travel conditions can get worse thanks to slush and ice.
Impact on Travel
Rain showers can slow down both road and air travel during the holiday rush. Wet pavement raises the risk of slick spots, especially at night when temps get close to freezing.
Black ice often forms in shaded areas and on bridges, making driving tricky. If you’re driving, expect slower traffic during showers and possible delays in higher elevations where snow might mix in.
Airports around Boston and Worcester sometimes see delays when rain bands pass through. To avoid headaches, plan some extra time for your trip.
Showers often come in waves, so conditions can improve pretty quickly after a burst of rain.
Snowfall and Wintry Weather
Thanksgiving in Massachusetts brings chilly temps, and the chance of snow is always lurking. Some years, it’s just rain, but others bring a few inches—especially in the hills and inland spots.
Likelihood of Snow on Thanksgiving
Around Thanksgiving, average highs sit in the mid-40s °F, and lows drop to the low 30s °F. At those temps, snow can happen, but it’s not a sure thing.
Rain is more likely near the coast, but inland towns have a better shot at snow. Historical data says snowfall on the holiday itself is less frequent than later in winter.
Still, early-season storms have dropped measurable snow during Thanksgiving week. Western Massachusetts, with its hills, often sees snow before Boston or the Cape.
If you’re hitting the road, keep in mind that even a dusting can slow things down. The chance of snow isn’t high every year, but late November weather can flip fast.
Notable Thanksgiving Snowstorms
A few Thanksgivings in Massachusetts have brought significant snow. In 2014, western Massachusetts saw more than 6 inches, and central areas picked up several inches too.
Roads got slick, and travel delays piled up. More recently, Franklin County towns measured over 10 inches during a big holiday storm.
East Hawley got more than 10 inches, while Colrain and Plainfield saw 4 to 6 inches. These storms stand out because they really disrupted travel and gatherings.
Not every Thanksgiving brings heavy snow, but history shows strong storms can hit this time of year.
Regional Snowfall Differences
Snow amounts depend a lot on where you are in Massachusetts. Coastal spots like the Cape and Islands usually get rain or a rain-snow mix, thanks to the warmer ocean.
Boston usually sees lighter snowfall than inland towns. Western Massachusetts, especially the hill towns like Conway, Plainfield, and East Hawley, often get the most snow and see it earlier.
Southeastern Massachusetts usually deals with rain or just a light coating. This split means your Thanksgiving weather can look totally different just a couple hours down the road.
If you’re driving from Boston to the Berkshires, you might go from wet roads to snow-covered highways in just a few hours.
Regional Weather Differences Across Massachusetts
Thanksgiving weather in Massachusetts really depends on your spot on the map. Coastal towns get the ocean’s moderating touch, inland cities see sharper swings, and western areas often get colder air and more snow.
Southern New England weather patterns shape how storms move across the state.
Coastal vs. Inland Weather
Along the coast—Boston and Cape Cod included—the Atlantic keeps things a bit milder. Daytime highs usually stick in the mid-40s, and nights drop into the 30s.
Rain is more likely than snow in late November since the ocean slows down the arrival of colder air. Inland places like Worcester or Springfield cool off faster.
Without the ocean’s influence, overnight lows can fall into the upper 20s. Snow chances go up a bit, especially when storms cut inland.
Rain often mixes with wet snow, and roads can get slippery more quickly away from the shore. The difference between coastal and inland weather gets obvious during a storm.
Boston might get rain while central Massachusetts deals with slush. If you’re driving across the state, expect changing conditions within just a short trip.
Western Massachusetts Climate
Western Massachusetts, including the Berkshires, usually sees the coldest Thanksgiving weather in the state. Higher elevations cool down earlier, and snow is more likely to stick.
Average highs in this region hover in the low 40s, while nighttime lows can drop into the 20s. The hills and valleys trap cold air, so frost and icy spots show up faster than in the east.
Roads through mountain passes may get slick even if lower elevations just stay wet. Storms often intensify as they move west.
Rain might turn to snow in the Berkshires while Boston just gets showers. If you’re planning outdoor activities, be ready for colder, windier conditions than the rest of the state.
Southern New England Influences
Southern New England weather really shapes what Massachusetts gets during Thanksgiving week. Storm systems usually roll up the East Coast, dragging in Atlantic moisture and running into colder air from inland.
That mix? It’s what gives November its unpredictable blend of rain, wind, and sometimes a little snow.
Connecticut and Rhode Island’s weather often spills right into southeastern Massachusetts. If those states get heavy rain, the South Shore and Cape Cod usually see it too.
But when colder air from northern New England slips in, storms might end up dropping snow farther west instead of rain.
You’ll probably notice strong coastal winds when low-pressure systems pass offshore. Gusts can make it feel colder than the numbers say, especially around places like Plymouth or Cape Ann.
All these regional quirks help explain why Thanksgiving weather can flip so quickly, even just a few miles apart.
Coastal Weather Impacts
Along the Massachusetts coast, Thanksgiving weather tends to bring a messy mix of rain, wind, and shifting tides. These conditions can really shake up travel and life in coastal towns.
Storms combined with seasonal tides mean you’ve got to keep an eye out for flooding, beach erosion, and last-minute changes to holiday plans.
Potential for Coastal Flooding
You might run into coastal flooding if a storm system tracks close to the Atlantic. Even a moderate storm can push water into low-lying neighborhoods, especially around Cape Cod, the South Shore, or Boston Harbor.
Flood risk jumps when heavy rain lines up with high tide. Water can back up in storm drains and leave some roads underwater.
That’s a headache for holiday travel, especially on roads near the shore.
Flood-prone spots include:
- Nantasket Beach in Hull
- Revere Beach Parkway
- Parts of Marshfield and Scituate
Not every Thanksgiving turns into a flooding event, but late fall storms have a habit of raising water levels enough to cause problems.
Wind and Storm Surges
Coastal storms in late November usually pack some serious wind. Gusts over 40 mph happen pretty often, and those winds can shove ocean water inland, causing storm surges.
Even a small surge can make flooding worse in harbors and bays.
When winds pick up like that, travel gets tricky. Ferry trips to the islands sometimes get canceled, and Logan Airport flights can face delays.
Storm surges also put docks, boats, and seawalls at risk. If you live nearby, anything left outside can turn into a hazard in these winds.
It’s worth taking a little time to secure your stuff before a storm hits—it can save a lot of trouble later.
Tidal Effects During Thanksgiving
Tides along the Massachusetts coast run higher in late fall. When they line up with storms, the impact can really ramp up.
A normal high tide usually doesn’t cause problems by itself. But if you throw in heavy rain or those gusty onshore winds, the water level can jump fast.
Thanksgiving tends to land close to times with higher astronomical tides. These “spring tides” show up during full or new moons, and they can bump up water levels by several inches.
If you’re planning to travel or hang out near the coast, it’s smart to check tide charts ahead of time. Knowing when high tide hits might help you steer clear of flooded roads and those parking spots that always seem to get swamped during storms.