Massachusetts has that classic New England climate—four distinct seasons that can really shake things up throughout the year. Its coastal spot along the Atlantic shapes a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers.
Temperatures in Massachusetts swing from winter lows around -5°C in January to summer highs topping 28°C in July, and coastal spots often feel pretty different from inland towns. Precipitation stays steady all year, but winter brings mostly snow while the warmer months bring rain. If you know these monthly patterns, you can prep for anything from heavy snowstorms to sticky summer days.
Every month brings its own weather quirks that shape daily routines across the Bay State. Frigid winter temps and snow piles eventually give way to those comfortable late spring and early fall days. If you want to enjoy Massachusetts, you really have to plan for seasonal extremes and differences from one region to another.
Overview of Monthly Weather in Massachusetts
Massachusetts lives up to its four-season reputation. Winter lows can dip into the teens, while summer highs often climb into the 80s. Precipitation falls year-round, with snow especially common from December to March, and weather patterns can change a lot from the coast to inland.
Typical Temperature Ranges by Month
Winter brings the coldest days. January temps usually run from 15°F to 37°F. February stays cold too, with typical ranges of 21°F to 39°F.
Spring slowly warms things up. March temperatures go from 29°F to 47°F. April feels a bit better, ranging from 39°F to 60°F. By May, you’ll see pleasant highs from 48°F to 71°F.
Summer hits with the warmest weather. June ranges from 57°F to 79°F. July is easily the hottest, with 63°F to 84°F. August keeps things warm at 61°F to 81°F.
Fall cools things down again. September brings 53°F to 74°F. October drops to 42°F to 62°F. December brings winter back with 24°F to 42°F.
Springfield usually gets the hottest summer days. Provincetown avoids big temperature swings thanks to the ocean.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Massachusetts sees pretty steady precipitation all year. Most areas pick up 2 to 4 inches of rain each month. Spring and fall usually feel wetter.
October tends to be the rainiest month, with almost 4 inches. July is drier, usually around 2.8 inches. Expect rain on 7 to 10 days per month.
Snow rules the winter. January and February get the most. Boston averages 8 inches of snow in peak winter. Springfield gets hit harder, with over 11 inches in January.
Coastal places like Provincetown get less snow than inland towns. Snow is rare from May through September, though it can show up in November and March.
You’ll get about 100 to 120 rainy days a year here. Snow totals range from 30 inches near the ocean to 60 inches inland.
Variation Across Regions
Massachusetts weather changes a lot between the coast and inland. The Atlantic Ocean keeps the coast milder. Inland areas see bigger temperature swings, both hot and cold.
Boston is a good example of coastal weather. Winter lows average 24°F, summer highs reach 82°F. The city gets moderate snow and steady rain.
Springfield shows what inland weather is like. Winter can drop to 19°F, and summer highs hit 84°F, making it the warmest big city.
Provincetown gets a lot of ocean influence. Its temperatures don’t swing much. Winter lows rarely fall below 27°F, and summer highs stay around 77°F.
Wind speeds change a lot depending on where you are. Coastal spots get stronger winds all year. Provincetown averages 10 to 17 mph winds, while Springfield gets gentler breezes, around 3 to 6 mph.
Humidity peaks in the summer, no matter where you are. July and August can feel muggy, with about 10 sticky days each month.
Weather in Massachusetts by Month
Massachusetts cycles through cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and crisp autumns. Winters bring snow and freezing temps, while spring means gradual warming and lots of rain showers.
January Weather Conditions
January is usually the coldest month in Massachusetts. Average temps run from 15°F to 36°F (-9°C to 2°C).
Temperature Patterns
The state averages about 29°F (-2°C) in January. Coastal spots near Boston and Cape Cod stay a bit milder thanks to the ocean.
Inland and the Berkshires get the worst of the cold. At night, temps often drop below 20°F (-7°C).
Precipitation and Snow
January brings around 3.8 inches of precipitation. Most of it falls as snow, especially out west and up north.
Coastal areas sometimes get a mix. Rain can show up during brief warm spells.
Weather Hazards
- Cold winds make it feel even colder
- Icy roads and sidewalks are common
- Snowstorms can dump 6-12 inches fast
February Patterns and Extremes
February keeps winter going, with temps between 18°F and 39°F (-8°C to 4°C). Statewide, the average is 31°F (-1°C).
Storm Activity
February often brings the worst snowstorms. Nor’easters can roll in with blizzard conditions, heavy snow, and strong winds.
Precipitation averages about 3.5 inches. Snow piles up in most areas by the end of the month.
Regional Differences
Western Massachusetts gets the coldest weather. The Connecticut River Valley is a bit more moderate.
Coastal areas get some relief from the ocean. Cape Cod and the Islands usually see less snow than inland spots.
Late Winter Characteristics
- Days start getting noticeably longer
- Thaws bring slush and puddles
- Ice fishing is at its peak on frozen lakes
March Transition to Spring
March signals that winter is finally letting go. Temps climb from 27°F to 48°F (-3°C to 9°C), averaging 39°F (4°C).
Early Spring Signs
The first half of March still feels like winter. Snow falls regularly, especially in the hills.
Late March can bring days above 50°F (10°C). Maple sugaring season kicks off as temps bounce around freezing.
Precipitation Changes
March gets about 4.4 inches of precipitation, making it the second-wettest month. Rain starts to take over from snow.
Melting snow and rain create plenty of mud. Flooding becomes a risk near rivers and streams.
Weather Variability
March weather is all over the place. Morning frost can give way to a surprisingly warm afternoon.
That old saying, “in like a lion, out like a lamb,” really fits here. Storms weaken as they pass through.
April Early Spring Weather
April finally feels like spring, with temps from 38°F to 58°F (3°C to 14°C). The average is about 49°F (9°C).
Spring Emergence
By mid-month, trees start budding. Daffodils and other early flowers pop up everywhere.
Rain Patterns
April averages 4.0 inches of rain. Showers happen often, but they rarely last all day.
Spring storms can develop quickly. Thunderstorms start to show up on warmer afternoons.
Seasonal Activities
- Baseball comes back to Fenway Park
- Hiking trails open as the snow melts
- Gardeners get ready to plant
Temperature Trends
Highs often reach the 60s°F (15-20°C). Nights are still cool, usually in the 30s and 40s°F (1-9°C).
Ocean temperatures stay chilly, so coastal areas remain cooler than inland spots, even on sunny days.
Late Spring and Summer Conditions
Late spring means warmer temps and more rain, while summer brings the hottest, stickiest weather. These months are great for outdoor plans, but you’ll also have to deal with thunderstorms and high humidity.
May in Massachusetts
May feels like a big turning point for Massachusetts weather. Average highs hit 19°C to 21°C, with Springfield usually the warmest at 21°C.
Boston’s lows average around 11°C, while Springfield drops to 9°C at night. Coastal areas like Provincetown stay a little cooler, topping out at 17°C.
Rainfall jumps up in May. Boston gets about 85mm, and Springfield nearly 88mm. It rains on 9 to 10 days during the month.
Snow is pretty much gone, but not impossible. Boston averages just 1.1mm, and Springfield barely sees 0.2mm.
Weather can flip fast in May. Western and eastern parts of the state sometimes feel totally different, depending on wind direction.
Daylight stretches to nearly 15 hours, which is great for getting outside. You’ll see clear or partly cloudy skies about half the time.
June Start of Summer
June brings real summer weather and moderate humidity. Highs range from 22°C in Provincetown to 26°C in Springfield.
Lows at night settle between 14°C and 16°C. The gap between the coast and inland gets bigger.
Rain patterns change in June. Boston gets about 82mm over 9 days. Springfield picks up a bit more, with 92mm over 11 days.
Snow is gone for good by now. No major city reports any in June.
Clear skies are more common. Boston gets clear or partly cloudy weather 51% of the time, Springfield about 52%.
Muggy days start popping up, especially late in the month. Boston gets about 4 muggy days, Springfield nearly 5.
Winds slow down a lot. Boston averages 8.6 kph, while Provincetown, right on the water, keeps higher speeds at 17 kph.
July Heat and Humidity
July is usually the hottest month in Massachusetts. High temps reach 28°C in Boston and 29°C in Springfield.
Coastal Provincetown stays cooler, topping out at 25°C. Overnight lows rarely drop below 17°C to 19°C.
Humidity peaks in July. Boston gets about 10 muggy days, and Springfield and Provincetown feel about the same.
Rain falls less than in spring. Boston gets 72mm, Springfield 84mm, usually spread over 9 to 11 days.
Clear skies are most common now. Boston sees clear or partly cloudy weather 58% of the time—the most all year.
Thunderstorms pop up more often on hot afternoons, sometimes bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
Winds are at their calmest. Boston averages 8 kph, Springfield just 5.9 kph.
Water temperatures finally warm up, so beaches are packed.
August Weather Highlights
August keeps the summer heat going but hints at fall. Highs average 26°C to 27°C, a touch cooler than July.
Boston tops out at 26°C, Springfield at 27°C, and Provincetown is a bit cooler at 24°C thanks to ocean breezes.
Rain picks up again compared to July. Boston gets about 78mm, Springfield 88mm, both over 9 days.
Humidity stays high, with 8 to 10 muggy days. That heat and humidity mix can make afternoons feel pretty sticky.
Clear weather sticks around. Boston gets clear skies 61% of the time—your best shot at sunny days.
Temperature swings start showing up, especially late in the month. Nights get cooler, offering some relief.
Late summer thunderstorms can get intense, sometimes dropping heavy rain or even hail.
Daylight hours shrink fast. Sunsets come earlier, and you can feel summer winding down.
Autumn Weather Patterns
Autumn in Massachusetts cools down steadily, from September’s mild days to November’s winter-like chill. The season brings dramatic temperature drops, stunning fall foliage, and more rain as winter approaches.
September Cooling Trends
September rolls in and suddenly, Massachusetts feels different. Summer’s heat fades, and high temperatures settle into a comfortable range—think 72°F in Boston, 69°F in Provincetown, and a slightly warmer 74°F in Springfield.
At night, lows drop to a pleasant 58°F in Boston, with similar numbers elsewhere. These temps make outdoor activities genuinely enjoyable, and honestly, it’s one of the best times to visit if you want comfortable weather.
Rainfall averages about 3.3 inches, so you’ll get some wet days but nothing too extreme. Boston, for example, enjoys clearer skies 62% of the time, which is a big improvement over the hazy summer.
September feels less humid, too. Boston only gets about 3.7 muggy days, which is a huge drop from the sticky stretch of July and August.
Winds stay gentle inland, usually around 5-6 mph. If you’re out on the coast, say in Provincetown, you’ll notice stronger breezes averaging 11.6 mph.
You get about 12.4 hours of daylight, which is plenty for squeezing in fall adventures before the darker months arrive.
October Foliage and Conditions
October brings that famous Massachusetts foliage—seriously, the colors are unreal. Highs cool down to 62°F in Boston, 60°F in Provincetown, and Springfield lands in the same ballpark.
At night, lows dip to about 48°F across the state. This drop sets the stage for those vibrant leaf displays everyone raves about.
Rain picks up a bit, with most places seeing 3.8 to 3.9 inches. Rain falls about eight days a month, but it’s usually in short bursts that actually make the colors pop even more.
Skies stay fairly clear, about 59-60% of the time. That means great light for photos and lots of leaf-peeping opportunities.
You might spot the first snowflakes late in October. Boston usually gets a dusting—just 0.1 inches—while inland towns can see a bit more.
Muggy days are almost gone, with less than one per month. Winds pick up slightly, hitting 6-7 mph inland and up to 14 mph along the coast.
Daylight slips to 11 hours. You’ll notice the days getting shorter as winter creeps up.
November Signs of Winter
November feels like the last gasp of autumn before winter really takes over. Highs drop sharply to about 50-51°F in Boston and across the state.
Lows fall into the upper 30s—Boston averages 38°F. Frost becomes a regular guest at night, pretty much ending the growing season.
Snow starts to show up more often. Boston usually gets 1.2 inches, while Springfield averages 2.5 inches in November.
Rain keeps coming, averaging 3.3 to 3.8 inches statewide. The mix of rain and snow creates that classic late-autumn vibe.
Skies clear about 52% of the time, but cloudier days are definitely more common now. Winds pick up, too—expect 7-8 mph inland and over 15 mph along the coast.
Daylight shrinks to just under 10 hours. The darker, shorter days really set the stage for winter.
Regional Weather Variations
Weather across Massachusetts really depends on where you are. Coastal spots enjoy milder conditions, thanks to the ocean, while inland areas deal with bigger swings in temperature.
Cape Cod Climate Distinctions
Cape Cod’s peninsula location gives it a totally different feel from the rest of the state. The Atlantic Ocean acts like a natural thermostat all year.
Winters on Cape Cod run 5-10 degrees warmer than inland towns. Snow doesn’t pile up as much either—usually just 20-30 inches a year, while western Massachusetts gets slammed with 40-50 inches.
Summers feel cooler and breezier. July rarely tops 80°F, unlike inland areas that often roast in the mid-80s.
Seasonal changes lag behind the mainland. Spring comes late, with trees budding 2-3 weeks after inland spots. Fall sticks around longer, and mild temps can last well into November.
Rain falls pretty steadily all year, since the ocean brings in moisture. You won’t notice big swings between seasons.
Fog is a classic Cape Cod feature in summer. Cool ocean water and warm air combine to create thick morning fog that usually burns off by midday.
Nantucket Weather Differences
Nantucket, sitting 30 miles off the coast, has the most maritime climate in Massachusetts. The ocean keeps temperatures steady—more so than even Cape Cod.
Winter lows rarely drop below 25°F, and summer highs seldom break 75°F. That’s a tiny annual range, just about 50 degrees.
Snow is rare and doesn’t stick around. Most winter precipitation falls as rain or a wintry mix, thanks to the ocean’s warmth.
Winds really shape Nantucket’s weather. Constant ocean breezes keep summers cool but can make winter days feel colder than they are.
Seasons run late here, even more than Cape Cod. Spring warmth doesn’t hit until 3-4 weeks after the mainland, and fall colors peak in late October, long after inland trees are bare.
Humidity stays high year-round, thanks to the ocean air. Summers feel pleasant, but winters can feel raw and chilly.
Inland Versus Coastal Patterns
The difference between inland and coastal weather in Massachusetts really shows up during extreme events. Inland spots see bigger temperature swings and harsher winters.
Western Massachusetts gets hit by continental air. Winter temps often drop below 10°F, and sometimes plunge below zero. Snow piles up—60-80 inches a year in the Berkshires is normal.
Coastal and inland areas can differ by 10-15 degrees in winter. Boston Harbor keeps city temps milder, while Springfield shivers in the cold.
Summer heat is tougher inland, too. Western Massachusetts often sees highs in the upper 80s and low 90s, but the coast usually hangs out in the 70s.
Storms play out differently depending on where you are. Nor’easters dump heavy snow inland, but the coast often gets rain or a mix. Thunderstorms pop up more over the hot inland areas in summer.
Growing seasons last longer by the ocean. The last spring frost comes 2-3 weeks earlier near the coast, and fall’s first frost shows up later.
Best Time to Visit Massachusetts for Weather
If you want the best weather, aim for late spring through early fall. May through October is really the sweet spot for comfortable temperatures and fewer weather headaches. Spring and summer bring warmth that’s perfect for exploring, and autumn’s foliage is honestly hard to beat.
Ideal Seasons for Outdoor Activities
Spring—April and May—kicks off the best stretch of weather. Temps climb from the 40s in March up to the mid-60s by May. It’s a great time to wander Boston’s historic streets or see flowers blooming across the state.
Summer, from June through August, brings the warmest and most reliable weather. Expect 70°F to 85°F most days, with Cape Cod and Nantucket running cooler thanks to sea breezes. July can get hot—5 to 15 days might top 90°F—but nights cool down enough to be comfortable.
Early fall, especially September and October, is perfect for outdoor activities. September brings temps from 52°F at night up to 75°F during the day. October cools off, with nighttime lows near 42°F and highs around 65°F—ideal for hiking or sightseeing.
Winter, though, is tough for outdoor plans. Heavy snow and regular freezing temps make it a challenging time to get outside.
Events Influenced by Climate
Massachusetts’ climate really shapes when big events and festivals happen. You’ll notice summer festivals everywhere from June through August, since the warm, steady weather makes it perfect for outdoor concerts, food fests, and harbor parties in Boston.
People flock to see the fall foliage in September and October. Towns and parks plan their events right around the brightest colors, and honestly, it’s tough to beat the views. State parks and scenic spots get creative with special autumn programs.
Beach season on Cape Cod and Nantucket starts in late May and stretches into September. July and August bring the best swimming—finally, the ocean feels warm enough to actually enjoy.
Winter events lean into the snowy weather, with holiday celebrations popping up all over. But the harsh conditions and frequent storms do limit a lot of outdoor activities, and sometimes schedules get thrown off.