Boston Weather in December

December in Boston brings low temperatures, with daytime highs of 6°C (43°F) and nights around -1°C (30°F). It's also the wettest month of the year, so an umbrella is a must.

Rainfall in Boston in December

Expect frequent showers this month, so make sure to have an umbrella to keep yourself dry. On average, there are about 12 days with snow/rain during this month, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in). The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.

Temperature in Boston in December

In December, Boston gets low temperatures, with highs of 6°C (43°F). Nights cool to around -1°C (30°F). December is part of winter. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. With lows of -1°C (30°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated.

Sunshine in Boston in December

The month brings about 141 hours of sunlight, offering a comfortable mix of sun and overcast.

Wind Speed in Boston in December

Average wind conditions reach 7 m/s (14 knots) in December. This indicates a windy month with strong breezes dominating the weather pattern. Remember this is an average: while most days are notably windy, some calmer periods occur alongside more stormy conditions.

Average water temperature in December

The water sits at 8°C (46°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.

If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Boston. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Boston's climate page.

Boston Temperature in December

Min Temperature -1°C (30°F)  

Max Temperature 6°C (43°F)  

Water Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Chance of Rain 41%  

Precipitation 132 mm (5.2 in)  

Rainy days 12 days  

Humidity 66%  

Windspeed 7 m/s (14 knots)  

Sunshine 141 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 50%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Boston typically drop from around 8°C (46°F) at the start of December to approximately 4°C (39°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -4°C (25°F) to 2°C (36°F).

Average temperatures in December

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Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Boston in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Boston spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Boston historical weather extremes in December

According to our 49 years of weather records for Boston, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.

• Boston recorded its highest December temperature of 22°C (72°F) on December 6, 2001.
• Nighttime temperatures dropped to -18°C (0°F) on December 25, 1983, marking the coldest December night on record.

What to Wear in Boston in December

Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Expect water temperatures of around 8°C (46°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month

What To Do in Boston in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

5/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

1/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Boston's climate page.

More climate data for Boston

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Boston climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.