Boston Weather in January

Boston in January sees low daytime temperatures of 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows of -5°C (23°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 90 mm (3.5 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.

Rainfall in Boston in January

On average, there are about 12 days with snow/rain during this month, averaging 90 mm (3.5 in). Rainfall intensity is on the higher side this month. Expect more substantial showers rather than light, passing rain.

Temperature in Boston in January

January in Boston brings typical temperatures with highs around 3°C (37°F) and lows of -5°C (23°F). January marks the winter season. It stays very cold throughout much of the day, so warm winter clothing is essential. With overnight lows of -5°C (23°F), temperatures fall below freezing at night. An extra thick blanket can make a real difference if your accommodation runs cold. It's generally the coldest month of the year, making it essential to pack warm layers and winter accessories.

Sunshine in Boston in January

The area enjoys a balanced 162 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.

Wind Speed in Boston in January

Average wind conditions reach 7 m/s (14 knots) in January. 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 January

With water temperatures around 5°C (41°F), swimming isn't really an option for most visitors. The cold sets in quickly and a wetsuit won't fully solve it.

January in Boston has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

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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 January

Min Temperature -5°C (23°F)  

Max Temperature 3°C (37°F)  

Water Temperature 5°C (41°F)  

Chance of Rain 40%  

Precipitation 90 mm (3.5 in)  

Rainy days 12 days  

Humidity 63%  

Windspeed 7 m/s (14 knots)  

Sunshine 162 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 56%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Boston typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 3°C (37°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -7°C (19°F) to -3°C (27°F).

Average temperatures in January

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Daily Historical Precipitation

51-year average (1976-2026)

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

Average precipitation in January

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Historical weather for Boston in January

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 January

Our historical data for Boston spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.

• Boston recorded its highest January temperature of 20°C (68°F) on January 6, 2007.
• The coldest night in January in Boston was on January 16, 2004, with a minimum of -22°C (-8°F).

What to Wear in Boston in January

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Boston in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Expect water temperatures of around 5°C (41°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 January

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

Swimming

5/10

Cycling

3/10

Walking

3/10

Camping

1/10

Outdoor sports

3/10

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.