Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
Vast forests, blue lakes, towering sequoias, and majestic waterfalls hint at the beauty of Yosemite National Park—a true natural masterpiece.
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.
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.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Boston - and find the best time to visit.
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).
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
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.
Our historical data for Boston spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
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
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Boston climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
Vast forests, blue lakes, towering sequoias, and majestic waterfalls hint at the beauty of Yosemite National Park—a true natural masterpiece.
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