Boston

Massachusetts Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Massachusetts, the United States of America in January.

Thinking about venturing to Massachusetts, the United States of America this January and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in Massachusetts in January

Massachusetts, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. January in Massachusetts generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. January falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

During the day the temperature is very cold in Florida at -2°C (28°F) and cold in Edgartown at 5°C (41°F). As night falls, temperatures generally drop to -4°C (25°F) in Edgartown and -11°C (12°F) in Florida. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

To explore the conditions in Massachusetts, the United States of America in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snowfall in Williamstown with an average of 72 mm (2.8 in) to high snowfall in Plymouth with 114 mm (4.5 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Boston, you can expect around 162 hours of sunlight in January, which gives a pleasant combination of sun and shade. For those who want maximum sunshine, our weather planner can point you toward the sunniest places on Earth.

Explore Massachusetts by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Massachusetts — and find the best time to visit. (based on Boston)

Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Massachusetts.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

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).

Popular Destinations in Massachusetts

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Massachusetts, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Massachusetts (January)

Precipitation variation in Massachusetts (January)

Boston

In January Boston generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
162 hours
168 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
132 mm (5.2 in)
90 mm (3.5 in)
103 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Rockport

In January Rockport generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
162 hours
168 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
141 mm (5.6 in)
105 mm (4.1 in)
109 mm (4.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Gloucester

In January Gloucester generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
162 hours
168 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
136 mm (5.4 in)
96 mm (3.8 in)
103 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Cambridge

In January Cambridge generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
162 hours
168 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
133 mm (5.2 in)
89 mm (3.5 in)
105 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Hyannis

In January Hyannis generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
147 hours
147 hours
169 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
137 mm (5.4 in)
106 mm (4.2 in)
102 mm (4 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Massachusetts, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Massachusetts in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Boston 3°C (37°F) -5°C (23°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Rockport 3°C (37°F) -5°C (23°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Gloucester 3°C (37°F) -5°C (23°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Cambridge 3°C (37°F) -6°C (21°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Hyannis 4°C (39°F) -4°C (25°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
West Yarmouth 4°C (39°F) -4°C (25°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)

Massachusetts weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Massachusetts, the United States of America in January?

January in Massachusetts, the United States of America brings poor weather. In Boston, daytime temperatures are typically around 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows hover near -5°C (23°F).

What is the average temperature in Massachusetts, the United States of America in January?

Average temperatures in Massachusetts, the United States of America during January range from a nighttime low near -5°C (23°F) to a daytime high around 3°C (37°F) in Boston.

Does Massachusetts, the United States of America get a lot of snow/rain in January?

Rain is generally moderate to light in Massachusetts, the United States of America during January, with Boston averaging close to 90 mm (3.5 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit Massachusetts, the United States of America?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Boston, January may not be the ideal time to visit Massachusetts, the United States of America.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in August and September offering mostly perfect weather in Boston. On the other hand, the months of January, February, March and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Massachusetts.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.