What February feels like in Boston
For Boston, February is late winter on the calendar. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights drop well below freezing. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Boston in February
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Each rainy day adds about 9 mm (0.4 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Boston's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 9.4 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in February
Mid-month, Boston gets 10 h 33 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:42 am to sunset near 5:15 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 9 min more daylight than in mid-January. About 67% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How February compares to the rest of the year
In Boston's temperature order, February sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against January, the average high is 1.1°C (2°F) higher, with 5 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into March. March averages a high of 7.7°C (45.9°F).
Who February suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Boston in February
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Boston in February?
Afternoons average 3.5°C (38.3°F) and nights about -5.8°C (21.6°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in February?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 90 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Boston in February?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is February or March better for visiting Boston?
March scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #11), rated Poor against Poor. March is warmer and has more rainy days.