What July feels like in Boston
July is the height of summer in Boston — the warmest month of the year. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay warm. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Boston in July
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Each rainy day adds about 8.4 mm (0.3 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 July
In mid-July, sunrise is at about 5:20 am and sunset at about 8:20 pm (local time) — 15 h of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 15 min less daylight than in mid-June. Measured sunshine covers about 76% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How July compares to the rest of the year
July is the warmest month of the year in Boston. Compared with June, afternoons are 3.8°C (6.8°F) warmer, with 4 mm more rain. After this the year turns: August is already cooler. By August, typical highs are 27.1°C (80.8°F).
Who July suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Boston in July
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Boston in July?
Afternoons average 28.3°C (82.9°F) and nights about 19.2°C (66.6°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in July?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 101 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Boston in July?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is July or August better for visiting Boston?
August, clearly: it ranks #2 of 12 among Boston's months, against #7 for the other. August is cooler and has fewer rainy days.