What March feels like in Boston
March is early spring in Boston. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights hover around freezing, so frost is common. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Boston in March
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 10.1 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. Across the year Boston averages about 9.4 mm per rainy day, so March is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, Boston gets 11 h 51 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:58 am to sunset near 6:49 pm. Since mid-February the day has gained 1 h 19 min. About 69% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in Boston. Against February, the average high is 4.2°C (7.6°F) higher, with 21 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into April. April averages a high of 13.6°C (56.5°F).
Who March 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.
Tips for visiting Boston in March
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Boston in March?
Expect around 7.7°C (45.9°F) in the afternoon and -1.7°C (28.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Boston in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 111 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Boston in March?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is March or April better for visiting Boston?
On our 12-month climate ranking, April comes out ahead (#6 of 12 vs #9). April is warmer.