What May feels like in Boston
For Boston, May is late spring on the calendar. Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cool. Moist air is typical, yet it seldom feels heavy at this time of year.
Rain in Boston in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 8.2 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 9.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 5:23 am and sunset at about 7:57 pm (local time) — 14 h 34 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 1 h 14 min. About 68% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Boston. Compared with April, afternoons are 6°C (10.8°F) warmer, with 11 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into June. By June, typical highs are 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Boston in May
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.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Boston in May?
It feels mild: typical highs are 19.6°C (67.3°F), with lows near 10°C (50°F).
Does it rain a lot in Boston in May?
Quite a lot — 90 mm spread over about 11 days.
What should I wear in Boston in May?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Boston?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #5). June is warmer.