What's the weather like in Boston in July
Temperature
Things really warm up in Boston in July, the average temperatures reach their highest of the year. The long, cold winter is a distant memory as the average temperature for the city in July hits a high of 27.4°C, with the average low still a warm 18.6°C. This can mean some hot and sticky days and nights, although breezes in coastal areas may offset that. The temperatures peak around the 22nd or 23rd of the month, averaging a high of 28°C and a low of 18.9 °C. The high climbs above 32°C on an average of four days in July and it can go much higher. In 2011, it topped 39°C on July 22 and the year before it was 38°C on July 6. American Independence Day on July 4 1911 set a record of 40°C. To be sure of what lies ahead, always check the local weather report before you set off.
Rain and snow
The chances of rain are lower than in March to June, but it's still a strong possibility with the city getting average rainfall of 87mm/3.4 inches in July, with an average of 11 rainy days. This can vary between 53 to 113mm, or two to four inches in half of the years. Count yourself lucky you're not visiting New Orleans, one of the USA's rainiest cities, averaging over 160mm of rain for the month of July.
Sunshine Hours
July is the sunniest month of the year in Boston, with an average of 300 hours of sunshine across the month, or 9.7 a day. The rays of the sun reach the ground for 65 percent of daylight hours on average and skies in Boston are clear for an average of seven days. The days are still long, although shorter than June, lasting an average of 14 hours and 53 minutes a day. The longest day is July 1 with 15 hours and 13 minutes of daylight and this has shortened to 14 hours 28 minutes by July 31. Average relative humidity in Boston is 68 per cent, with a high of 80 per cent in the morning falling to 57 per cent by early afternoon.
Wind
The wind speed in Boston is light, at an average of 11mph in July and breezes are usually warm and welcome in the heat. The chances of a thunderstorm are high, due to the weather conditions and they are more common in Boston in July than in any other month.
Sea Temperature
Swimming in the sea is more of a pleasure than an ordeal in July, with average sea temperatures a warm 17°C, the second highest of the year after August.
Dress Code
July is usually very hot, even at night so pack plenty of summer clothing and swimming costumes for the beach or pool. Throw in a jumper and a waterproof coat is still an essential. Make sure you look at our 14-day forecast for Boston before departure.
Boston Hotels in July
The Godfrey Hotel
The Godfrey Hotel is a chic and modern boutique alternative to the big chains surrounded by some of the city's liveliest bars and most popular restaurants. It is also within a short stroll of Boston Opera House and Boston Common. The laid-back atmosphere is in direct contrast to the hustle and bustle outside and the hotel's Ruka restaurant and bar offers an extraordinary mix of Japanese and Peruvian influences on its menu.
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express is a cost-effective choice that consistently attracts good reviews. Located in the downtown area, it's within easy reach of all the city's attractions, including Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail and is directly opposite the TD Garden in the North End neighbourhood. The Qdoba Mexican grill is at the front of the hotel and the city's fabled North End Italian restaurants are all close by.
Residence Inn by Marriott
The Marriott's new Residence Inn Boston Watertown sits next to the Charles River and has a range of studio, one and two-bedroom suites with kitchens to suit a range of budgets. There's a free grocery delivery service, a 24-7 food market, a free shuttle bus anywhere within a two-mile radius, free daily breakfast and a well-equipped gym, fitness centre and swimming pool.
Four Seasons Boston
If you want to push the boat out in Boston, the luxurious Four Seasons Boston overlooks Boston's Public Garden and is close to some of the best shopping in the city. One of the highlights is the spectacular 44-foot indoor pool on the eighth floor with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the Public Garden and Beacon Hill. Dinner is served in The Bristol restaurant and the Bristol bar serves a range of cocktails and other drinks.
Boston beaches in July
Dorchester beaches
After years of neglect, the Savin Hill and Malibu beaches have been restored to their former glory, when they were two of Boston's most popular up until the 1960s. Both have protected swimming areas, playgrounds and Malibu has a bath house. The two beaches are effectively one continuous beach and both have lifeguards on duty.
Bars and Restaurants
Haley.Henry Wine Bar
Portugal provides the inspiration for Haley.Henry, a swish restaurant and wine bar in downtown Boston that's open until late. It can get crowded, but it's worth it for the food, drink and atmosphere. Cheeseboards and toast appetisers are joined by a bewildering variety of tinned fish, including cockles, sardines and smoked eels in a variety of delicious sauces. Voted Boston's best wine bar in 2017.
Hojoko
Located in the trendy Verb Hotel, Hojoko is the perfect place for lovers of sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes, with a lively and stylish bar thrown in, serving great cocktails. Try a Mai Tai with a mix of different rums, curacao, almond, sesame and lime. From Tofu Tempura to Karaage Fried Chicken, the menu caters for all tastes and booking is advised, as it is often full, particularly at weekends. There is a musical twist too, with regular live bands.
Croke Park Whitey's
If you want a no-nonsense equivalent of a 'spit and sawdust' pub, then look no further than the Boston south side institution Croke Park Whitey's, where the city's down to earth 'Southies' mingle with hipsters and students. This is a neighbourhood bar, so there are no tourist frills. Beers and shots, burgers and pizza and free pool are the order of the day here, along with lashings of atmosphere. So authentic is the dive bar feel that it has been used for several films and TV dramas, including Clint Eastwood's Mystic River.
Taberna de Haro
If sherry is your tipple you will love the Taberna de Haro but even if you don't the award-winning menu will win you over. Chef and owner Deborah Hansen lived in Spain for eight years and has imported the style of typical Iberian tabernas to Boston with spectacular success, with more than 50 dishes including tapas, tortilla Espanola, sautéed frog's legs, roasted sea bass and Moorish lamb skewers. There are more than 325 mainly Spanish wines to choose from too.
Things to do in Boston in July
Independence Day
The main event in Boston and across the USA is the annual Independence Day celebrations and the city's spectacular July 4 Pops Concert and Fireworks Spectacular is the biggest in the country. Spread across two days, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra plays on the Boston Esplanade, with the backing of real cannon fire. The climax on July 4 is a stunning firework display above the Charles River. There are hundreds of smaller events across the city to mark Independence Day.
Boston Harborfest
As a prelude to Independence Day, Boston Harborfest is an annual gala celebrating not just independence, but also Boston's major role in defeating the British. There are hundreds of events spread across three days on Independence Day weekend, spread over the city's major landmarks and including the opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall, historical re-enactments, boat tours, Freedom Trail walks, music, entertainment and of course lots of food and drink.
A night of Shakespeare
A fixture in the July and August calendar, Shakespeare on the Common stages free open-air productions of The Bard's plays in the beautiful setting of Boston Common, near the Parkman Bandstand. Organised by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, the event is now in its 24th season and draws up to 75,000 people each year to experience the great man's work. Bring your own blanket and a picnic, but please note that alcohol is not allowed in Boston's public parks and spaces.
Shows and concerts
July is peak month for big names to come to Boston and there are plenty of venues to accommodate them. Recent concerts have included Taylor Swift, U2, Foofighters and The Killers and it's a safe bet that an A-list performer or group will be playing Boston each July. Venues include the TD Garden and Fenway Park, or for more highbrow entertainment the Boston Symphony Orchestra is world-renowned and there are touring Broadway shows, ballet, opera and classical concerts at Boston Opera House. Book early as July events sell out fast.
