What's the weather like in Boston in June
Temperature
Boston lives life outdoors in June as summer brings warm temperatures and the city bursts into a riot of colour. Its famous parks are well worth a visit at this time of year. June in Boston, USA is beautifully warm and can be baking hot on occasions. The average temperature for the city in June reaches a high of 24.5°C, the third highest of the year, and the average low is a very comfortable 15.3°C. Things warm up progressively as the month goes on with temperatures on June 30 an average of 5°C warmer than June 1, but Boston's weather can always spring a surprise. The temperature topped a sweltering 35°C in June, 2017 and 38°C in June, 1925. By contrast, June 2015 was unseasonably cold, with a record low of 9°C early in the month. It is advisable to check the local weather report before you set off.
Rain and snow
As with any month in Boston, there is still a good chance of rain in June, despite the warmer weather. The city receives an average of 93mm/3.7 inches of rainfall with 12 rainy days on average, making it the sixth rainiest month of the year, compared to July where there is 13 rainy days. It is the most variable month for the amount of rainfall, with levels ranging from 37 to 119 mm on 50 per cent of occasions. Snowfall in June is unheard of.
Sunshine Hours
Boston enjoys its second sunniest month of the year on average in June. There are an average of 283 hours of sunshine across the month, a daily average of 9.5 hours. Skies will be mainly clear, with 30 per cent cloud cover or less, on at least seven days on average and the rays of the sun hit the ground during 63 per cent of daylight hours. Daylight in June lasts for an average of 15 hours and 13 minutes a day. The longest days of the year are from June 18-23, with 15 hours and 17 minutes from sunrise to sunset. Average relative humidity in Boston is 69 per cent, peaking at 80 per cent in the morning and falling to 58 per cent by afternoon.
Wind
The Boston wind can be a curse in winter and the city is one of the windiest in the USA, as well as Chicago, the 'Windy City' But in summer the light winds bring welcome relief from Boston's hottest days. The average June wind speed in Boston is low at 11.2mph and near the coast, the warm breezes help keep things cool for residents and tourists alike. The chances of a storm are low, at two per cent on average.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperatures rises dramatically to 13°C in June. A swim in the sea is well worth adding to the schedule.
Dress Code
Whatever month you visit, a waterproof coat and umbrella is a handy accessory in Boston. But June is mainly about warm weather clothing and footwear. So, t-shirts, shorts and sandals are the order of the day, with a light coat or jumper for the evenings. To make absolutely sure, check our 14-day forecast for Boston before you depart.
Boston Hotels in June
Summer is Boston can be glorious, so make sure you choose a location that allows you to take advantage of that, close to the water or Boston's stunning public parks if possible. Rates are rising, so shop around for the best deal and book early. Last-minute deals are out there, but it's a gamble.
Battery Wharf Hotel
If amazing harbour views are your thing, then the Battery Wharf Hotel could be the place for you. Many of the hotel's spacious 380-square-foot guestrooms have uninterrupted Boston harbour views, so it's worth paying a bit more and asking for a 'water view room'. Dining options include the Battery Wharf Grille, serving classic New England cuisine with seafood prominent on the menu, which is significantly popular with locals. There's a cosy drinks terrace with fire pits for when the temperatures drop and a 'grab and go' Café Amalfi serving coffee, light bites and pastries on the ground floor, plus the Battery Lounge serving cocktails and snacks.
Keep fit fans will not be disappointed, as the Exhale fitness suite has a fully equipped gym and a range of classes including yoga.
W Boston
The W Boston sits slap bang in the middle of Boston's lively theatre district and is a popular meeting spot for the city's tech entrepreneurs. It has undergone a multi-million-dollar restoration led by Spanish artist Antonio Mora, adding dark wood and leather to the latest technology across the hotel. The buzzing W Lounge is the place for a pre-theatre cocktail and resident DJs pump up the volume on certain nights. The Gallery restaurant mixes New England with international cuisine surrounded by huge artworks. The Bliss Spa offers a range of treatments and there is a beauty salon and well-equipped gym.
The Liberty
Occupying a prime position in the Beacon Hill district, The Liberty is a classy and understated hotel steps away from all the shopping, and dining you need and Boston Common is on the doorstep too. A unique feature is its previous history as the Charles Street Jail, a national historic landmark built in 1851. Many of the 298 rooms and suites offer sweeping view of the Charles River and the Boston skyline and there are five restaurants and bars on site to choose from, including Clink, serving fresh local seafood and the Alibi bar, set in the former jail's drunk tank. There is also a lobby bar and the upmarket Scampo restaurant, the brainchild of Boston chef Lydia Shire.
Doubletree by Hilton Downtown
The Doubletree by Hilton Downtown sits right at the heart of the action but just a short hop from Boston Logan airport. There are 267 rooms with climate control, satellite TV and a kitchen, many with bay views, buffet and formal restaurants and a bar. In addition to a pool and gym, the hotel can also arrange golf, ice skating and bowling and has a children's club and play area to keep the young ones entertained. Its extensive conference and meeting facilities also make it popular with business people.
Boston beaches in June
Revere Beach
Boston has several excellent beaches within striking distance and the two-mile long Revere Beach is a great place to start. It was established as a public beach in 1896 and is the oldest in the USA. The Atlantic-facing beach has a public bathhouse, Victorian pavilions, and food vendors everywhere. There are lifeguards on duty. It gets very lively at weekends, so visit on a weekday or go early in the morning or in late afternoon.
Bars and Restaurants
Doyle's Café
Take the Samuel Adams trolley straight from the nearby brewery to the door of Doyle's in Jamaica Plain, which has been serving beer and bites to Bostonians for more than 135 years. This family-run Boston institution started as a typical one-room Irish pub and has since expanded to a bar triple the size. Clientele range from tourists, to politicians, students, locals and business people. Enjoy a corned beef special from the extensive menu washed down with Boston lager and join in with the craic at this most Irish of pubs.
The Automatic
Labelled one of Boston's hottest bars, The Automatic in Cambridge has an imaginative and interesting menu too. Try the Frito Pie From Hell or Sichuan-style Beef Jerky with great beers, wines and cocktails in wood-panelled surroundings, where people make a dash for the cosy booths. Popular with the locals and perfect for hipsters, enjoy a game of Jenga with your drink or, if you're lucky, live music from local bands.
The Publick House
A couple of miles south-west of Boston Common in Brookline, The Publick House has won rave reviews and been showered with awards for its food and drink. This is a beer and wine bar, there are no fancy cocktails and there are plenty of good menu choices for vegetarians. There are also lots of meat and fish choices, ranging from short rib melts, crab cakes and burgers to a huge mac and cheese which might be better suited to two.
Jacob Wirth
The Jacob Wirth is one of Boston's oldest and most famous restaurants and has been serving great German food since the man himself arrived in Boston in 1868 from south-west Germany and set up shop in downtown Eliot Street. Celebrities, sportsmen and leading politicians have all been regulars over the year, drawn by its food and atmosphere. Schnitzel, bratwurst and knockwurst dominate the menu, although there are American dishes and vegetarians are well catered for.
Things to do in Boston in June
Bunker Hill Day
This is a state holiday in Boston and the highlight is the free Bunker Hill Day Parade, at the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the battle against the British on nearby Breed's Hill on June 17, 1775. Streets are closed as thousands of people watch the Charlestown militia in period dress playing their fifes and drums and firing off musket salutes before the parade sets off. Visit the Bunker Hill Museum or follow Boston's Freedom Trail to learn about Boston's pivotal role in the Revolution. The parade is on the Sunday before the anniversary.
Dragon Boat Festival
Boston's spectacular annual Dragon Boat Festival on the Charles River is the largest in the USA, with more than 60 teams competing, ranging from novices to experts. Now in its 40th year, trials take place on Saturday, and the races on Sunday and the event also features a loud and colourful festival, with Asian dance, arts and crafts, martial arts displays and plenty of food and drink on offer.
Boston Pride
The city's 48th annual LGBTQ celebration, Boston Pride, is New England's largest and lasts for nine days in June with festivals, parties, concerts and other celebrations across the city, including the iconic Fenway Park baseball stadium. The centrepiece on the final day is the vibrant Pride festival, pageant and parade which winds its way through Boston, creating a lively party atmosphere throughout the city.
Boston Irish Festival
The annual Boston Irish Festival is a popular event in the calendar, usually taking place over two days at the start of June. Organised by the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, it features concerts from top Irish musicians and singers, Irish dancing, sports and history over the weekend. There's plenty for the children at this family-focussed festival, food and lots of drink at what is essentially a giant Irish party. Well worth a visit.
