What's the weather like in Boston in November
Temperature
Winter arrives in Boston, USA, in November and although the daily average makes it bearable, temperatures can go much lower, so it's best to be prepared. The average temperature for Boston in November brings a high of 10.8°C and an average low of 3.3°C, making the nights very cold. However, temperatures plummeted to an all-time low of -5 in 2017, beating the previous record of -4.5°C in 1901, and cold snaps do occur. Boston averages a daily maximum November temperature of between 9 and 12°C most years and a minimum of between 2 and 5°C. But the days cool down markedly as the month goes on and average temperatures by November 30 are 5 °C lower than at the start. At night, temperatures fall to freezing or below on six days, producing the first frosts. Check the local weather report before you set off. If you're still chasing the summer sun, be sure to head to Miami, a city in the USA's 'Sunshine State', where temperatures rarely fall below 20°C all year round.
Rain and snow
Boston has the second highest rainfall of the year in November, with an average of 101mm/3.9 inches, with 11 rainy days. This can vary greatly and half the time Boston gets between 71 and 130mm of rain in November.
Snow is a possibility, with an average of 2.5cms for the month. This is still relatively low, compared with the January average of 33cms. Snow is still rare though, with fresh snow of 8cms falling on one in four months.
Sunshine Hours
November in Boston has the third lowest sunshine hours of the year, with average monthly sunshine of 152 hours for the month, or 5 a day. The sun reaches the ground on only 50 per cent of daylight hours on average and skies in Boston are clear for an average of eight days, with at most 30 percent cloud cover. Days get much shorter as November goes on, with a monthly average of 9 hours and 46 minutes a day. The longest day of the month, with 10 hours and 19 minutes of daylight on November 1 compares with the shortest on November 30, with 9 hours and 20 minutes. Average relative humidity in Boston is 68 per cent in November, with 74 per cent in the morning and 59 per cent by afternoon.
Wind
The wind speed in Boston picks up in November, at an average of 12.5mph, but is still relatively low. Any storms that do occur will be rain and this can include heavy thunderstorms.
Dress Code
It's time to break out the warm clothing for Boston in November, although be aware that temperatures can sometimes be warmer than average. A raincoat or umbrella will be essential, but you can leave the thermals at home. Check our 14-day forecast for Boston before departure.
Boston Hotels in November
The Langham
For a spot of British elegance and tradition, the Boston branch of London's famous hotel The Langham awaits. Situated in the grand 1920s surroundings of the former Boston Federal Reserve Bank there are 317 rooms and suites and a choice of award-winning restaurants and bars, Café Fleuri, cocktail bar Bond and The Reserve, where afternoon tea is served daily. For the more active the hotel has a fitness centre and opulent spa.
Oakwood at 1 India St
For travellers on a budget who want their own space, the studio, one and two bed apartments at Oakwood at 1 India St cater for just that in the heart of Boston's financial district. With fully fitted kitchens, generous living space and bedrooms, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are right next door, as are plentiful restaurants and shopping. There's a gym too.
The Envoy
A favourite with tourists and business people alike, The Envoy is a laid back and stylish hotel with 136 rooms and suites and enough food and drink choices to satisfy the most demanding travellers. The Lookout rooftop bar gives great views of the city and the and Outlook restaurant downstairs serves up a range of local and international dishes. There is also a free 24-hour fitness centre.
Natalie House
Another budget option that's a little outside the main hotel district but still within reach of the attractions is the no-nonsense B&B Natalie House which has attracted rave reviews from happy guests. Fenway Park is three miles away and it's a short hop from the airport. It's been rated as the best value in Boston. Facilities are basic, but clean and restaurants and bars are plentiful in the neighbourhood of Allston-Brighton. Free WIFI.
Bars and Restaurants
Saus
Belgium is the unlikely inspiration behind the casual Saus which opened downtown in 2011. It is frequently crammed with locals who come for pork belly, kimchi fried chicken, 'friks (beef and pork sausages in a roll), fries, waffles and other made-to-order dishes, all covered in their home-made sauces and gravy. The beer is another strong point and you can raise a glass to the three owners, who were inspired to go it alone after losing their jobs in the 2008 recession.
The Gallows
A lively and noisy gastropub in Boston's exclusive South End, The Gallows opened in 2010 and became a hit thanks to dishes such as fried babybels, Spanish octopus, 'white trash beef dip' and roasted bone marrow. It serves simpler fare including burgers too and there's also its renowned dessert, the 'stoner's delight' (peanut butter mousse, chocolate ganache, banana, and bruleed fluff).
Juliet
Juliet has already claimed a clutch of awards even though it only opened in 2016 and you can enjoy everything from a takeaway breakfast to a light lunch and an a la carte dinner here. Book early for the evenings, as they can only accommodate 30 guests and demand is high (a la carte is walk-in only). The menu changes regularly and French-influenced dishes can include everything from mussels to branzino and classic French onion soup, with vegetarians well catered for.
Loyal Nine
A café by day and a restaurant by night, Loyal Nine is a venture that sticks to its New England roots. Seafood abounds on the menu, although there are plenty of excellent meat choices too. Sit back and let them make the choices for you with a shared supper or plunge into your favourite seafood, meat or veggie dish on the extensive menu. Leave room for a pudding though. The majority of ingredients will be local.
Things to do in Boston in November
Bike and walking tours
Enjoy the last of the autumn colours with a Boston bike tour or walking tour taking in many of Boston's neighbourhoods and giving a detailed insight into its history, architecture and culture. There are a bewildering variety of different tours, all led by expert guides. The bike tours will take you from the bustling streets of the city to peaceful paths by the river. Many of the walking guides are volunteers keen to show off their city to visitors
Get on the ice
Be one of the first on the ice as the iconic Frog Pond rink opens for the winter on Boston Common, as long as the weather is not too warm. If that's too strenuous for you, try a more sedate ice activity by booking tickets to see a Boston Bruins ice hockey game at TD Garden with a beer and a hot dog. They usually have one or more home games a week during November and the Boston Celtics basketball team offer an alternative at the same venue.
Veterans Day
The Americans revere their servicemen and women and Veterans Day is another national holiday. It pays tribute to past and present service personnel each year and in Boston it also celebrates the city's important role in the fight for independence. There is always a lot going on, including two parades in many years. Take a ferry to Fort Warren or visit the USS Constitution Museum to explore Boston's military history. If that's not your thing, join the sales which precede Black Friday.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, has been celebrated almost continuously since 1789 and is a national holiday. The first Thanksgiving supper in 1621 was attended by 53 settlers and 90 Native Americans and as it took place 40 miles from Boston in Plymouth, it carries added significance in Massachusetts. It's a family holiday and to experience Thanksgiving at its source head up the coast to the events in Plymouth.
