What's the weather like in Boston in October
Temperature
The days begin to cool down in October in Boston, USA, as we head towards winter. There are still warm days, but the high summer temperatures are a memory and the nights can be cold. This is the month to be prepared for anything however, as highs have reached 27°C and lows -1°C in past years.
The average temperature for Boston in October is a high of 16.3°C, with an average low of 8.1°C. Boston's daily maximum October temperature is between 15 and 18°C and the minimum is usually between 7 and 9°C. As the month wears on towards November, the days cool rapidly and by October 31 temperatures are around 5.5 °C below the start of the month. At night, temperatures can fall to 4 °C or below on six days. This is a month when it would be wise to check the local weather report before you set off and daily once you are in Boston.
Rain and snow
Boston has an average of 100mm/3.9 inches of rainfall in October, with 10 rainy days on average. This varies between 48 to 132mm in half of the years. The weather is much wetter in one in four Octobers. There is snow on occasions, but not enough to build a snowman, as it rarely settles.
Sunshine
The days are getting shorter and less sunny in October in Boston, with average monthly sunshine of 207 hours for the month, or 6.7 a day. This compares with Miami, which has 270 hours on average in September.
The sun hits the ground during 60 percent of daylight hours on average in October and there are more cloudless days than any month of the year, with the skies clear for an average of 11 days. Daylight lasts for an average of 11 hours and 1 minute a day, with the longest day being 11 hours and 43 minutes on October 1 and ten hours 22 minutes by October 31. Average relative humidity in Boston is 69 per cent, with a high of 78 in the morning and a low of 57 in the afternoon.
Wind
Winds are generally light in Boston in October, with an average speed of 11.8mph. It can be windier by the coast and if you're taking a boat trip the offshore winds can be strong at this time of year. Thunderstorms happen on occasions, but major storms are very rare.
Dress Code
It is advisable to bring layers of clothing, from T-shirts to sweaters and a coat. Pack a hat and gloves if you plan to take a harbour cruise as the wind blowing in from the Atlantic can be chilly. A waterproof coat is also a must. Check our 14-day forecast for Boston before departure.
Boston Hotels in October
Hotel Commonwealth
In the central Boston location of Kenmore Square, Hotel Commonwealth is perfect for baseball fans, as it overlooks the iconic Fenway Park stadium. An added bonus is the food at the Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar restaurants, which attract as many locals as tourists for their eclectic mix of dishes. Try a cocktail at the 25-seater bar while tucking into lobsters, clams, shrimps and other seafood. There's a fitness centre to work it all off afterwards.
Seaport Boston
As the name suggest, Seaport Boston is a striking landmark in the up and coming Seaport District and is already winning awards. It overlooks Boston Harbour and many rooms have stunning water views. There's a restaurant specialising in locally-sourced fish and meat, a bar and a café, plus the luxurious 24-hour Wave Health & Fitness centre with an indoor heated pool, steam rooms, exercise classes and gym.
Newbury Guest House
Right in the middle of all that Boston has to offer, the Newbury Guest House is a good budget option in Back Bay. In a brownstone neighbourhood that was built for the 1700s gentry, Boston Common and The Freedom Trail are on the doorstep along with other attractions such as the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and Paul Revere's House.
The Charlesmark
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The Charlesmark is another good budget choice that was built in 1886 as a private home in exclusive Back Bay and has been carefully renovated to create a European-style boutique hotel with a popular cocktail lounge and outdoor patio. There are 40 guest rooms furnished by renowned designer Dennis Duffy, discount gym passes to the nearby fitness centre and off-site parking at reduced rates. |
Bars and Restaurants
Myers and Chang
A partnership between chef-owner Joanne Chang and executive chef Karen Akunowicz's the Myers and Chang. Try the sensational mix of Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes that have gone down a storm in Boston. Their fresh Asian dishes are served in a laid-back diner setting, from dim sum to meat, shellfish and poultry dishes, as well a good gluten-free selection.
KO Pies at the Shipyard
The combination of meat pies and beer may not sound too appetising, but don't be put off. Pies at the Shipyard is a casual dining spot and the first Australian-inspired food business in New England, tucked away in an arty East Boston shipyard with tremendous downtown views from its patio. The Irish beef stew pie is a favourite on the menu, as is the various grilled seafood and there's another venue in East Boston.
Craigie on Main
You will get an amazing burger at Craigie on Main, but there is so much more to this French-inspired restaurant than that. They do roast chicken dishes with a twist and if you feel experimental, dishes such as confit and milk-fed roasted pig's head with pumpkin sambal and hoisin sauce will be right up your street. There's a daily tasting menu and dishes change regularly according to the seasons, so check what's available before you book.
Belle Isle Seafood
This unashamedly old-fashioned seafood haunt has a Facebook page instead of a website, but it's so popular that advertising is irrelevant. Everything from crabs to clams and seafood chowder is served in sandwiches, rolls and mains, all freshly off the boat. The lobster rolls are famous and the restaurant stresses that if you want fast food, it's best to try elsewhere as everything is cooked fresh to order. Well worth a visit.
Things to do in Boston in October
Columbus Day
Another landmark USA public holiday, Boston's annual Columbus Day Parade is a celebration of the city's Italian heritage, Christopher Columbus's expeditions and Massachusetts' role in securing freedom from the British. The parade is a mix of marching bands, militia re-enactments and the city's Italian-American organisations, plus Duck Boat floats, entertainers and bagpipes. The parade is on the Sunday before Columbus Day.
Halloween
Americans take Halloween very seriously and Boston is no different. Prepare for ghosts and ghouls and Halloween events at many of the city's major attractions. Boston stages events in some of its historic graveyards, and as New England is a major pumpkin producer expect to see them everywhere. Events go on for most of the month and it's worth joining are one of the numerous Boston Ghosts and Gravestones tours.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium draws more than 1.3 million visitors annually and has been a key Boston tourist destination for more than 50 years. It is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation and the centrepoint is its giant 170,000 tank simulating a Caribbean reef. If it lives in our oceans, it's probably here as the Aquarium has 600 species and 20,000 creatures of the deep to marvel at.
Head of the Charles Regatta
Boston's answer to Henley, the Head of the Charles Regatta, takes place on the Charles River every October when more than 8000 elite and amateur rowers from across the world fill the river. Cheered on by huge crowds on the Saturday and Sunday, there are excellent viewing points from the Cambridge and Boston sides of the river. It's also a chance to enjoy Boston's glorious autumn foliage and the regatta always has a great range of food, drink and entertainment.
