United States, North America

Boston in August

Summer beach weather and quieter weeks as locals head to the Cape. Late August move-in chaos begins.

GoodWarm and humid, highs near 81F (27C)

Boston skyline, United States — BostonPhoto: Christian David, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a good month to visit Boston. Summer beach weather and quieter weeks as locals head to the Cape. Late August move-in chaos begins.

Weather: Warm and humid, highs near 81F (27C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Boston

August is warm and humid, with highs near 81F (27C) and the odd thunderstorm. Many locals head to Cape Cod, so early and mid August can feel a little quieter in town than July, though tourist spots stay busy. Late in the month, college students return and move-in traffic and full hotels take over, especially around the last weekend.

This month suits families on summer break who want to pair the city with a beach day or a trip to the Cape. It is less ideal for anyone arriving during late-August move-in, when rates jump and streets clog. For cooler, calmer days, wait until mid September.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Boston this month.

Quieter summer weeks

With many locals away on vacation, early August can feel calmer in the neighborhoods and restaurants.

A day trip to the beach

Warm weather is perfect for pairing the city with Cape Cod or a beach day outside town. Rent a car only for that part.

The New England Aquarium

The aquarium is a cool, easy break for kids on a hot afternoon.

What to pack for August

Light, breathable clothes
A swimsuit for a beach day
Sunscreen and a hat
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Come in the first half of August, and check local college move-in dates so you do not arrive on the busiest weekend.

Book Boston for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Boston
Opens a hotel search for Boston in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Boston
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Boston
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Boston for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Boston

Full guide

The Freedom Trail

Start early at Boston Common and follow the red line. Ranger and costumed guide tours run in season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fenway Park

A Red Sox game from April through September, or a ballpark tour year-round.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museum of Fine Arts

One of the largest art museums in the US. Plan a half day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A Venetian palace courtyard filled with art, and the site of a famous unsolved art heist.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Boston National Historical Park

Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church area, Bunker Hill, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

USS Constitution Museum

Old Ironsides and the museum in Charlestown. Great for kids.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check college graduation and move-in dates before booking. Those weekends can double hotel rates.
Walk the Freedom Trail before 10am in summer and fall.
Stay in Cambridge or Brookline near the T for lower rates than the Back Bay.
For foliage, go midweek. Weekend traffic to New Hampshire and Vermont is heavy in October.

Know before you go

Boston Harbor Islands ferries run seasonally, roughly May through October.
Nor'easters can cancel flights and slow the T for a day or two in winter.
Patriots' Day closes streets along the Marathon route and some businesses keep holiday hours.