United States, North America

Boston in February

Still deep winter, gray and slushy. Only for bargain hunters and museum lovers.

Think twiceCold, highs near 39F (4C), snow and wind

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

The straight answer

February is a month to think twice about visiting Boston. Still deep winter, gray and slushy. Only for bargain hunters and museum lovers.

Weather: Cold, highs near 39F (4C), snow and wind
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Boston

February is still deep winter in Boston. Highs sit near 39F (4C), the sky is often gray, and snow turns to slush on the sidewalks. Wind off the harbor makes it feel colder. Crowds are at their lowest and hotel prices are cheap, but outdoor sightseeing is hard work and some days are just raw.

This month is really only for bargain hunters and museum lovers who plan to stay inside. Families hoping to walk the Freedom Trail or see the harbor will have a better time almost any other month. If you can wait, June and September are the best times to go.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Boston this month.

A museum-heavy trip

Spend long, warm days at the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gardner, and the Museum of Science, where the planetarium is a good bet with kids.

Low prices across the city

Hotel rates stay near their yearly low, which makes a central stay affordable.

The New England Aquarium

The aquarium on the waterfront is warm, indoor, and a hit with kids on a cold day.

What to pack for February

A heavy winter coat and thermal layers
Waterproof, insulated boots for slush
Warm gloves, a hat, and a scarf
Lip balm and hand cream for dry, cold air

Our timing tip

Book a refundable room and watch the forecast, since a late winter storm can close roads and slow flights for a day or two.

Book Boston for February.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Boston
Opens a hotel search for Boston in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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 February. 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.