United States, North America

Boston in May

Magnolias and lilacs bloom, but graduation weekends push rates to the year's highest.

GoodMild, highs near 67F (19C)

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

The straight answer

May is a good month to visit Boston. Magnolias and lilacs bloom, but graduation weekends push rates to the year's highest.

Weather: Mild, highs near 67F (19C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What May is like in Boston

May is mild and lovely in Boston. Highs reach about 67F (19C), magnolias and lilacs bloom along Commonwealth Avenue and in the Public Garden, and outdoor patios open up. The catch is price: college graduation weekends push hotel rates to their highest of the year. Boston Harbor Islands ferries start running for the season.

This month suits couples, walkers, and families who can travel on weekdays or avoid graduation weekends. It is a poor pick for budget travelers who cannot move their dates. If you want warm days and a better balance of price, June is a great next step.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Boston this month.

Spring blooms in the Back Bay

Magnolias and lilacs line Commonwealth Avenue and fill the Public Garden. It is the prettiest time for a stroll.

Harbor Islands open

Ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands start their season, and a day of trails and old forts is a fun family outing.

Freedom Trail weather

Mild days make it easy to walk the full 2.5 miles from Boston Common to the USS Constitution.

What to pack for May

A light jacket for cool evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
A compact umbrella
Sunglasses for sunny afternoons

Our timing tip

Check college graduation dates before you book, since those weekends can double hotel rates, and consider staying in Cambridge or Brookline near the T.

Book Boston for May.

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