United States, North America

Boston in September

Warm days, cool nights, and a rich events calendar. College move-in makes the first weekend hectic.

BestPleasant, highs near 74F (23C)

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

The straight answer

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Boston. Warm days, cool nights, and a rich events calendar. College move-in makes the first weekend hectic.

Weather: Pleasant, highs near 74F (23C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What September is like in Boston

September is Boston's best month. Highs sit near 74F (23C), nights turn cool, and the summer humidity breaks. The first weekend is hectic with college move-in, but after that the city settles into a lively, grown-up rhythm with a full events calendar. Prices are high, since it is a popular month, and late in the month the first fall color appears up north.

This month suits almost everyone, especially couples, history lovers, and families with younger kids not tied to school dates. The only thing to avoid is the move-in weekend. If you want peak fall color, plan for October, but expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Boston this month.

Perfect walking weather

Warm days and cool nights make this the best month for the Freedom Trail, the North End, and long walks along the Charles.

The first fall color

In late September, foliage starts in northern New England. A day trip north gives you an early taste of the color.

The last weeks at Fenway

The Red Sox regular season ends in September, and a warm evening game is a great way to spend a night.

What to pack for September

A light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers for warm afternoons and crisp nights
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Skip the first weekend of September, when college move-in fills hotels and streets, and book midweek stays for the best rates.

Book Boston for September.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Boston
Opens a hotel search for Boston in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for September
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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in September

New England fall foliage

Late September to late October

Peak color moves south from northern New England to the Boston area by mid to late October.

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.

Boston in September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Boston?

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Boston. Warm days, cool nights, and a rich events calendar. College move-in makes the first weekend hectic.

What is the weather like in Boston in September?

Pleasant, highs near 74F (23C).

Is Boston crowded in September?

Boston is busy in September, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Boston in September?

New England fall foliage (late september to late october).