16 Worst Times to Visit Boston and What to Do Instead
Even America’s most historic and dynamic city, Boston, has its off days—or, more accurately, its off-seasons. Some times of year are a hassle to visit the city, from weather woes to overwhelming crowds.
But don’t worry, there’s an alternative for every tough time: a way of making your trip worthwhile. Here’s a guide to when not to visit Boston—and how to make the most of your time anyway.
January and February: Winter Freeze-Out
Boston is no place for the faint of heart in the winter. The temperatures often are below freezing and snowstorms can mess with your travel plans. Sightseeing can be downright miserable when the cold wind slices through the city streets. If you have to visit during these months, enjoy the season inside. Warm up with clam chowder at a cozy restaurant such as Union Oyster House, and tour the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Patriots’ Day Weekend
The third Monday in April is Patriots’ Day, which falls on the same day as the Boston Marathon and a Red Sox home game. The festivities are fun but the city is full of marathon runners, sports fans, and tourists. Hotel rates go through the roof, streets are shut down for the marathon route, and finding a quiet second becomes almost impossible.
June Graduation Season
With over 35 colleges in the Boston area, June is filled with graduation ceremonies. Hotels are booked solid, traffic snarls are prominent, and popular attractions are often filled with families celebrating the big day. To see a slower pace of New England charm, check out nearby towns such as Salem and Lexington. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds but still get to experience the region’s rich history.
July 4th: Overcrowded Celebrations
Boston’s Fourth of July celebrations — particularly the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular — are huge affairs. The Esplanade on the Charles River is crammed with people, and navigating the city is no picnic. If you’re set on fireworks, watch them from Cambridge for a less hectic experience. Alternatively, you could head to the Cape Cod beaches for a more laid-back Independence Day celebration.
Mid-August: Sticky Summer Heat
Boston summers can be deceivingly brutal, and the high humidity can turn the city into a sauna. Crowded attractions and sweaty subway rides don’t make it any better. Stop by the Boston Harbor Islands if you want a cool breeze and want to escape the city heat. Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island provides both history and a refreshing day outdoors.
Labor Day Weekend
Tens of thousands of students move into the city’s apartments on September 1st, an unofficial “Moving Day” in Boston. Narrow streets are blocked by trucks and chaos rules. Take a day trip to Cape Ann or Gloucester for seafood and seaside charm. Returning to Boston after the chaos subsides will feel like a relief.
Mid-October: Peak Tourist Season
Boston’s fall foliage is legendary, but with the crowds that come with it, the experience can be less than enjoyable. Hotels charge premium rates and the Public Garden is jam-packed. Come in early November when the foliage lasts and the crowds are absent. Or head into the Berkshires or other parts of Massachusetts less frequented by tourists.
Black Friday Weekend: Holiday Shopping Frenzy
Black Friday is a battleground for shopping districts such as Newbury Street and the Prudential Center. Besides, traffic and parking situations are irksome. Skip the malls and hit Boston’s holiday markets instead. SoWa Winter Festival is a great place for unique gifts and a more laid-back shopping experience.
December: Holiday Crowds and Icy Sidewalks
Boston’s holiday lights are beautiful, but December’s icy sidewalks and holiday shopping crowds are less so. Snowstorms can ruin travel plans, and flights are expensive. To avoid the chaos, visit earlier in the season, say late November to see the decorations. If you want the cold, ice skate on Frog Pond in the Boston Common.
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston is legendary, but that means packed streets, rowdy crowds, and limited public transportation. It might not be your scene unless you’re ready for some serious partying. For some of Boston’s most charming historic detours without the crowds, head to one of its quieter neighborhoods like Beacon Hill.
Mid-March: The Mud Season
March in Boston is a gamble. It’s too late for picturesque snow and too early for spring flowers. Instead, you get slushy streets and a whole lot of grey skies. Take advantage of Boston’s bubbling food scene; sit for a meal at a first-rate restaurant like No. 9 Park, or visit Boston Public Market.
Weekends in April: College Tours
Boston’s colleges get a flood of prospective students and their families during spring break. This influx fills up hotels and clogs popular attractions. To avoid the crowds, plan your visit to be on a weekday. At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or the USS Constitution Museum, you’ll have a better experience.
Rainy Days in May
There can be sudden spurts of downpours in May, putting a damper on outdoor activity. While parks and gardens might look lush, muddy pathways can make exploring uncomfortable. Instead: Head to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game. The atmosphere at the park will brighten your day even if the skies are gray.
Weekends in November: Marathon Shopping Crowds
Boston’s shoppers are out in full force as the holiday season approaches, and weekends in November are no exception. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, as with other popular areas, is packed to the brim. Take a stroll along the Charles River Esplanade, or visit the Boston Athenaeum – a historic library offering a quiet retreat.
Anytime in Winter – Blizzard Days
Blizzards can come in Boston winters without much warning. Streets are buried in snow, flights are delayed, and navigating the city is an extreme sport. If you get snowed in the city, try to make the best of it. Cozy up with a book at Trident Booksellers & Café or sip on hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick.
Orientation Weeks for Summer College
College orientations keep students and their families in the city during late June and early July. The result is congestion at tourist spots and on public transit. Head to Boston’s quieter attractions to see the Arnold Arboretum or the Boston Harborwalk. They are peaceful enough to get away from the bustle.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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