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Lots of places claim to be the inspiration for the weather cliché "If you don't like it, wait ten minutes," but a few days in Boston may persuade you that New England's climate gave birth to the expression.
Springtime in Boston
The tenacious New England winter makes spring in Boston short — really just April and May. Here are the best reasons to take advantage of Boston during these two months:
- As it awakens from its long winter's nap, the city is both good-looking and good-natured. Spring flowers abound, and happy locals flock outdoors to enjoy moderating temperatures.
- Patriots' Day activities and Boston Marathon spectating are two of the most authentic and popular local experiences — because they're so much fun.
But keep in mind the following springtime pitfalls:
- Snow can linger into April. Snow or not, early spring is the height of mud season.
- Booking a hotel room for Marathon weekend can be tough, and Patriots' Day marks the start of a school vacation week — not exactly a restful time to visit.
- College graduation season begins in May, and hotels fill in somewhat random patterns as confused out-of-staters flood the area.
Summer in Boston
June, July, and August are madly popular months to visit Boston. Here are some of the high points:
- The weather turns reliably pleasant, with long hours of sunlight.
- Harborfest, which includes Boston's over-the-top Independence Day celebrations, is one of the most fun events in the country.
But summer isn't perfect, and here's why:
- Vacationing families flock to Boston, creating long lines and lots of tantrums.
- Summer can also bring consecutive days of 90-plus temperatures, usually accompanied by debilitating humidity and abysmal air quality. Be ready to stay indoors.
Fall in Boston
Autumn is the most popular — and expensive — time to visit Boston. Here's a look at the pluses of visiting in September, October, and November:
- After Labor Day, the weather turns cooler, and humidity drops. September and October are the months most likely to include a run of exhilarating weather, with comfortably warm days and cool to chilly nights.
- During foliage season, from late September to mid-November, the Boston area makes an excellent jumping-off point or base for "leaf-peeping."
- The Head of the Charles Regatta, on the third weekend of October, is a quintessential New England event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people. Crew racing is both fun to watch and a great excuse for a huge outdoor party.
And the minuses:
- Foliage season is the toughest time of year to book a room — tougher than summer, even. And tour buses gridlock in the streets.
- College starts in earnest, and post-adolescents are everywhere.
- In November, the weather may turn cold and raw. Many outdoor activities (such as walking tours and sightseeing cruises) shut down for the winter.
Winter in Boston
December through March is the slowest travel season of the year. Visiting at this time comes with the following advantage:
- Many hotels offer great deals, especially on weekends. Hard-up hoteliers offer holiday-shopping specials in December and deep discounts in the New Year.
But a disadvantage:
- The default weather condition is bitter cold with biting winds. In addition, a big storm can disrupt your travel schedule.
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