Weather

Massachusetts Weather: Snow Boots to Beach Days

Is it going to snow, rain, or maybe something worse? Be prepared for frigid winters, and don't necessarily expect to be rewarded with snow on Christmas morning. Fortunately, after the harsh winters, we enjoy beautiful weather for the most part. Thunderstorms aren't big here, and if we do have them, they usually last for no more than 10 minutes. You’ll definitely hit 90-degree days, but they’re mostly just a reminder of why we pay a premium to live near the coast. Here’s the real scoop on the unpredictable chaos of Massachusetts weather.

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Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local Expert

Candice, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move

Candice has called Massachusetts home for 15 years, which started with a Texas to New England road trip in a Honda Civic, three cats, zero plans, and just enough confidence to assume it would all work out. She has lived all over the state which means she knows Massachusetts is really several states pretending to be one. She has been a writing professor, a software designer, a piano and sax player, and a mom to 2 pre teen kids and a very elderly cat. She lives for brunch, needs regular nature fixes to stay sane, and knows exactly which Mass stereotypes are true. At Snappy Scout, Candice keeps Massachusetts guides fast, sharp, and painfully accurate.

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Written with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts

What's the Weather Really Like in Massachusetts?

The forecast, the fashion, and the fine print locals wish someone had told them sooner.

Summer temps be like

sticky brick oven vibes (humid 90s along the coast)

Winter lows are

layered like a human onion (single digits with windchill in January)

The humidity makes me

question why hair gel even exists

Unique weather patterns

Nor'easters dumping snow, surprise April blizzards, beach fog that won't quit

Local weather fashion tip

keep a puffy jacket in your car year round

Bugs be like

greenhead flies terrorizing beach days in July

You're stuck indoors again today because

another foot of snow and nobody plowed yet

Green thumb enthusiasts love

cranberry bogs, heirloom tomatoes that actually ripen, and complaining about rocky New England soil

Your friend with allergies is always saying

spring pollen turned my car neon yellow again

Local's Q&AReal answers from someone who lives here

My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Massachusetts

Winter: If I had to find something positive to say about our winters, I'd say official Snow Days! Otherwise, it's pretty bleak. I guess it also looks pretty before the snow plows get dirty snow everywhere.

Spring: Winter's over! And we have GORGEOUS weather.

Summer: The fact that we have the Cape. Everyone travels there (unless they already live there) in the summer.

Fall: No brainer...the foliage. Even on your everyday commute in town, it's breathtaking to witness.

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Candice Hallsett

Massachusetts Local Expert

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