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Seasons and Weather
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
Winter
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"If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes."
Mark Twain's famous quote holds a grain of truth. While New
England is considered a year-round destination, the weather often varies
from day to day. It also varies by location; in general the coastal regions
remain milder than inland, and the northern extremes of Maine, New Hampshire
and Vermont are cool throughout the year. The following are meant only as
guidelines, and only for Massachusetts; travelers to the region should be
sure to pack for a variety of weather conditions.
Spring
Spring is at its peak in New England from April until the middle
of June. To the north and west of Boston many towns host maple syrup festivals,
and the gardens of southern Massachusetts are alive with color as their flowers
come into full bloom. This time of year the temperature varies a good deal
but typically offers mid 60 degree days followed by brisk evenings. The Spring
offers some of the best travel values in the New England countryside. Shopping,
museums, bike riding, horseback riding are many of the popular activities
this time of year. A sweater and a jacket, in addition to lighter clothes,
are recommended. Springtime can be a little damp in New England.
Summer
The Summer season lasts from mid-June to the beginning
of September. This is a tremendously popular time for both international
and domestic travelers to visit Massachusetts. During the warm days of Summer
travelers and natives alike flock to New England's popular lakes, beaches,
and coast. The Atlantic Ocean will be at its warmest late in the summer,
around 75 degrees. Back in Boston the city undergoes a sea change. Boston
empties as its large student population departs for Summer vacation, and
the city comes alive with innumerable outdoor concerts and festivals. Music
lovers take advantage of the balmy 80-90 degree days to sit and be serenaded
at these concerts in the city's parks. In the hills and mountains of western
and northern New England the temperature is a little cooler (70's to mid
80s) and the entertainment options a little more unique. The Berkshires,
Massachusetts' westernmost region, play host to world renown Summer theater
and serve as the seasonal home of the Boston Symphony. In the north the White
and Green Mountain National Forests offer exception hiking, biking, boating
and camping opportunities. In the hills the temperature at night can dip
into the 50s and 60s.
Autumn
Autumn is the most popular season to visit Massachusetts. The
season lasts from early September until November. The state's brilliant autumn
foliage from (which lasts from September through the end of October) is the
primary reason to visit during this time of year. The foliage peaks at different
times in different regions. Northern regions generally peak early in the
season, with the foliage in the south in full force towards the middle of
October. Other attractions include the region's numerous harvest festivals,
and Salem's Haunted Happenings the primer Halloween celebration in
the U.S. As in the spring, the temperature can range from 55-75 degrees
during the day, while nights can drop to around 45 degrees. In October the
region is often treated to an "Indian Summer." During this time the temperature
rises several degrees and for a few weeks it almost feels as if summer has
returned. However, Sweaters and jackets are recommended throughout the
season.
Winter
In Massachusetts, Winter lasts from December through March.
While it is decidedly chilly during these months (typically 20-40 degrees
F), Winter is still a great time to visit Massachusetts if the visitor is
interested in fabulous shopping in Boston, a host of winter sports and activities
(from alpine and cross country skiing to ice fishing and sled dog racing),
or just sitting in front of a fire at a cozy New England inn. Local Christmas
celebrations in Boston and Nantucket draw numerous visitors for caroling,
wassail and other New England Christmas traditions. On December 31st Boston
celebrates New Year's Eve like nowhere else in the world. The First
Night festival, America's largest New Year's party entertains participants
with ice sculptures, a parade, and the performances of thousands of musicians
and entertainers. Hundreds of thousands of revelers flood Boston's streets
for the ten hour long celebration. Visitors should dress
warmly.
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