Packing for Boston in the fall can be tricky; is it going to be cold, rainy, or even snowy? As a chronic overpacker who learned from my many mistakes, I am going to show you what to pack for Boston in October and November so you can travel lightly and still have everything you need.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit this East Coast city. The moody colors of the harbor mixed with the vibrant fall foliage create a scenic backdrop for city adventures. Prepare for an epic fall getaway with this ultimate Boston packing list!
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Table of Contents
Weather in Boston
Boston sits on the northeast coast of the United States, giving the city a moody and chilly climate year-round. September through November in Boston is somewhat rainy and possibly snowy, but the average temperatures range from 41°F to 73°F.
Fall is a great time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather and don’t mind a little drizzle. Bring your fall wardrobe out to shine in Boston! The city tends to be quieter this time of year, except around the week of Halloween.
October is the best time to enjoy fall foliage, November is one of the cheapest months, and September is a perfect in-between.
Boston Packing List for Fall
While you’re packing, remember…
Thrift travel gear & clothes when you can.
See what you already have in your closet.
Ask a friend to borrow items for your trip.
Sweaters
Pack a couple of cozy, fun sweaters for a fall trip to Boston. The cooler Boston temperatures are perfect for a knitted top; layer with a shirt for extra warmth, and top with a coat on the chilliest fall days.
I recommend packing two to three sweaters of varying weights and styles. A lighter-weight sweater is great for layering, and a thicker sweater is perfect for wearing alone or over an undershirt.
Long Sleeve Shirt
There might be some days when a long-sleeve shirt is plenty warm enough if you’re visiting Boston in the fall. Long-sleeve shirts are also great for layering under a sweater on colder days.
A couple of long-sleeve shirts are a must when packing for September, October, or November in Boston.
Tank Top or Short-Sleeve Shirt
A base layer is essential when dressing for fall and winter weather in Boston. Start with a short-sleeve shirt or a tank top.
Add either a long-sleeve shirt or a sweater on top, and you’ll stay warm all day. In September and possibly early October, it may be warm enough to wear just a base layer shirt and a sweater. But bring a jacket or coat for colder days and evenings.
Down Jacket
While early fall in Boston can still reach the 70s (°F), there can be cooler days and especially cooler nights, from September through November. Add a top layer to your outfit, and you’ll stay warm all day.
A mid-weight down jacket or coat is essential for a fall Boston packing list. I recommend one that’s slightly bigger so you can comfortably wear a sweater underneath.
Jeans
Long pants are a must when visiting Boston in the fall, especially from October onward. Jeans work well, and you likely have a pair of them ready to go in your closet.
If you have holes in your jeans or tend to run cold, I recommend packing a pair of thermal leggings to layer under your jeans on colder days.
Canvas Pants
Long canvas or cargo-style pants are also great this time of year. Any long pants that are thick enough to block a cold wind will do, really. Canvas pants are great for this reason, and they pair well with boots.
I recommend bringing both a pair of jeans and a pair of canvas pants, as well as thermal leggings to layer underneath if you’re visiting Boston in November.
Warm Pajamas
Don’t forget to pack a set of cozy pajamas for your trip to Boston. The fall months are cold enough to warrant a matching set of cozy, long pajamas (like these fun patterned ones).
Comfortable Shoes
Picking the right shoes is possibly the most important part when it comes to packing for any trip. But in the case of fall time in Boston, you’ll want shoes that keep your feet warm enough, are comfortable to wear all day through lots of walking, and will also stay dry if it rains or snows.
Sneakers
Picking the right shoes is possibly the most important part when it comes to packing for any trip. But in the case of fall time in Boston, you’ll want shoes that keep your feet warm enough, are comfortable to wear all day through lots of walking, and will also stay dry if it rains or snows.
Boots
Another essential pair of shoes to bring to Boston in the fall is boots. These come in so handy on colder days, especially in October and November.
Leather or waterproof boots will keep you warm and dry all day, even in the rain and snow. Ankle boots or calf boots are both great; it just depends on your preference. And always wear one pair of warm socks.
Boston Fall Outfit Ideas
Below are outfit ideas for fall in Boston. Layers are always a good bet, comfortable shoes or boots are a must, and a trusty coat is essential.
You can check the price for any items by clicking on the image or the button below. Remember these are just suggestions, and you know your body best.
And – see what you already own that will work just fine, ask a friend if you can borrow something, or see what your local thrift store has to offer!
Shop the Boston Outfit Idea Below:
Shop the Boston Packing List Below:
Other Essentials to Pack for Boston in Fall
Beanie or Warm Hat
With unpredictable fall weather, it’s best to bring a warm hat with you to Boston as well. My go-to for fall and winter is a thick knitted beanie that can match most of my outfits.
Lightweight Gloves
Gloves aren’t necessary, but on really chilly days, or if it happens to snow while you’re in Boston, a pair of lightweight gloves will help keep you warm and so much more comfortable.
Day Bag
An essential for any trip, a day bag, like a small sling backpack, will come in handy on a fall trip to Boston. Stash a small water bottle and snack inside, and use it to carry your beanie, gloves, or jacket while inside or if you get too warm.
Camera
I always travel with a camera because why miss out on the hundreds of photo opportunities when exploring a new destination. My all-time favorite camera is my Sony A6500, and I recently started carrying a film camera with me as well for nostalgic, artsy-looking photos. But a phone can work wonders too!
Kindle or Book
A book or my Kindle will always be in my carry-on when traveling. Not only is this nice to have when you’re flying to Boston, but it’s nice to read a few pages to unwind at night, or maybe on the train to somewhere like Salem for a day trip.
Portable Charger
If you plan to stay out all day and explore as much of Boston as possible, I recommend bringing a portable charger with you to keep in your day bag. Keep your phone charged so you know you can find directions, take photos, etc.
Toiletries + Travel Bag
Don’t forget your toiletries in a convenient toiletry travel bag! You know what you use daily in the AM and PM, but my suggestions are face wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hair ties, and makeup, prescriptions or meds, moisturizer, sunscreen (SPF moisturizer), lotion, and lip balm. Cold weather = drier skin.
Boston Packing Checklist
- 2 sweaters
- 2 long-sleeve shirts
- 1 tank or short-sleeve shirt
- 2 pairs of long pants
- 1 down jacket or coat
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of boots
- 5 pairs of warm socks
- Undwear + bras
- Warm pajamas
- Toiletries
- Medicine (+ prescriptions)
- Day bag
- Beanie + gloves
- Thermal base layer (for late fall)
Now you know what to pack for Boston in October and November, and even September on those colder days. Fall is a beautiful time to visit Boston. The vibrant fall foliage, combined with the moody city colors, creates a scenic backdrop for urban adventures. Prepare for an epic fall getaway with this ultimate Boston packing list!
