What to pack for Boston winters?

Question

Like just a heavy coat? Or ski-like attire? I've never been to the North for winter and am moving up to Boston :) What say you, Killer Chick?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You will need more than just a heavy coat.

Best bet is a couple of t-shirts, several sweaters, a regular winter coat, long underwear (or some footless tights/stirrup pants) extra socks, a large scarf, a hat, some gloves.

The problem with Boston winters is that sometimes it rains instead of snows, and the wind will whip right through your coat. Then, sometime in the middle, at a time known to us natives as "the January thaw,' it suddenly and without any warning warms up to around 65-70 degrees farenheight. The snow melts into muddy slush, then some dimbulb comes speeding on by through the puddle soaking you from head to toe. Be alert for such slush puddles.

But wait! Then the sun goes down and the temps drop to below freezing.

Your best bet is to dress in several light to medium layers (t-shirt, then top, then sweater, then coat, ect.) so that if it warms up you can open your coat or take it off, or duck indoors somewhere and ditch the sweater but keep the t-shirt and coat.

At all times, you will want to be wearing two pairs of socks. If not for warmth, at least to keep your feet dry.

You will also want at least two pairs of lined boots for warmth, and if they are not waterproof, you can buy a can of silicone spray fairly cheap and waterproof them yourself. Alternate...wear one pair the first day, the second pair the second day, then back to the first pair. This will not only help prevent foot fungus, but it will also give you a chance to inspect the "resting" pair of footwear for damage from road salt. If we don't get a lot of snow in a particular year, you could get away with a pair of sneakers for part of the season.

That's for a worst-case scenario. This past winter was very mild, and we only got two real snowstorms, which melted within two days. I was able to walk to work all year wearing only a sweater (I live a half block from my job).

The winter before that, we had a blizzard once every three days that dropped at least two feet on us every time. If you are staying in Boston proper, or Newton, Cambrdige, Somerville, or Brookline you should be ok, but some of the other suburban towns aren't so quick with the snowplows.


There is an old saying....

"If you don't like the weather in New England.....wait a minute."

That's because it keeps changing on us, and the weather forecasters can't really keep up and give us an accurate guess.



Good luck with your move and I hope you like it here!

Source(s):

I've lived in Boston for all of my 38 years...

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

They have that "wait 5 minutes" saying in Texas, too.

Answer 2

Lots of sweaters, coats, thermal underwear....anything warm and wind repellant!! Think layers, darlin'! It gets mighty cold up north!

Answer 3

for boston, for boston we sing our proud refrain
for boston, for boston, 'tis wisdom's earthly fame
for here all are one and our hearts are true
and the towers on the heights reach the heavens' own blue
for boston, for boston 'til the echoes ring again!

Answer 4

you want some warm clothing and dress in lairs. the wind chill is what you'll feel the most.

Answer 5

When I first came to Boston 11 years ago, the winters were pretty harsh. Lately, esp in the last couple of years, the winters have not been so hard. Even Canada had the warmest winter on record in the past year. I guess its global warming.
So just pack like you would for any winter weather. You don't have to go to the extreme. 1 or 2 warm jacket. 2 or more blue jeans (you will need these), lots of turtle necks, good stockings ot thights, good gloves, scarves, good hats that cover your ears, lots of socks. I have never owned this but a good pair of snow boots will not hurt.
I believe that's all. If you can't bring these, you could always go shopping here before classes start.

Also remember, it dosen't really start getting cold till the end of Oct, and sometimes until November so you have at least a couple of months to gather your winter stuff.

Answer 6

Sweaters, sweaters and more sweaters, all kinds too, hooded, zip front. A good ski jacket, maybe a parka, a couple of coats. Thermal underwear, boots, heavy socks, gloves, hats, and scarfs. That should cover you for a winter. Now if we could only get the weather men to give us an accurate forecast then we'd know what to wear hahahahah. Usually you'll dress for snow and get nothing, or not dress for snow and get a blizzard. But it keeps us on our toes..hhahahahhahahaha.

Answer 7

Lots of warm clothes. Lots and lots of them. But also some light stuff for when you're just sitting around the house with the heat on. I say, get a nice jacket and a really thick jaclet for those extra cold days. Jeans are cool to wear, but sometimes you might want to throw on some long johns underneath them. Haha. It can get VERY chilly here in Boston, but then it may also be really nice with the sun beaming down on you without a cloud in the sky.
Make sure to have gloves..and a scarf. Believe me, when you're walking around outside with the wind chill negitive 2..you NEED a scarf.

Source(s):

live here in chilly winters

Answer 8

when winter comes, for southerners or westerners are comming for a big surprise. just about winter coat, sweatshirt and long pants.