Weather Comparison
Quebec City vs Boston
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Quebec City vs Boston
| Metric | Quebec City | Boston | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | -7°C (19°F) | 2°C (36°F)▲ | Boston |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -15°C (5°F) | -6°C (21°F)▲ | Boston |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 12 days | 10 days▲ | Boston |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 83 mm▲ | 93 mm | Quebec City |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 5h/day | 6h/day▲ | Boston |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 18 km/h▲ | 23 km/h | Quebec City |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Boston edges ahead as the better destination in January. Boston offers 6 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Quebec City sees 5 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.
Quebec City is on the cooler side at -7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Boston is cooler at 2°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Boston is the stronger choice in January. Boston receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in January
Quebec City reaches an average high of -7°C (19°F) and drops to -15°C (5°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Boston averages 2°C (36°F) for the high and -6°C (21°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. There is a notable 9°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Quebec City receives approximately 83 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Boston sees 93 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Boston the drier option by 2 rain days and 10 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Quebec City vs Boston
Packing for Quebec City in January
Highs of -7°C, lows of -15°C, 12 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Boston in January
Highs of 2°C, lows of -6°C, 10 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Quebec City vs Boston
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Quebec City | Boston | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | -7°C | 12d | 2°C | 10d |
| Feb | -5°C | 10d | 3°C | 9d |
| Mar | 1°C | 11d | 7°C | 11d |
| Apr | 8°C | 12d | 14°C | 11d |
| May | 17°C | 13d | 19°C | 11d |
| Jun | 22°C | 12d | 25°C | 10d |
| Jul | 24°C | 15d | 28°C | 10d |
| Aug | 23°C | 13d | 27°C | 9d |
| Sep | 19°C | 11d | 23°C | 8d |
| Oct | 11°C | 13d | 16°C | 10d |
| Nov | 4°C | 12d | 10°C | 10d |
| Dec | -3°C | 13d | 5°C | 11d |
Quebec City Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Boston Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities