What to Wear in Boston

Boston dresses practically. You'll see a lot of fleece, parkas and university sweatshirts, and very few people dressing up to sightsee. Smart casual covers almost every restaurant.

The one thing to get right is shoes. The Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill and the North End mean hours on uneven brick pavements, cobbles and steep little streets, and the brick gets slippery when wet. Bring comfortable, broken-in shoes with some grip. Heels and thin soles are a mistake.

In winter, dress for real cold. From December to March temperatures are often below freezing, the wind off the harbour bites, and snow and slush are common. Pack a warm, waterproof coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves and waterproof boots. Museums and restaurants are heated, so layers you can take off help.

Spring and autumn are about layers. Days can be warm in the sun and cold in the shade or by the water, and temperatures drop fast in the evening. A T-shirt, a jumper and a light waterproof jacket cover most days in April, May, September and October. Add a warmer coat for late autumn.

Summer is warm and sometimes humid, so light clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned museums and for the harbour, where boat trips are cool even in July. Summer storms are short but heavy, so a small umbrella helps.

There's no dress code for Old North Church or King's Chapel, and at Fenway anything goes as long as it isn't Yankees colours.

Packing list

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip for brick and cobbles
• A warm, waterproof coat, hat, scarf and gloves from December to March
• Waterproof boots in winter
• A light waterproof jacket for spring and autumn
• A jumper or fleece for cool evenings and boat trips
• Light clothes and sunscreen in summer
• A US plug adapter

For the weather month by month, see our best time to visit guide, and for the walk that will test your shoes, our Freedom Trail guide.