Cooler Weather Ahead for Boston Marathon

Weekend rain and chilly temperatures expected after warm end to week

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A sweeping, majestic landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and white, with a distant, barely visible start line or other Marathon landmark dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural world, conveying the chilly, windy conditions that runners and spectators will face.The dramatic, atmospheric conditions expected for the Boston Marathon will test the resilience and determination of runners and spectators alike.Boston Today

The Boston area is in for a shift in weather conditions, with a warm trend continuing through Thursday and Friday before cooler air and stormy conditions arrive over the weekend. Conditions on Monday for the Boston Marathon are expected to be windy and chilly, with morning low temperatures in the 30s and a brisk west-northwest wind.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon is a major annual event that draws large crowds of spectators, so the weather conditions can have a significant impact on the experience for both runners and fans. Cooler than average temperatures and potential rain or wind could affect the comfort and safety of those attending the event.

The details

After a warm few days with temperatures reaching the 70s, a cold front will move in on Saturday, bringing cooler air and the chance of rain on Sunday. On Marathon Monday, runners can expect a tailwind from the west-northwest at 10-15 mph, with gusts over 20 mph, making it feel quite chilly, especially for spectators who will want to layer up. The morning low temperatures in Hopkinton are forecast to be in the 30s.

  • On Thursday and Friday, temperatures will reach the 60s at the coast and low 70s inland.
  • On Saturday, a cold front will move in, dropping temperatures to the 50s.
  • On Sunday, the cold front will bring rain, with a quarter to a half inch expected.
  • On Monday, the Boston Marathon will see morning low temperatures in the 30s and a brisk west-northwest wind.

The players

Cindy Fitzgibbon

A meteorologist who provided the weather forecast for the Boston area, including details on the conditions expected for the Boston Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“We'll just get through it right. It's looking dry on Monday, so we will take that right. There's nothing worse is when it's raining. We've experienced that in years past.”

— Cindy Fitzgibbon, Meteorologist

What’s next

Weather forecasts will continue to be monitored in the days leading up to the Boston Marathon to provide the latest updates on expected conditions for runners and spectators.

The takeaway

The Boston Marathon is a beloved annual event, and while the weather can be unpredictable, organizers and attendees will need to be prepared for the possibility of cooler temperatures, wind, and potential rain to ensure the safety and comfort of all involved.