Boston receives around 1,110 mm (about 44 inches) of rain a year, fairly evenly spread across the seasons, with winter nor’easters bringing some of the most disruptive weather as powerful coastal storms combine heavy rain or snow with damaging wind and coastal flooding along the harbor. Remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms occasionally track up the coast and through New England, bringing heavy rain well after the storm has weakened from its peak intensity further south. Summer thunderstorms add a separate, more localized hazard. Because both nor’easters and tropical remnants matter here, radar tracking is a genuinely practical year-round tool for the city’s harbor-adjacent neighborhoods. NWS Doppler radar KBOX (Boston/Taunton) covers the region.
Learn more: Hurricane Season Radar Guide · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Boston right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Boston, Massachusetts in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Boston, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Boston rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Boston?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Massachusetts are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Boston or pass by.
Is this Boston rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.