Summer Road Trips in Massachusetts
Routes
30
Avg Distance
151 mi
Avg Drive
3h 17m
Destinations
27
Massachusetts in the summer offers a diverse range of driving experiences, from scenic byways to efficient highway routes. With 30 trips averaging 151 miles and under 4 hours, you can easily explore the state's varied landscapes. Expect drives with a score range of 8-9 and maximum elevations up to 1890 feet. For EV travelers, coverage is generally fair to excellent, with some routes boasting over 13 DC fast chargers.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.51/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$22–$41
One-way, ~151 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~53 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Massachusetts
Massachusetts peaks at around 82°F in Jul and cools to 37°F / 23°F in Jan. Wettest month is Dec at ~4.3 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37 | 23 | 3.4 | 14.3 |
| Feb | 39 | 25 | 3.2 | 14.4 |
| Mar | 46 | 31 | 4.2 | 9 |
| Apr | 56 | 41 | 3.6 | 1.6 |
| May | 67 | 50 | 3.3 | — |
| Jun peak | 76 | 60 | 3.9 | — |
| Jul peak | 82 | 66 | 3.3 | — |
| Aug peak | 80 | 65 | 3.2 | — |
| Sep | 73 | 58 | 3.6 | — |
| Oct | 62 | 48 | 4 | 0.2 |
| Nov | 52 | 38 | 3.7 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 42 | 29 | 4.3 | 9 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for MA — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Williamstown, MA → Dummer, NH
Through: Lower Waterford
This route stands out with a high drive score of 9 and reaches an elevation of 1890 feet across its gently rolling terrain, making it a compelling option for those seeking a more elevated summer drive.
Editor's pick
Boston, MA → New York City, NY
Through: Waterbury → Manhattan
Featuring a drive score of 9 and access to parks, this mostly highway route offers fair EV coverage and includes 3 DC fast chargers, providing a practical connection between major cities.
Editor's pick
Williamstown, MA → New Bedford, MA
Through: Providence → Cape Cod → Seekonk
With excellent EV coverage and 13 DC fast chargers, this trip is a strong contender for electric vehicle drivers, offering a 4-hour drive through gently rolling terrain with good park access.
Williamstown, MA → Bald Head, ME
Through: Lawrence → New Hampshire → Maine Points
Williamstown, MA → Fall River, MA
Through: Providence → Cape Cod → Seekonk
New Bedford, MA → Dalton, MA
Through: Springfield → Pittsfield
Springfield, MA → Chatham, MA
Through: Taunton → Cape Cod
New Bedford, MA → Housatonic, MA
Through: Springfield → Pittsfield
Williamstown, MA → Boston, MA
Haverhill, MA → Pittsfield, MA
Through: Nashua New Hampshire
Cheshire, MA → Lynn, MA
Brockton, MA → Sheffield, MA
Through: Portsmouth New Hampshire → Albany → Newton +6 more
Springfield, MA → South Yarmouth, MA
Through: Taunton → Cape Cod
New Bedford, MA → Becket, MA
Through: Springfield → Northampton
Brockton, MA → Hinsdale, MA
Through: Portsmouth New Hampshire → Albany → Newton +6 more
Fall River, MA → Lenox, MA
Through: Springfield
Brockton, MA → Becket, MA
Through: Portsmouth New Hampshire → Albany → Newton +6 more
Fall River, MA → Shelburne, MA
Through: Springfield → Holyoke
Fall River, MA → Becket, MA
Through: Springfield → Northampton
Springfield, MA → Sandwich, MA
Through: Taunton → Cape Cod
Fall River, MA → Greenfield, MA
Through: Springfield → Holyoke
Dalton, MA → Lawrence, MA
Brockton, MA → Conway, MA
Through: Portsmouth New Hampshire → Albany → Newton +7 more
New Bedford, MA → Russell, MA
Through: Springfield → Northampton
Springfield, MA → White Island Shores, MA
Through: Taunton → Cape Cod
Fall River, MA → Whately, MA
Through: Springfield → Holyoke
Haverhill, MA → Orleans, MA
Plymouth, MA → North Chicopee, MA
Through: Boston → Warwick Rhode Island → Springfield
Haverhill, MA → Chatham, MA
Through: Brewster → Harwich Port
Springfield, MA → Weweantic, MA
Through: Taunton → Cape Cod