# Snow days in Massachusetts

Source: https://calculatesnowday.com/states/massachusetts

Massachusetts schools must meet 180 days, and days lost to weather are made up ([Massachusetts DESE](https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/2024-1112slt-advisory.html)). In February 2026 a state spokesperson confirmed that remote learning does not count toward the 180 days and cannot be used on snow days ([The Boston Globe, Feb 2026](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/27/metro/snow-days-schools-massachusetts-rhode-island/)). The calculator treats Massachusetts as a state that gets snow every winter.

By [Muhammad Shakeel](https://calculatesnowday.com/about#editor). Updated 3 November 2026 for the 2026-27 school year. School rules and district plans change; check your district.

## Winter weather that closes Massachusetts schools

- **Nor'easters.** A nor'easter is a strong low pressure system affecting the Mid-Atlantic and New England. These storms are known for heavy snow, rain and damaging waves, and their wind gusts can exceed hurricane force ([National Weather Service glossary](https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=%27easter)).

## How many snow days do Massachusetts schools get?

Schools must run at least 180 days, with 900 hours of structured learning time for elementary schools, 990 for secondary schools and 425 for kindergarten ([603 CMR 27.00](https://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr27.html?section=all)). State guidance says days lost to weather through March 31 must be made up with full school days, and later days must be made up to reach 180 or the district's scheduled 185th day, whichever comes first ([Massachusetts DESE](https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/2024-1112slt-advisory.html)).

## How the calculator treats Massachusetts

The calculator reads the National Weather Service forecast for the exact point you enter, so the snow, ice, wind chill and alerts are local. What changes by state is how much of each it takes to raise the estimate:

Level 3 of 4: Snow every winter

For a suburban public school in Massachusetts, any one of these gives the model about an even chance of a closure on its own:

- **5 in** of snow from 6 pm to 8 am (snow between 4 and 8 am counts extra)
- **0.1 in** of ice from freezing rain, from the evening before to the end of the school day
- a wind chill of **-20°F** between midnight and 8 am

Places whose forecast grid point is above 1,800 m (about 5,900 ft) move up one level. These are model assumptions, not district rules. [How the snow levels work](https://calculatesnowday.com/how-it-works#snow-levels).

One level covers the whole state, from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. The forecast inputs are local, so a nor'easter forecast for your town is counted in full.

## Massachusetts cities

- [Boston](https://calculatesnowday.com/states/massachusetts/boston): 49 inches of snow in a normal year, nor'easters, cold closures, and why Massachusetts schools make up snow days instead of going remote.

## Before you rely on the number

The percentage is an estimate from the weather forecast, not an official closure notice. It cannot see road conditions, staffing, buses or how many snow days your district has left, and it does not know a decision that has already been announced. Read [how accurate the estimate is](https://calculatesnowday.com/how-it-works#accuracy) and [what it leaves out](https://calculatesnowday.com/how-it-works#limits).

## Questions and answers

### Can Massachusetts schools have a remote day instead of a snow day?

No. A state spokesperson confirmed in February 2026 that remote learning does not count toward the 180-day requirement and cannot replace snow days ([The Boston Globe, Feb 2026](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/27/metro/snow-days-schools-massachusetts-rhode-island/)).

### When do Massachusetts snow days get made up?

Days lost through March 31 are made up with full school days. Later days are made up to reach 180 days or the scheduled 185th day, whichever comes first ([Massachusetts DESE](https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/2024-1112slt-advisory.html)).

### Will school be closed tomorrow in Massachusetts?

Only your district can say. The [snow day calculator](https://calculatesnowday.com/) estimates the chance of a closure or late start from the National Weather Service forecast for your school's ZIP code, but it does not know announced decisions. Check your district's website, app or texts.

More: [how much snow it takes to cancel school](https://calculatesnowday.com/guides/how-much-snow-to-cancel-school), [how cold it has to be](https://calculatesnowday.com/guides/how-cold-to-cancel-school), and [snow day rules in other states](https://calculatesnowday.com/guides/how-many-snow-days).