Weather at the World Major Marathons: Complete Guide to All Six Races

The Abbott World Marathon Majors represent the pinnacle of marathon running—six races across three continents that together define excellence in the sport. Each major has its own personality, course challenges, and crucially, its own weather patterns. Understanding these patterns isn't just academic; it directly affects race strategy, goal setting, and preparation. The difference between Berlin's reliably fast conditions and Boston's notorious variability can mean the difference between a personal best and a survival march.

This guide provides comprehensive weather analysis for all six World Marathon Majors: historical patterns, typical race day conditions, best and worst years, and specific strategies for racing in each city's unique climate.

Boston Marathon

Overview

Date: Third Monday of April (Patriots' Day) Typical start time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (wave dependent) Course: Point-to-point, Hopkinton to Boston

Historical Weather Patterns

Boston's mid-April date places the race squarely in New England's spring transition, creating the most variable weather of any major marathon.

Temperature range:

• Historical low: Low 30s°F
• Historical high: 89°F (2012)
• Typical range: 45-65°F
• Average: Around 55°F at start

Precipitation:

• Rain occurs in roughly 40% of races
• Snow flurries have occurred (rare)
• Dry conditions about 50% of the time
• Heavy rain: About 10% of races

Wind:

• Prevailing westerly winds often create headwind
• Sustained headwinds of 15-25 mph are common
• 2018 featured 25 mph headwinds with rain
• Calm days are the exception, not the rule

Famous Weather Years

Worst: 2018 (38°F, driving rain, 25 mph headwinds)—widely considered the worst major marathon weather ever

Hottest: 2012 (89°F at start)—mass deferrals offered, medical emergencies widespread

Best: 2011 (low 50s, calm)—Geoffrey Mutai's 2:03:02 shows course potential

Race Strategy

For any Boston:

• Train for heat, cold, rain, and wind—all are possible
• Have multiple outfit options ready
• Start conservatively; the course is challenging regardless
• Expect headwind, especially in Newton hills

Boston's reputation: The wildcard. Never know what you'll get.

London Marathon

Overview

Date: Late April (typically third or fourth Sunday) Typical start time: 10:00 AM local Course: Point-to-point with loops, Greenwich to The Mall

Historical Weather Patterns

London in late April offers more consistency than Boston, though British weather retains unpredictability.

Temperature range:

• Historical low: Low 40s°F
• Historical high: Low 70s°F
• Typical range: 48-58°F
• Average: Around 52°F

Precipitation:

• Light rain or drizzle common (40% of races)
• Heavy rain less common (10-15%)
• Completely dry about 45% of the time
• Rarely warm enough for humidity to be a factor

Wind:

• Generally moderate (under 15 mph)
• Course layout means wind direction shifts
• Rarely a dominant factor
• Thames can channel wind in spots

Famous Weather Years

Worst: 2018 (unusual warmth, 73°F at finish)—hottest London Marathon on record, many struggled

Best: Multiple years in 50-55°F range with light cloud cover—produces fast times

Typical: Cool, cloudy, possible light rain—the classic London experience

Race Strategy

For London:

• Prepare for cool and possibly damp
• Light layers that can be discarded
• Rain jacket decision depends on personal preference
• Heat is unlikely but possible—have a backup plan

London's reputation: Generally good, occasionally wet, rarely extreme.

Berlin Marathon

Overview

Date: Last Sunday of September Typical start time: 9:15 AM local Course: Loop course through central Berlin

Historical Weather Patterns

Berlin is widely considered the fast marathon for good reason—September conditions are remarkably consistent and nearly ideal.

Temperature range:

• Historical low: Mid 40s°F
• Historical high: Low 70s°F
• Typical range: 50-60°F
• Average: Around 55°F at start

Precipitation:

• Rain occurs in about 25% of races
• Heavy rain rare (less than 10%)
• Dry conditions most common
• Humidity generally low

Wind:

• Loop course minimizes net wind effect
• Typical winds under 10 mph
• Rarely a significant factor
• Some sections through parks offer shelter

Famous Weather Years

Best: Multiple years have produced world records—Kipchoge's 2:01:09 (2022), Bekele's 2:01:41 (2019)

Perfect conditions: Cool, dry, calm—Berlin delivers this more often than any other major

Occasional issues: 2018 was unusually warm, affecting some performances

Race Strategy

For Berlin:

• This is your PR attempt race
• Expect near-ideal conditions and plan accordingly
• Don't overdress—err on the light side
• Take advantage of the flat, fast course

Berlin's reputation: The PR course. Weather usually cooperates.

Chicago Marathon

Overview

Date: Second Sunday of October Typical start time: 7:30 AM local Course: Loop course through downtown Chicago

Historical Weather Patterns

Chicago's October date can bring classic fall perfection or unexpected warmth—Lake Michigan adds complexity.

Temperature range:

• Historical low: Mid 30s°F
• Historical high: Low 80s°F (2007 was 88°F)
• Typical range: 45-60°F
• Average: Around 50°F at start

Precipitation:

• Rain occurs in about 30% of races
• Usually light if it occurs
• Dry conditions common
• Lake effect can create microclimates

Wind:

• "The Windy City" lives up to its name
• Lakefront sections are exposed
• Typical winds 10-20 mph
• Can be significant factor on certain sections

Famous Weather Years

Worst: 2007 (88°F at start)—race shortened for safety, thousands pulled from course, one death

Best: Multiple years in low 50s, calm—Paula Radcliffe's 2:17:18 (2002) came in good conditions

Typical: Cool to moderate with variable wind—good racing weather most years

Race Strategy

For Chicago:

• Early start means starting in darkness, finishing in warmth
• Temperature can rise 15-20°F during race
• Wind on the lakefront is real—prepare mentally
• Have heat contingency despite October date

Chicago's reputation: Usually good, occasionally hot, always windy somewhere.

New York City Marathon

Overview

Date: First Sunday of November Typical start time: Waves from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM local Course: Point-to-point with bridges, Staten Island to Central Park

Historical Weather Patterns

New York's November date provides the most consistently cool conditions of the American majors.

Temperature range:

• Historical low: Low 30s°F
• Historical high: Low 60s°F
• Typical range: 40-55°F
• Average: Around 48°F at start

Precipitation:

• Rain occurs in about 25% of races
• November rain can be cold and uncomfortable
• Dry conditions common
• Rarely any heat concerns

Wind:

• Bridges are wind-exposed
• Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge start is often windy
• City canyons can tunnel wind
• Varies by section of course

Famous Weather Years

Challenging: 2018 (wind on bridges), various cold rain years

Perfect: Multiple years with mid-40s, calm, and dry—fast times result

Typical: Cool and fall-like—classic marathon weather

Race Strategy

For New York:

• Prepare for cold start (long wait on Staten Island)
• Bring throwaway layers for the wait
• Expect bridge wind—don't fight it
• Temperatures usually comfortable for racing

New York's reputation: Consistently cool, occasionally cold, bridge wind is predictable.

Tokyo Marathon

Overview

Date: First Sunday of March Typical start time: 9:10 AM local Course: Loop course through central Tokyo

Historical Weather Patterns

Tokyo's early March date means late winter conditions with surprising variability.

Temperature range:

• Historical low: Mid 30s°F
• Historical high: Low 60s°F
• Typical range: 40-52°F
• Average: Around 45°F at start

Precipitation:

• Rain occurs in about 35% of races
• Cold rain is the primary weather concern
• Snow is possible (rare)
• Humidity generally not a factor

Wind:

• Generally moderate
• Some exposed sections
• Rarely a dominant factor
• Course layout helps mitigate wind effect

Famous Weather Years

Challenging: Multiple cold rain years have tested runners

Ideal: When dry and calm, fast times are possible—Wilson Kipsang's former course record came in good conditions

Typical: Cool with chance of rain—layers and flexibility are key

Race Strategy

For Tokyo:

• Prepare for cool to cold, possible rain
• Layers you can adjust are valuable
• Rain jacket decision matters here
• Start conservative—course is good for negative splits

Tokyo's reputation: Cool and variable, often underestimated for weather challenges.

Comparing the Majors: Weather Edition

Best Conditions for a PR

Ranking the majors by likelihood of ideal racing weather:

1. Berlin — Best conditions most consistently; September sweet spot
2. London — Generally good April conditions; rarely extreme
3. Tokyo — Cool conditions suit many; rain is the variable
4. New York — Cool November weather; bridge wind the concern
5. Chicago — Usually good but heat risk higher than expected
6. Boston — Most variable; anything can happen

Most Challenging Weather Potential

Ranking by worst-case weather scenarios:

1. Boston — 89°F heat or 38°F driving rain/wind both possible
2. Chicago — 2007 heat disaster shows extreme risk
3. Tokyo — Cold rain can be brutal
4. London — 2018 showed heat is possible
5. New York — Cold rain and bridge wind are manageable
6. Berlin — Even "bad" years are reasonable

When to Defer or Adjust Goals

Each major has conditions where you should abandon time goals:

Boston: Above 65°F, or rain with wind below 45°F London: Above 65°F (rare but possible) Berlin: Above 70°F (quite rare) Chicago: Above 70°F, especially with humidity New York: Rarely need to defer—cold rain is runnable Tokyo: Cold rain requires mental adjustment but is manageable

Preparing for Your Major

General Principles

Regardless of which major you're racing:

Research the specific race:

• Look at last 10 years of race day weather
• Understand the range of possibilities
• Know the worst-case scenarios
• Find race recaps from challenging years

Train for conditions:

• Include some training in similar conditions to likely race weather
• If racing a spring marathon, include cold/wet runs
• If racing a fall marathon, include heat training just in case
• Wind training is valuable for all majors

Have multiple plans:

• PR plan for ideal conditions
• Solid performance plan for good conditions
• Survival plan for challenging conditions
• Know your pacing adjustments for heat, cold, wind

Packing for Any Major

What to bring regardless of forecast:

Warm weather options:

• Lightest singlet/shorts combination
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Extra hydration plan
• Light-colored clothing

Cool weather options:

• Arm warmers
• Light gloves
• Ear coverage (headband or hat)
• Extra layer for pre-race

Wet weather options:

• Poncho or trash bag for start line wait
• Cap with brim for rain in face
• Thin rain jacket (tested in training)
• Extra socks and shoes if possible

Start line survival:

• Throwaway clothing for long waits
• Hand warmers for cold starts
• Plastic bag to sit on if ground is wet
• Know what gear check options exist

The Major Marathon Weather Reality

What You Can Control

Focus your energy on what you can actually influence:

Your preparation:

• Physical training for various conditions
• Mental preparation for adversity
• Gear selection and options
• Pacing strategies for different scenarios

Your race day decisions:

• Clothing choice based on actual conditions
• Pacing execution based on conditions
• Hydration and fueling adjustments
• Mental flexibility

Your attitude:

• Acceptance of weather reality
• Commitment to racing what you're given
• Finding joy in the challenge
• Appreciating the major marathon experience

What You Cannot Control

Release attachment to these factors:

The weather itself:

• No amount of hoping changes conditions
• The forecast is what it is
• Fighting reality wastes energy
• Acceptance enables performance

Other runners' responses:

• Some will handle conditions better
• Some will struggle more
• Your race is your race
• Compare yourself to the conditions, not others

Key Takeaways

1. Berlin is the PR major. Most consistent conditions, most world records.

2. Boston is the wildcard. Prepare for literally anything; have multiple plans.

3. Fall majors (Chicago, New York) are generally good. But Chicago has heat risk.

4. Spring majors (Boston, London, Tokyo) are variable. Rain and temperature swings possible.

5. Every major can surprise you. Even Berlin has had warm years.

6. Research your specific race. Last 10 years tells you what's possible.

7. Pack for flexibility. Having options is better than being caught without.

8. Race the day you get. Conditions are part of the challenge at any major.

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Each World Marathon Major offers a unique weather challenge. Run Window helps you prepare for conditions at home and abroad so you can race your best on the world's biggest stages.