The Northampton center is about the area of Smith College Botanic Garden and the area of Smith College.
Northampton, Massachusetts, enjoys a temperate climate with four unique seasons. You can enjoy a distinctly different visit every time of the year. The summer months are generally the most popular, with highs in the low 80s and lows around the mid- to upper 50s.
Summer visitors can catch the Northampton Sidewalk Sale, bringing everything from apparel to baked goods out to the streets at alluringly low prices. The Transperformance music festival takes place in August, celebrating local diversity with a broad range of performers. The Three County Fair, an annual favorite for over 200 years, wraps up the warm weather season in early September with livestock programs, craft vendors, carnival games, and more.
In spring and fall, you'll find cooler temperatures with highs from the mid-40s to the low 70s and lows around the 30s and 40s. Dress in layers for a comfortable visit. The Paradise City Arts Festival takes place in May and October, so you can catch this outstanding arts and crafts event in either season. Spring visitors may have the benefit of catching the Smith College Spring Bulb Show, while autumn tourists can enjoy the Northampton Film Festival.
In winter, Northampton transforms into a classic holiday wonderland. Temperatures dip with highs in the 30s and lows falling into the teens. The city enjoys average snowfall of eight inches in December and February and 10 inches in January. First Night Northampton rings in the New Year with live performances, a midnight ball-raising, and a spectacular fireworks show. With highlights in every season, you can plan an engaging visit to Northampton any time.
Several hotels in the Northampton area offer discounted rates for particular travelers. AAA discounts are available at the Quality Inn & Suites Northampton Amherst as well as the nearby Hampton Inn Hadley/Amherst Area, Knights Inn Hadley, Americas Best Value Inn Holyoke/Springfield, and Howard Johnson Amherst Hadley.
Seniors looking for a room in Northampton, Massachusetts don't have to pay full price. The Autumn Inn offers special rates. Senior discounts are also available nearby at the Red Roof Inn Plus+ South Deerfield, Residence Inn Springfield Chicopee, Econo Lodge West Springfield, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield Holyoke.
If you're looking for a fast way to trim your rates, search for hotel deals that will give you a lower rate for your auto club membership or senior status. You may need to widen your search beyond the more limited boundaries of Northampton, but there are a wealth of options that are less than 15 miles from Northampton's city center.
Northampton's value hotels are mid-priced picks with a wealth of conveniences for your comfort. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield/Northampton/Amherst is a popular pick for visitors who want to enjoy affordability and amenities rolled into one stay. Guests at this Fairfield Inn & Suites enjoy complimentary high-speed internet, flat-panel smart TVs, comfortable beds, and ergonomic seating in their rooms. A complimentary buffet breakfast will help you start the day right, while the fitness center and indoor swimming pool provide plenty of recreation to fill your free time on-site.
Northampton's Autumn Inn is another outstanding choice for value accommodations. The hotel boasts 32 rooms equipped with refrigerators, flat screen televisions, and complimentary wireless internet. Take a dip in the outdoor pool when it's warm out, or cozy up to the lobby fireplace when it's cool. The Autumn Inn serves a complimentary continental breakfast daily, and keeps coffee and tea on hand in the common area.
You can find another fine choice for mid-price accommodation just south of Northampton if the city doesn't have what you're after. The D Hotel & Suites Holyoke offers comfortable guest rooms, an on-site steakhouse, and a heated indoor pool and whirlpool.
Northampton, Massachusetts offers a broad range of attractions, as diverse as its visitors. The Smith College Museum of Art is a popular highlight for visitors of all ages. Even young guests will come to appreciate art and culture through the immersive exhibits here. The museum hosts family programs specifically geared toward children age 4 to 10. Books and puzzles are available in the second and third-floor galleries to make the museum more engaging for children.
Storybook lovers will rejoice to find both the Eric Carle Museum and The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in the area. The Eric Carle Museum explores literature and storytelling in all its forms. The Dr. Seuss Museum is more limited in its focus, but does a spectacular job of bringing the wild and whimsical world of Seuss stories to life with sculptures, statues, and paintings in the author's classic style.
If you thrill to taking a peek into the past, visit Historic Northampton. This museum explores the history of the Connecticut River Valley. It has a collection of around 50,000 objects showcased in both permanent and rotating exhibits. Three historic buildings are included in Historic Northampton as well.
If the weather permits, you won't want to miss Look Park during your visit. Activities here include a mile-long steamer train ride, pedal boats, playgrounds, mini golf, and the Christenson Zoo. Stroll the walking paths, pick up something special from the Sweet Shoppe, or splash about in the water spray park. Look Park also maintains a busy schedule of special events. See what's happening during your visit so you never miss out on the fun.
If you're looking for a memorable stay packed with culture, art, and history, you'll find it all in Northampton, Massachusetts. With festivals and fun for every season, it's hard to go wrong with a stay here. Find the perfect hotel for your New England getaway in this charming downtown and start planning all the delights that you'll include in your next visit.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Northampton, MA excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Hampshire
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026, 2025 | September 30, 2027, 2027 | $157.00 | $80.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Northampton, MA from an actual visitor's perspective.
The multiple shops and restaurants available within walking distance. The local artisans.
Food options are incredible look park was fun with the Highland Games! CVS was very nice helping me get a replacement for my husbands loss of his heart medication and Roberto's restaurant has the best Italian food around!
Super place to go birding, observe nature and just relax…
I saw many attractive homes with beautiful gardens, especially in my daughter's neighborhood. I also like the easy shopping and fine restaurants.
Good restaurants, Look Park holiday display, downtown decorating and shopping!
Good restaurants, Look Park holiday display, downtown decorating & shopping.
Everything, especially the preservation and use of Victorian architecture, and integration of Smith College with the town. Wonderful small town feeling.
Easy walking to all shops and restaurants.
Easy walking to all shops and restaurants.
We were in Northampton to meet old friends for dinner. Love the downtown shopping area. Something that is lost in this age of strip malls.
Great place to shop for unusual things!
The reception was at The Woods on the Lake.
The Union Station venue was great. It's a fun city to walk around.
It looks like the town that stood still. Quaint.
It was very quaint and easy to get around in.
We love going to East Heaven Hot Tub, walking on the trail behind Smith College and the many choices for great dining. We love Northhampton Brewery too.
Northampton is extremely fun. There are a lot of restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.