What’s the Worst Month in New England?

Which month is the worst month in New England? I aim to settle the age-old debate in this week's 12-Inch Poll.

As I'm typing this, it's mid-March. The wind has been so strong over the last two days--gusts topping 50 mph--that I've had to scuttle my post-show hike routine. In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? The wind has since died down, and temperatures are set to hit the mid-60s in the Boston metro tomorrow. Again, in mid-March. Gross. As you can probably gather, weather is the main metric that will come into consideration as we debate which month is worse.

That's not to say weather is the only thing being put on the scale to weigh. Holidays come into play, of course. With each month of the twelve, I am to weigh those pros and cons. Or, rather, I'll weigh what I believe to be the pros and cons. You'll take a look at my takes, respond with your own, then cast your vote.

Over the years, my opinion on this subject has shifted. November and all it's gloom-shortened days and bare-branched trees always sent me into enough of a death-spiral to write off the joys of Thanksgiving altogether. But times have changed. And--back to weather again--the climate has changed. January, long a beloved month for people like me who enjoy being outdoors in the New England winter, is now my frontrunner. Too often, rain is replacing snow, thanks to milder winter temperatures.

So let's get to it. As I said above, I've put forth pros and cons for each month below, along with some seasonal songs. If all goes as planned, we should end up with a workable ranking of the months in New England, with the worst one of all sitting atop the heap. Or is it the bottom?

Pros: Winter sports, New Year's Day, the freshness of a new year to look ahead to. Or something.

Cons: Coldest month (usually), long as hell. Seriously, those January 32nd jokes are no joke.

Pros: February vacation (for some of us), convenience of having the shortest month during the cold of winter.

Cons: Valentine's Day (for some of us), still winter.

Pros: Spring break (for some of us), St. Patrick's Day is always a blast in Boston.

Cons: Unpredictability (starts in winter, ends in spring, so much mud, so much dodgy weather).

Pros: April vacation (for some of us), first full month of spring.

Cons: Rain. More rain. Even more rain. Yet again, rain.

Pros: Memorial Day weekend, Boston Calling weekend. Typically one of the best weather months in New England,

Cons: Nightmare for seasonal allergy sufferers. I feel your pain.

Pros: Father's Day (for some folks), the kids are out of school! Yes!

Cons: Father's Day (for some folks), The kids are out of school! Nooooo!

Pros: 4th of July weekend holiday, a 31-day summer month.

Cons: Hot, humid. Dad, if you're reading this, I know this is a pro for you. Have fun sealcoating the porch roof this July.

Pros: Beach weather, vacation time for lots of people.

Cons: Hazy, hot, humid. Or, Hazy Hot & Henry if you're a Henry Santoro fan.

Pros: Labor Day weekend, typically one of the best weather months in New England.

Cons: Back-to-school, back to the work routine. Although, that can be a pro for some folks, I suppose.

Pros: Foliage, apple cider, crisp fall weather, Halloween...the list goes on and on. October really is a choice month

Cons: Raking your leaves, your neighbor's leafblower. Seriously, enough with the goddamn leaf blower. Use a rake.

Pros: Thanksgiving holiday and holiday break, only 30 days long.

Cons: Shit weather (usually), "Fall back" (yes, I know we get the extra hour, but the sun sets at 4:15 p.m. can we knock this off already?)

Pros: Holiday season, holiday vacation, time spent with family.

Cons: Holiday season, holiday vacation, time spent with family.