diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/boost/generic.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/boost/generic.nix
index 5f219a93418a..2c5bcf0c7c0e 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/boost/generic.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/boost/generic.nix
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ let
 
   needUserConfig =
     stdenv.hostPlatform != stdenv.buildPlatform
+    || enablePython
     || useMpi
     || (stdenv.hostPlatform.isDarwin && enableShared);