Climate and monthly weather forecast
New Hampshire, USA

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Flag of New Hampshire, USA
Flag of New Hampshire, USA

The climate of New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Vermont in the west, the Canadian provinces of Quebec in the north, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and Massachusetts in the south border the state. The climate varies between hot summers (Köppen Dfa) in the south to cold summers and subarctic winters (Köppen Dfc) in the north - the Atlantic Ocean influences the weather in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, while mountain ranges hold sway in the north.

New Hampshire, the Granite State, is home to the White Mountains range that is part of the Appalachian Trail and spreads in the north to the central portion of the state. Mount Washington, Mount Madison and Mount Adams in the range experience some of the most violent winds in the United States. New Hampshire forests are mostly of the temperate broadleaf and mixed type and consist of conifers and northern hardwoods of the New England - Acadian variety. Mixed oaks and northeastern coastal forests adorn the southeastern part of the state. The North Country, which is the northern one-third part of the state, experiences severe cold and heavy snowfall during the winter and has some of the best places in the country to ski and snowboard.

The best time to visit New Hampshire

The best time to visit New Hampshire is during the summer to early fall - from June to September when the temperatures are between moderately warm in the north to hot in the south.
Spring is rainy, cold, and prone to thunderstorms as well as snowstorms. Autumn gets cold by late October, and the conditions are often windy. Summers tend to be temperate, with temperatures rarely crossing 90°F (32.2°C) in the north.
New Hampshire has the smallest ocean coastline in the United States, and tourists flock to Hampton Beach and the White Mountains during the summer. Early fall is the best time to view the beautiful fall foliage and get a few discounts as the tourist season wanes.

The worst time to visit New Hampshire

The late fall and winter season from November to February is the worst time to visit New Hampshire as the state experience severe cold weather and snowy conditions.
Cold fronts are common as early as October, and the first of the snowstorms usually happen by November. Mountain passes and trails are risky to traverse during the winter as they accumulate vast amounts of snow. Winter days are short, and the weak sunlight is available only for a few hours.
Winter is generally an off-season for the family vacation traveler but provides energetic and adventure sports fanatics with one of the best environments for skiing, snowboarding, and many more activities.

Spring weather in New Hampshire

Spring in New Hampshire is marked by rainy, cold weather prone to thunderstorms and snowstorms. Temperatures in this season can fluctuate widely, contributing to a mix of weather conditions. Rainfall is evenly distributed, and the state may experience severe weather, including tornadoes or hurricanes, particularly from late spring to fall. Despite the volatility, spring brings the rejuvenation of flora, offering a beautiful landscape.

Summer weather in New Hampshire

Summer in New Hampshire offers average daytime highs in the range of 70°F (21.1°C) to 85°F (29.4°C), peaking in July. The season is characterized by warm and humid weather, with the southern region experiencing hotter temperatures. Summer storms, including hurricanes and tornadoes, may occur, but temperatures rarely exceed 90°F (32.2°C) in the northern parts. Coastal and mountainous areas provide delightful escapes from the heat.

Autumn weather in New Hampshire

Autumn brings a crisp chill to New Hampshire, with temperatures dropping by late October. The conditions often become windy, and the landscape transforms into a vibrant display of fall foliage. Autumn also introduces the first of the season's snowstorms and cold fronts. Despite the cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather, early fall remains a good time for tourism, especially for those interested in scenic views.

Winter weather in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's winter is known for its cold, icy, and snowy conditions. Average lows range from -4°F (-20°C) to 15°F (-9.4°C) in January, and the northern wilderness regularly drops below 0°F (-17.8°C). Snowfall is heavy, with strong arctic winds sweeping through the region. The northern mountain ranges shield the southern part of the state from the most frigid fronts, but still, winter remains severe, providing an ideal environment for winter sports.

Weather in January

January is the coldest month of the year in New Hampshire and is marked by a stark contrast between its northern and southern regions. The northern wilderness often experiences temperatures below 0°F (-17.8°C), while the southern parts have average lows ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to 15°F (-9.4°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in New Hampshire continues the cold and snowy trend established in January. While it remains one of the coldest months of the year, temperatures begin to show slight moderation, signaling a transition toward spring in the coming months. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks a transitional period in New Hampshire, as winter starts to wane and the early signs of spring appear. While cold temperatures persist, especially in the northern regions, there is a noticeable shift toward milder weather. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in New Hampshire represents a clear shift towards spring, with temperatures continuing to rise from the colder winter months. The state's average lows range from 28°F (-2.2°C) to 36°F (2.2°C), while average highs fluctuate between 52°F (11.1°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in New Hampshire is characterized by the full arrival of spring, with temperatures consistently rising and the landscape coming to life. Average lows for the state range from 42°F (5.6°C) to 49°F (9.4°C), and average highs vary between 65°F (18.3°C) to 73°F (22.8°C). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in New Hampshire heralds the beginning of summer, characterized by a significant rise in temperatures and increased humidity. The average lows for the state during this month are from 52°F (11.1°C) to 57°F (13.9°C), while the average highs fluctuate between 75°F (23.9°C) to 82°F (27.8°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the peak of summer in New Hampshire, with the hottest temperatures of the year and consistent summery weather. The average lows in the state are from 57°F (13.9°C) to 63°F (17.2°C), while the average highs range from 80°F (26.7°C) to 87°F (30.6°C). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer season in New Hampshire, with temperatures slightly cooler than July but still firmly within the warm range. Average lows during this month are from 55°F (12.8°C) to 61°F (16.1°C), and average highs are between 76°F (24.4°C) to 84°F (28.9°C). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in New Hampshire brings the arrival of autumn, with a noticeable decrease in temperatures and the beginning of the spectacular fall foliage for which the region is famous. The average lows for the state are from 47°F (8.3°C) to 54°F (12.2°C), and the average highs range from 66°F (18.9°C) to 74°F (23.3°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in New Hampshire is characterized by the full arrival of autumn, with temperatures continuing to decrease, and the fall foliage reaching its peak. The average lows for the state fall from 37°F (2.8°C) to 45°F (7.2°C), and the average highs range from 54°F (12.2°C) to 62°F (16.7°C). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in New Hampshire is a transitional month, bridging the colorful and crisp fall season with the onset of winter. Average lows range from 27°F (-2.8°C) to 35°F (1.7°C), and average highs are between 42°F (5.6°C) to 50°F (10°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the official beginning of winter in New Hampshire, with cold temperatures, short days, and frequent snowfall. Average lows for the month fall from 17°F (-8.3°C) to 25°F (-3.9°C), and average highs are between 32°F (0°C) to 40°F (4.4°C). Weather in December »
Updated: May 24, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

New Hampshire, USA

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