Climate and monthly weather forecast
Dover, NH

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The climate of Dover

Dover, situated in New Hampshire, USA, benefits from a humid continental climate, with no dry season and warm summers, according to the Köppen climate classification. This is predominantly characterised by the shifting in weather conditions with the varying seasons.

Throughout the year, Dover experiences fluctuations in different weather parameters. The highest temperatures are seen in July, rising to 76.3°F (24.6°C), while January registers the lowest, plunging to 20.7°F (-6.3°C). Relative humidity remains fairly consistent, hovering around 78 to 80%. Rain, quite spread throughout the year, attains its maximum levels of 2.13" (54mm) in June and December, whereas in September it descends to a lower level of 1.26" (32mm).

With respect to daylight, Dover gets the maximum around June, stretching to 15.3h, and the minimum in December shrinking to 9h. Correspondingly, sunshine hours rise to a crest of 10.7h in August, but fall to a trough of 4.9h in December. The UV Index reaches its peak of 6 in July and August.

Uniquely, snowfall is typically observed between December to March, with February experiencing the highest amount of 3.86" (98mm). Capping off the climatic conditions are the wind speeds, which decrease from 11.3mph (18.2km/h) in January to 6.5mph (10.5km/h) in July and August, before rising again towards the year-end.

The best time to visit Dover

Given the warm and pleasant temperatures, with moderate rainfall, the period between late June and early September emerges as the ideal time to experience Dover. This time sees an average maximum temperature of 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C), daylight hours extending between 15.3h to 13.9h and lower wind speeds oscillating around 6.5mph (10.5km/h), providing the perfect ambiance for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Dover

The winter months from late December to early March should be avoided due to extremely cold temperatures. During this period, the average temperature ranges from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to 28.4°F (-2°C), and the place experiences increased snowfall, with February recording the highest of 3.86" (98mm). With reduced daylight and sunshine hours from 9h to 11h and 4.9h to 5.1h respectively, coupled with high wind speeds up to 11.3mph (18.2km/h), outdoor activities become quite challenging.

Spring weather in Dover

The spring season in Dover extends from March to May. With gradually rising temperatures, it goes from 40.1°F (4.5°C) to 61.2°F (16.2°C). Concurrently, rainfall increases from 1.89" (48mm) in March to 1.73" (44mm) in May. Further, daylight and sunshine hours also begin to extend, from 12h and 5.9h respectively in March to 14.7h and 8.5h by May's end.

Summer weather in Dover

Summers in Dover, from June to August, are comfortable with temperatures at an average of 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C). The rainfall peaks to 2.13" (54mm) in June, before settling at 2.01" (51mm) in August. With extended daylight of 15.3h to 13.9h and abundant sunshine hours from 9.2h to 10.7h, summers in Dover are ideally suited for outdoor activities.

Autumn weather in Dover

With the arrival of autumn, spanning September to November, Dover experiences a decline in temperature from 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 46.6°F (8.1°C). The rainfall stays at a moderate level around 2.09" (53mm) in October, while sunshine and daylight hours reduce from 8.6h and 12.5h in September to 5.5h and 9.7h by November.

Winter weather in Dover

Winter sets in Dover from December to February, bringing with it a cold climate. Temperatures plummet to an average between 20.7°F (-6.3°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C). December and January witness the highest rainfall of 2.13" (54mm) and 1.5" (38mm) respectively, while February sees peak snowfall of 3.86" (98mm). The daylight and sunshine hours drop to around 9h and 4.9h to 5.1h, respectively, making it the period with the shortest daylight duration.

Weather in January

Starting the year, Dover, New Hampshire experiences its coldest month with average high and low temperatures reaching only 31.6°F (-0.2°C) and 20.7°F (-6.3°C) respectively. Aside from its freezing temperatures, January also experiences a significant amount of snowfall amounting to 3.35" (85mm). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February brings a subtle shift in Dover's weather, with temperatures rising marginally from January's bitter cold. The month experiences 3.86" (98mm) of snowfall, a slight increase from the previous month, giving winter sports enthusiasts abundant opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, the transition period from winter to spring begins in Dover. The temperatures start to climb, reaching an average high of 40.1°F (4.5°C), yet the winter ambiance lingers with 2.28" (58mm) of snowfall still recorded during this month. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April marks the advent of spring in Dover with temperatures climbing further to a livable range, and the last traces of snow, amounting merely to 0.87" (22mm), eventually melt away. The increase in daily sunlight hours brings vibrancy to the city as more outdoor activities become feasible. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Dover intensifies the spring weather with a significant rise in temperatures, approaching summer-like warmth, and leaving behind April’s sporadic cool snaps. Noticeable is the spike in relative humidity to 78%, along with rainfall measures of 1.73" (44mm). Weather in May »

Weather in June

Summer seizes Dover in June with average temperatures reaching their yearly highs, paving the way for a season filled with sunshine and outdoor activities. Quite importantly, June witnesses noteworthy rainfall amounting to 2.13" (54mm), reflecting the typical summer afternoon showers. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July represents the zenith of summer in Dover, with an overall rise in temperatures, achieving an average high of 76.3°F (24.6°C). July also records the highest UV index of 6 indicating heightened sun intensity. Following July, August replicates similar weather characteristics albeit with slight variations. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Dover mimics July's conditions closely, with near-peak temperatures and the least cloudiness, marked by 29% of cloud coverage. However, the slight drop in average high temperatures to 75.7°F (24.3°C) differentiates it from July's pinnacle heat. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signifies the onset of autumn in Dover with temperatures dipping to an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) from August's heat. Even though temperatures are decreasing, this month still experiences relatively less rainfall with 1.26" (32mm). Weather in September »

Weather in October

With October, the full glory of fall graces Dover, ushering in cooler yet comfortable temperatures. The month also registers a marked increase in rainfall, witnessing 2.09" (53mm) of rain, a clear rise from September's minimal rainfall. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Dover sees a further plunge in temperatures, recording 46.6°F (8.1°C) at its average high. Interestingly, November witnesses a mild reappearance of snowfall with 0.43" (11mm) registered, indicating the impending winter months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, winter makes its presence known in Dover with temperatures descending rapidly. The month witnesses 3.27" (83mm) of snowfall; a significant increase, ushering the city into the snowy season. January extends this cold and snowy weather, making the city a winter haven once again. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Dover?

In Dover, January is known for its average lowest temperatures, reaching a high of 31.6°F (-0.2°C) and a low of 20.7°F (-6.3°C).

How much does it rain in Dover?

Throughout the year, there are 130.8 rainfall days, and 22.24" (565mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Dover?

Months with snowfall in Dover, New Hampshire, are January through April, October through December.

How much does it snow in Dover?

Throughout the year, there are 28.5 snowfall days, and 14.25" (362mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index in Dover?

The months with the lowest UV index in Dover, New Hampshire, are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the snowiest month in Dover?

The month with the most snowfall in Dover, New Hampshire, is February, when snow falls for 7.2 days and typically aggregates up to 3.86" (98mm) of snow.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Dover?

February and December, with an average of 4.9h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Dover.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Dover?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What are the least humid months in Dover?

The months with the lowest humidity in Dover are April and November, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

When it does not snow in Dover?

May through September are months without snowfall.

What is the most humid month in Dover?

The months with the highest humidity in Dover, New Hampshire, are June and July, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the wettest month in Dover?

The months with the most rainfall in Dover are June and December, with an average 2.13" (54mm) of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Dover?

With an average of 15h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Dover, New Hampshire.

What time of the year is the hottest in Dover?

Dover's warmest weather arrives in July, when temperatures average a high of 76.3°F (24.6°C) and a low of 62.2°F (16.8°C).

What is the month with the highest UV index in Dover?

July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Dover.

What month has the most sunshine in Dover?

August has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.

What is the driest month in Dover?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 10.7 days and typically collects 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Dover?

With an average of 9h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Dover, NH

Average temperature - Dover, NH

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (76.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (31.6°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (62.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).

Average pressure
Dover, NH

Average pressure - Dover, NH

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed
Dover, NH

Average wind speed - Dover, NH

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.3mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.5mph).

Average humidity
Dover, NH

Average humidity - Dover, NH

The months with the highest relative humidity are June and July (80%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and November (75%).

Average rainfall
Dover, NH

Average rainfall - Dover, NH

The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are June and December (2.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.26").

Average rainfall days
Dover, NH

Average rainfall days - Dover, NH

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (14.6 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (6.3 days).

Average snowfall
Dover, NH

Average snowfall - Dover, NH

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.86").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Dover, NH

Average snowfall days - Dover, NH

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (7.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Dover, NH

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Dover, NH

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Dover, NH

Average sunshine days - Dover, NH

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (14.3 days).

Average UV index
Dover, NH

Average UV index - Dover, NH

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Dover, NH

Average visibility - Dover, NH

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Dover, New Hampshire, USA

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