The climate of Franconia
The overall climate in
Franconia,
New Hampshire, USA falls into the Dfb category under the Köppen climate classification. This signifies a humid continental climate, free of dry seasons but with a warm summer. Geographically, Franconia experiences weather conditions influenced by its position in the northern part of United States.
On a typical day, the humidity levels fluctuate moderately, with the lowest percentage observed at 77% in
May and the highest percentage spikes to 89% in
January and
February. The region also bears witness to an annual temperature variation from a low of 9.9°F (-12.3°C) in January to a high of 75°F (23.9°C) in
July. Similarly, the rainfall varies throughout the year, ranging from 0.67" (17mm) in February and
March to 1.18" (30mm) in
June and July.
Despite annual fluctuations, Franconia stands out for a few specific weather patterns. During the wintertime, Franconia presents a snow-white landscape, with snowfall measuring up to 3.98" (101mm) in January. The region also boasts of high sunshine hours in July and
August, reaching up to 9.8 hours per day.
The best time to visit Franconia
If warm weather and sunny skies rank high on your priorities, then
July and
August emerge as favorable months to visit
Franconia. During these months, the highest average temperatures peak up to 75°F (23.9°C) in July and 73°F (22.8°C) in August. Additional factors include minimal cloud cover, promoting ample sunshine and long daylight hours. Keep in mind, though, these months also record the highest amount of rainfall.
The worst time to visit Franconia
Visitors wary of cold, snowy conditions may want to avoid
Franconia from
November through
March. The coldest period is marked by average low temperatures dropping down to 9.9°F (-12.3°C) in
January. In addition, these months possess the highest snowfall, culminating in 3.98" (101mm) of snow in January.
Spring weather in Franconia
Between
March and
May,
Franconia experiences a slow transition from the harsh, chilly winter to warmer weather. Temperature averages follow a rising trend, moving from 33.3°F (0.7°C) in March to 61.5°F (16.4°C) in May. However, one can expect frequent rain showers, particularly in
April and May, with rainfall averaging 1.1" (28mm) and 0.98" (25mm) respectively.
Summer weather in Franconia
From
June to
August, the
Franconia summer showcases warm temperatures with highs peaking at 75°F (23.9°C) in
July. This period also sees an increase in rainfall, with the heaviest rainfall of 1.18" (30mm) occurring in June and July. Despite the rain, summer promises extended daylight periods, particularly in June with 15.5 hours of daylight, and high UV indexes reaching up to 5.
Autumn weather in Franconia
Autumn descends on
Franconia between
September and
November, bringing cooler temperatures, with averages falling from 66.2°F (19°C) in September to 38.7°F (3.7°C) in November.
October sees the beginning of the snowy season, with the first snowfall of 0.71" (18mm) recorded that month. Rainfall also dips in this period, falling from 0.94" (24mm) in September to 0.83" (21mm) in November.
Winter weather in Franconia
December to
February marks the coldest time of the year, with the lowest temperature dropping to 9.9°F (-12.3°C) in
January. Adding to the chill,
Franconia faces the highest snowfall in this period, with a peak of 3.98" (101mm) in January. The city also sees the shortest daylight hours, with only 8.9 hours in December. Despite the harsh weather, the winter season boasts increased visibility, peaking at 5 miles in December and February.
Weather in January
The turn of the new year brings to
Franconia cold temperatures and a mix of snow and rain. With low temperatures reaching 9.9°F (-12.3°C) and a significant snowfall event of 3.98" (101mm), residents suit up in warm layers. Comparatively, the preceding month of
December tends to be milder and less snowy.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Franconia displays the persistent presence of winter with an unlikely shift towards spring. Temperatures nudge slightly upward compared to
January, yet it remains a month of chill and frost. The town bears witness to the year's last substantial snowfall, after which precipitation transforms primary into rainfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a transition in
Franconia's weather, straddling the thinning winter and the advent of spring. The average high temperature climbs to 33.3°F (0.7°C), leading to a visible retreat of snow and a noticeable increase in rain events.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Franconia signals a substantial shift towards spring with increasing rainfall and gradually warming temperatures. It is a notably wetter month compared to
March, boasting an average rainfall of 1.1" (28mm). April bids farewell to the last traces of snow that might have lingered from previous months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May takes the weather reins from
April, introducing
Franconia to consistent warmth and an abundance of sunlight. Unburdened by the remainders of winter, the town basks in a moderate climate that encourages blooming across the valley.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June transitions
Franconia into the much-anticipated summer season with rising temperatures and extended sunlight hours. The warmth increases noticeably from
May, but the humidity also intensifies, making the days slightly heavy. Rainfall remains consistent, yet the reappearance of clear skies and the occasional light breeze strike a balance.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July takes
Franconia into the heart of the summer season with the highest average high temperature of 75°F (23.9°C). An unparalleled period, July stands as the warmest and possibly the best time to visit for sun-loving tourists.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite the slight dip in high temperatures,
August remains a quintessential summer month in
Franconia. Following the peak warmth of
July, the weather takes a subtle turn towards autumn while maintaining a firm grip on summer. The town experiences its last share of intense summer heat, marking this month as a mellow end to the sunny season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Franconia unveils the start of the profound fall season, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures from the previous month. The changing colors and the gradual cooling usher in a month of magnificent beauty. A notable decrease in rainfall days from
August's 12.9 days indicates the drying pattern of the weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further propels
Franconia into the depths of autumn, presenting a stark contrast to
September's weather. An introduction to colder nights and lower humidity levels mark a distinction, with the reminiscing warmth of summer seemingly lost to the past.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The waning autumn of
November boasts the first snowfall in
Franconia, painting a frosty picture quite contrasting from the fall fresco of
October. Chilly winds blow away the last traces of colored foliage and replace them with a white blanket of snow.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Franconia welcomes
December with the full onslaught of winter, leaving the mild weather of
November far behind. The temperature plummets to the point where the average high temperature barely reaches 27.5°F (-2.5°C). The town is well within the tight grasp of winter now, wrapped up in a consistent covering of snow.
Weather in December »