Late summer · Weather & things to do
New Hampshire in August
Little changes in New Hampshire from July: highs stay near 80°F (27°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), and about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 79/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 80°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (98 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 79/100 · Great
What August feels like
Days are warm, averaging 80°F (27°C).
Lows average 61°F (16°C).
With 78% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.9 in (98 mm).
Plan around August
August is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (May and September).
- Comfort improves from 76/100 in July to 79/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes80°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New Hampshire in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Artist's Bluff
Short, steep hike to a ledge over Echo Lake and the notch, a classic foliage photo spot.
Why now August scores 79/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Coal and biodiesel trains climbing the steep west face of the Northeast's highest peak since 1869.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.
Barbecue and house beers in North Conway at the east end of the Kancamagus.
Sabbaday Falls
Easy 0.7-mile walk to a tiered waterfall in a narrow flume off the Kancamagus.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Polly's Pancake Parlor
Family-run since 1938, serving pancakes from house-ground flours with mountain views.
Nearby in August
- Portsmouth in August~42 mi · highs 74°F, 3.7 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Woodstock in August~56 mi · highs 77°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Boston in August~63 mi · highs 82°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in August~73 mi · highs 70°F, 3.7 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~259 m to New Hampshire's ~91 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
New Hampshire in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit New Hampshire?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 79/100 against a best of 87 in May and September. Expect highs of 80°F (27°C) and 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is New Hampshire in August?
Average highs are 80°F (27°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New Hampshire in August?
Some: about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1153 mm).
What should I pack for New Hampshire in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (80°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on New Hampshire
Planning New Hampshire in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.