Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
New Hampshire in January
This is the coldest month in New Hampshire: highs average 30°F (-1°C) and lows 14°F (-10°C), with about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 30°F (-1°C)
- Avg low
- 14°F (-10°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 09 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 30°F (-1°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 14°F (-10°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 09 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September.
- Comfort improves from 39/100 in December to 45/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 14°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in New Hampshire in January
With highs near 30°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Woodstock Inn Brewery
Brewpub with an outdoor patio in North Woodstock, a natural end to a notch day.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 30°F.
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.
Barbecue and house beers in North Conway at the east end of the Kancamagus.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Polly's Pancake Parlor
Family-run since 1938, serving pancakes from house-ground flours with mountain views.
Why now A cozy break on a 30°F day.
Loon Mountain Scenic Gondola
12-minute gondola up Loon Peak with an observation tower over 24 of NH's 4,000-footers.
Flume Gorge
Two-mile loop on boardwalks through a granite gorge with waterfalls and covered bridges.
Nearby in January
- Portsmouth in January~42 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Woodstock in January~56 mi · highs 28°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Boston in January~63 mi · highs 34°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in January~73 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit New Hampshire?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September. Expect highs of 30°F (-1°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is New Hampshire in January?
Average highs are 30°F (-1°C) and average lows 14°F (-10°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in New Hampshire in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1153 mm).
What should I pack for New Hampshire in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 14°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on New Hampshire
Planning New Hampshire in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.