Late spring · Weather & things to do
New Hampshire in May
New Hampshire warms up: highs climb to 67°F (20°C), from 56°F in April, with lows of 47°F (8°C) and about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 81/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 67°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 67°F (20°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 47°F (8°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (94 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is one of New Hampshire's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and September.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 73/100.
- Comfort improves from 68/100 in April to 81/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in New Hampshire in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Loon Mountain Scenic Gondola
12-minute gondola up Loon Peak with an observation tower over 24 of NH's 4,000-footers.
Why now May scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Flume Gorge
Two-mile loop on boardwalks through a granite gorge with waterfalls and covered bridges.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 3.7 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 May
- Portsmouth in May~42 mi · highs 58°F, 4.0 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Woodstock in May~56 mi · highs 66°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Boston in May~63 mi · highs 66°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in May~73 mi · highs 54°F, 4.0 in rain · 8°C (14°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit New Hampshire?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 67°F (20°C) and 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is New Hampshire in May?
Average highs are 67°F (20°C) and average lows 47°F (8°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New Hampshire in May?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1153 mm).
What should I pack for New Hampshire in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on New Hampshire
Planning New Hampshire in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.