Late winter · Weather & things to do
Portsmouth in February
Little changes in Portsmouth from January: highs stay near 35°F (2°C), lows near 25°F (-4°C), and about 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.2 in (107 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 18 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What February feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 35°F (2°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 25°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.2 in (107 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Comfort holds steady from January (41 → 41/100).
- Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Portsmouth in February
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Ceres Bakery
Long-running downtown bakery for coffee, scones and soup.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Market Square
Brick-lined center of town with shops, cafés and the North Church spire.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 35°F.
The Press Room
Longest-running bar and live-music room in downtown Portsmouth: jazz, blues and local bands in a brick basement pub.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Moxy
Chef Matt Louis's American tapas using New England ingredients.
Why now A cozy break on a 35°F day.
USS Albacore Museum
Walk through a 1953 experimental submarine on dry land.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in February
- New Hampshire in February~42 mi · highs 33°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
- Portland, Maine in February~48 mi · highs 35°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Boston in February~51 mi · highs 36°F, 3.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- White Mountains in February~87 mi · highs 7°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 16°C (28°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Portsmouth in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Portsmouth?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 35°F (2°C) and 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain or snow. Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Portsmouth in February?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Portsmouth in February?
Some: about 4.2 in (107 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 52.6 in (1337 mm).
What should I pack for Portsmouth in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Portsmouth in February?
Share this February plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.