Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Portsmouth in January
This is the coldest month in Portsmouth: highs average 34°F (1°C) and lows 24°F (-4°C), with about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 41/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.1 in (104 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 09 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 34°F (1°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 24°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 9 h 09 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort improves from 36/100 in December to 41/100.
- Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Portsmouth in January
With highs near 34°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Ceres Bakery
Long-running downtown bakery for coffee, scones and soup.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 34°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 34°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 34°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 January
- New Hampshire in January~42 mi · highs 30°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
- Portland, Maine in January~48 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Boston in January~51 mi · highs 34°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- White Mountains in January~87 mi · highs 5°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 16°C (30°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Portsmouth?
It's middling, scoring 41/100. The best months are September, at up to 88. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain or snow. Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Portsmouth in January?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Portsmouth in January?
Some: about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 5th-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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Portsmouth 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.