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Weather in White Mountains
Foliage-blanketed peaks of New Hampshire
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About White Mountains
The White Mountains of New Hampshire rise dramatic from Maine's western border, home to Mount Washington (6,288 feet) and the most exposed peaks in the Northeast. Fall foliage transforms entire mountains into flame and gold each October, drawing millions of leaf-peepers.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in White Mountains
Mount Washington cog railway: steam train to peak ride
Mount Washington carriage road auto ascent option
Franconia Notch scenic parkway: waterfall and mountain views
Flume Gorge hiking: natural stone gorge exploration
Fall foliage driving: peak color season October visits
Summit hut to hut hiking: White Mountains backpacking
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-13C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
-12C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
-8C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
-2C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
May
7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
June
11C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
July
15C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
August
14C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
September
11C
Cool, with some rainy days.
October
4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
November
-4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
-9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are New England's highest and wildest range, centred on Mount Washington, notorious for some of the most extreme weather recorded anywhere on Earth. The Kancamagus Highway cuts through the heart of the range past waterfalls and overlooks, Franconia Notch squeezes a road between dramatic cliffs and the Flume Gorge, and a cog railway has hauled visitors to Mount Washington's summit since the 1860s.
Best areas to stay in White Mountains
North Conway
The main gateway town, with outlet shopping, restaurants, and easy access to climbing and hiking.
Franconia Notch
A dramatic mountain pass with the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain, and classic alpine scenery.
Kancamagus Highway corridor
The scenic byway through the heart of the national forest, dotted with trailheads and waterfalls.
Bretton Woods / Mount Washington area
Home to the Cog Railway and grand historic hotels at the base of the highest peak.
Getting to White Mountains
✈
Flights
Fly into Boston (BOS) or Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT), each about 2-2.5 hours by car.
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From London
~7-9 hours direct from London to Boston, plus the drive north.
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Getting around
A car is essential to reach trailheads and scenic drives across the national forest.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the White Mountains?
Late September to mid-October for foliage along the Kancamagus Highway, or summer for hiking; winter draws skiers to resorts like Bretton Woods and Loon.
How do I get to the top of Mount Washington?
By the historic Cog Railway, the Mount Washington Auto Road (drive your own car), or hiking trails for the more ambitious.
What is the Kancamagus Highway?
A 34-mile scenic road through the White Mountain National Forest, with waterfalls, overlooks, and some of the best foliage viewing in the state.
Is the weather really that extreme on Mount Washington?
Yes — the summit has recorded some of the highest wind speeds on Earth and weather can turn dangerous quickly, even in summer.
How do I get around the White Mountains?
A car is essential; the region is a network of scenic roads and trailheads spread across the national forest.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Drove the Kancamagus at peak foliage and had to stop every few minutes for photos. The waterfalls along the way were a brilliant bonus.
Claire W. · October 2024
★★★★☆
Took the Cog Railway up Mount Washington, the views from the top were huge but the weather changed fast, glad we had layers.
Dave M. · August 2023
★★★★☆
Hiked around Franconia Notch and the Flume Gorge was a really dramatic short walk. Beautiful, rugged scenery throughout.
Liz N. · July 2024
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