Halloween in New Hampshire just feels crisp and cool, with the fall season showing off in full swing. Most years, daytime highs hit the 50s or low 60s Fahrenheit, and at night, temps usually drop into the 30s or 40s.
That means you’ll probably want to throw on an extra layer over your costume, and trick-or-treating happens in chilly but not unbearable conditions.
The holiday stands out here because of the mix of autumn colors and unpredictable weather. Some years, you’ll get dry, comfy evenings, but other times, light rain or even a surprise snow shower up north can shake things up.
Planning ahead really helps, since the weather likes to keep you guessing.
When you step outside on Halloween, you get more than just the weather—you’re stepping into the heart of New England’s fall. The glow of jack-o’-lanterns against those bright leaves, the shorter days, all of it says autumn is fading and winter’s not far behind.
Typical Halloween Weather in New Hampshire
Late October in New Hampshire usually brings cool days, chilly nights, and a mix of dry and damp spells. You should expect temperatures that feel brisk, and depending where you are, there’s always a chance for rain or even a touch of early snow.
Average Temperatures on Halloween
New Hampshire has a humid continental climate, so you’ll really notice the seasons changing. By late October, daily highs usually range from the upper 40s to low 50s°F in places like Manchester and Portsmouth.
Up north in Berlin, highs tend to stay closer to the low or mid-40s°F.
Evenings cool off fast. Lows usually fall into the 30s°F, and up north, it’s not rare to see the upper 20s°F. Trick-or-treating can feel pretty brisk, so you’ll want a light jacket or some layers.
Sunset timing matters too. By Halloween, you get about 10.5 hours of daylight, with sunset around 5:30 p.m. That early sunset means it feels colder sooner, especially if there’s a breeze.
Typical Precipitation Patterns
Rain shows up pretty often in late October. Most of New Hampshire gets 7–9 days of precipitation during the month, and average rainfall lands around 3–4 inches depending on where you are.
Snow can happen, but it’s not too common in the south. Manchester and Portsmouth only average about 0.1–0.3 inches of October snowfall. Up in Berlin, though, you might see closer to 0.8 inches—so a light dusting isn’t unheard of.
Cloud cover makes a difference. Southern cities get clear or partly clear skies roughly 50–60% of the time, but northern towns see more clouds. Even without rain, things can feel damp or chilly.
Common Weather Extremes
Halloween weather in New Hampshire can swing wildly from year to year. Some years, record lows have dropped into the teens°F, while record highs have jumped into the 70s°F.
Cold snaps sometimes bring frost or even a freeze before trick-or-treating. On milder years, though, it might still feel like early fall, with evenings in the 50s–60s°F.
Wind can be a factor too. Portsmouth and other coastal spots average 8–10 mph winds in October, while inland cities tend to be calmer, closer to 4–6 mph. Strong gusts can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Recent Halloween Weather Trends
Over the decades, Halloween has brought both warm and cold surprises. Concord, for example, once dropped to 14°F back in the 1960s—one of the coldest Halloweens on record.
In more recent years, some Halloweens have felt mild, with evenings in the 60s°F, especially down south. These warmer nights don’t happen every year, but they pop up when a late warm spell hangs on.
Rain showers tend to be the main concern. Forecasts often mention passing showers or cloudy skies, which might mess with outdoor events but rarely bring anything too dramatic.
Regional Variations Across New Hampshire
Weather around Halloween can really change depending on your spot in New Hampshire. Region, elevation, and how close you are to the coast all play a part.
Weather Differences by Region
Southern New Hampshire, with cities like Manchester and Nashua, usually gets milder late-October weather. Highs reach the upper 50s °F, and lows drop into the upper 30s °F.
Rain happens more than snow here, though a light frost is possible overnight.
Along the Seacoast, places like Portsmouth stay a bit warmer, thanks to the Atlantic. Highs average in the low to mid-50s °F, and lows hover near the low 40s °F.
Coastal breezes make evenings feel cooler, so definitely layer up if you’re out after dark.
Northern areas—think Berlin and the White Mountains—are colder. Highs stick around the mid-40s °F, and lows can fall into the upper 20s °F.
Snow showers are more likely, and by late October, you might even see a light accumulation.
Impact of Elevation and Geography
Elevation really shapes late-October weather in New Hampshire. In higher spots like the White Mountains, temperatures run 10–15°F cooler than in the southern valleys.
You could run into icy conditions or early snow up high, even if the southern part of the state is just damp.
Geography matters, too. The Atlantic keeps coastal temps a bit milder and delays the first hard freeze, while interior valleys—like the Merrimack River Valley—can trap cold air and bring sharper frosts.
If you’re driving across regions, expect quick changes. A short trip from Concord to the White Mountains might take you from light rain to wet snow in under an hour, especially at night.
Day and Night Weather Patterns
Late October in New Hampshire means crisp afternoons, chilly evenings, and early sunsets. Temperatures and light can shift a lot in just a few hours, so planning outdoor activities takes a little extra thought.
Afternoon Versus Evening Conditions
During the afternoon, temps in late October usually reach the upper 40s to mid-50s°F in southern areas like Manchester and Portsmouth. Up north in Berlin, highs are closer to the mid-40s°F.
If the sun’s out, it feels nicer, but clouds are common.
By evening, things cool down fast. Temperatures often drop into the 30s°F, and frost is possible in the mountains and valleys.
The swing between afternoon warmth and evening chill can be more than 15°F in a day.
Winds are usually light to moderate, but Portsmouth and other coastal towns may feel breezier than inland valleys.
After sunset, the air feels sharper—especially if you’re near water or higher up.
If you plan to be outside, go with layers. A light jacket might work in the afternoon, but you’ll want something warmer once it gets dark.
Sunset Times and Light Conditions
Around Halloween, sunset in New Hampshire lands around 5:30–5:45 PM. That doesn’t leave a lot of daylight, and dusk comes on quickly.
Civil twilight gives you about 25–30 minutes of usable light before it’s really dark.
In the north, the sun sets a few minutes earlier than on the coast. Shorter days also mean cool evenings hit fast, usually right when families head out for trick-or-treating.
Street lighting isn’t always great, especially in rural spots. Carrying a flashlight or wearing something reflective is smart—wet leaves on the ground can get slippery when it’s dim.
The combo of early sunset, cool air, and clouds can make evenings feel colder than you’d expect. Planning around these light conditions helps you stay safe and comfortable.
How Halloween Weather Compares to Other Fall Months
Temperatures in New Hampshire drop quickly through fall, and Halloween lands right in the middle of that shift. Days are cooler than September but not as cold as late November.
Precipitation, daylight, and even the chance of snow all change as the season moves along.
October Weather Overview
October in New Hampshire really shows off the humid continental climate, with big changes from the beginning to the end of the month.
Early October, you might see highs in the mid-60s °F, but by Halloween, highs drop closer to the upper 50s or low 60s, depending on the spot. Nights usually fall into the 30s and 40s °F.
Rain is pretty common, with about 3–4 inches for the month. You might catch the first measurable snow in some northern areas like Berlin, where late October averages 0.8 inches. Farther south, snow usually waits until November.
Daylight drops quickly. Early October gives you over 11 hours of sun, but by Halloween, it’s closer to 10 hours. Shorter days mean cooler evenings, especially if the sky’s clear.
Transition Into November
By early November, the weather really starts to feel like winter. In Manchester, average highs fall to the upper 40s °F, and lows hit the 30s °F.
Northern New Hampshire sees daytime highs in the low 40s °F, with nighttime lows dipping into the 20s.
Snow becomes pretty common. Berlin averages 6–7 inches in November, while Portsmouth and Manchester see 1–3 inches. Rain still happens, but it mixes with snow more as temperatures drop.
Daylight keeps shrinking, with only about 9.5 hours of sun by mid-November. Combined with colder air, evenings feel way different than Halloween just a couple weeks earlier.
Planning Your Visit Around Halloween
Late October weather in New Hampshire can flip from mild afternoons to chilly evenings pretty quickly. You’ll want to plan for both comfort and safety, especially if you’re heading to outdoor events.
Best Time to Visit New Hampshire in Fall
If you’re chasing peak fall foliage, mid to late October usually hits the mark. The northern mountains change first, while southern cities like Manchester and Portsmouth turn a bit later.
By Halloween, you can still catch plenty of color in the central and southern parts of the state.
Daytime highs typically run from the upper 40s to low 60s °F, depending on where you are. Nights drop into the 30s, and frost is pretty common.
Light snow has happened some years, but it’s not the usual.
Weekends get busy, especially in popular foliage towns like North Conway or Lincoln. If you go on a weekday, it’s usually less crowded and easier to explore.
If you want fewer people and cooler weather, the week before Halloween is a good bet. Fall events are still going, and most farms, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches are open.
Tips for Outdoor Activities and Events
Bring layers, since temperatures fall fast after sunset. A warm jacket, hat, and gloves make evening hayrides, haunted walks, or trick-or-treating way more comfortable.
Waterproof shoes or boots help if trails or fields are damp.
Always check the forecast before heading out. Rain is possible, with average October rainfall around 3–4 inches across the state.
Some towns might reschedule or tweak outdoor events if it’s wet.
For family stuff like pumpkin picking or corn mazes, try for mid-afternoon when it’s warmer and daylight lasts longer. By late October, New Hampshire averages about 10–11 hours of daylight.
If you’re driving scenic routes, expect slower traffic near popular foliage spots. Heading out earlier in the day can help you dodge the worst congestion.
For evening events, plan your parking ahead—small towns fill up fast.
New Hampshire’s Climate and Its Influence on Halloween
New Hampshire’s fall weather comes from its northern spot and inland geography. Cool nights, shorter days, and shifting air masses all shape how late October feels.
These patterns are why Halloween here usually brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and sometimes a sudden cold snap.
Overview of Humid Continental Climate
If you live in New Hampshire, you get a humid continental climate—basically, four seasons that show up loud and clear. Summers feel warm, but honestly, they don’t stick around all that long. Winters? They’re cold and usually snowy.
Fall lands somewhere in the middle. You’ll notice the air cooling off fast as the days get shorter.
By late October, average highs usually sit in the 40s to low 50s°F (7–12°C), though it depends on where you are. Portsmouth and other coastal cities hang onto a bit more warmth. But if you head up to northern spots like Berlin, things get chilly pretty quick.
At night, temps often drop into the 30s°F (around 0–4°C). Frost shows up a lot, so you might want to keep an eye on your plants.
Moisture sticks around, too. Rain spreads out through the year, and sometimes Halloween brings a light shower or two.
Snow doesn’t usually show up this early, but northern areas can see a little, just to keep things interesting. When you add in those strong fall winds, evenings feel colder than the numbers say.
Long-Term Weather Patterns in New England
New Hampshire’s Halloween weather really ties into the bigger New England climate patterns. Cold air masses from Canada often sweep down this time of year, bumping right into the milder Atlantic air.
That collision can send the weather all over the place, swinging from sunny afternoons to a sudden chill by evening. You never quite know what you’ll get.
Daylight changes things, too. By late October, there’s only about 10.5 hours of daylight, and the sun sets pretty early.
So, trick-or-treaters usually head out as the air cools off fast. It’s not uncommon for parents to bundle up or rush a little before it gets too cold.
Historical records say October usually brings 3–4 inches of precipitation, with 7–9 days of real rain, depending on where you are. Some years feel dry and crisp, but you still have to watch for damp leaves or slippery sidewalks.
You might even find yourself out on a raw, cloudy night.
These patterns make Halloween in New Hampshire feel brisk, with fresh air and the chance of an unexpected chill.