Thanksgiving in New Hampshire really does mark the start of winter for a lot of folks. You’ll usually get chilly days with average highs in the 40s °F, and lows that drop into the 20s °F—cold enough for the first real taste of snow.
The air gets crisp, daylight feels short, and the scenery shifts from those last bits of autumn color to bare trees and, in many places, frosted ground.
Some years, Thanksgiving brings just a little rain or maybe a few flurries. Other times, you’ll get an early-season snow that really sets the mood for winter sports.
You’ll probably notice more cold fronts rolling in around this time, especially up north and in the mountains. That can make travel and outdoor plans a little unpredictable.
This combination of weather creates a Thanksgiving atmosphere you can’t really find anywhere else. Maybe you take a brisk walk after dinner under a clear sky, or maybe you’re brushing snow off the car before heading out to see family.
Either way, the week feels like a blend of late fall and early winter, and honestly, that’s just how Thanksgiving in New Hampshire goes.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in New Hampshire
You should expect chilly days, cold nights, and a mix of rain or snow around Thanksgiving. Weather can vary depending on where you are—coastal areas tend to be milder, while the mountains usually get more of that wintry stuff.
Average Temperatures in Late November
Daytime highs usually land in the low 40s°F (5–7°C) in southern spots like Nashua or Portsmouth. In the White Mountains, you’ll see more like the mid 30s°F (1–3°C).
Nights drop below freezing pretty often, with lows between 20–30°F (-6 to -1°C).
You’ll definitely notice the temperature drop from October, so it’s smart to prep for winter-like conditions. Coastal towns might hang onto a bit more warmth, but the northern valleys can feel a lot colder, especially after dark.
If you want to spend time outside, bring layers and be ready for the wind. Even when the sun’s out, the air stays cool, and there’s usually frost in the mornings.
Precipitation Patterns During Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving week doesn’t always settle on one type of weather. Sometimes you’ll get rain, sometimes snow—it depends on where you are and what the thermometer says.
In southern New Hampshire, you might see rainfall totals of 0.5–1 inch during the week. If you’re up in the higher terrain, mixed precipitation is more likely.
Storms moving through the Northeast can bring a couple days of dampness. Coastal areas usually get cold rain, while inland towns might see rain change over to snow.
November averages out to about 8–12 wet days across the state. Not every year brings a big storm, but there’s always a chance for travel delays from rain or wintry mix.
Snowfall Likelihood and Accumulation
By late November, snow becomes a real possibility, especially in central and northern New Hampshire. In the White Mountains, 3–6 inches of snow during Thanksgiving week isn’t rare, and higher elevations can get even more.
Down south, in places like Nashua or Dover, snow is usually lighter—maybe just a dusting or 1–2 inches. Coastal towns often just get rain, but every now and then, they’ll get an early snow.
The snow this time of year is often wet and heavy, which can make driving a pain. If you’re heading through mountain passes, expect icy spots at night and early in the morning.
If you’re planning to go north, winter tires or chains are a good idea.
Temperature Trends and Variations
Late November brings cold days and even colder nights to New Hampshire. The weather changes a lot depending on elevation and how close you are to the coast, so your experience might be totally different from someone just a few towns away.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Around Thanksgiving, daytime highs in southern cities like Manchester and Portsmouth usually reach the upper 30s to low 40s °F.
Up north in Berlin, afternoons often stay in the low to mid-30s °F.
Nights cool off fast. Lows in southern New Hampshire often hit the mid-20s °F, but in the northern valleys, it’s not unusual to see temperatures in the teens °F.
Clear nights can make things even colder, especially if you’re away from the city.
There’s a pretty big difference between day and night—sometimes a 15–20 degree swing. If you’re planning to be outside, pack layers. Warm afternoons feel okay, but mornings and evenings can be downright brisk.
Regional Differences Across the State
Coastal areas like Portsmouth stay a bit milder, thanks to the Atlantic. Temperatures here usually run a few degrees warmer than inland towns, especially at night.
Late November snow is less frequent along the coast, but rain or a wintry mix can still show up.
Central and southern interior spots—think Concord or Manchester—fall somewhere in the middle. You’ll likely see daytime highs near 40°F and nighttime lows in the 20s°F. Early snow showers are a little more likely here.
Northern New Hampshire, including the White Mountains and towns like Berlin, gets the coldest weather. Highs hover near freezing, and lows in the teens aren’t unusual.
Snow cover is much more likely up north, and that can really affect travel during the holiday.
Precipitation and Rainfall During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in New Hampshire usually brings some unsettled weather. Light to moderate rain is more common than big storms.
Rainfall and the chances of a wet day depend a lot on where you are—coastal and southern areas tend to get more rain than the northern interior.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Late November usually brings modest rainfall to New Hampshire. Across the state, the average for the month is about 3.5 to 4.5 inches, varying with elevation and how close you are to the coast.
By Thanksgiving week, daily rainfall averages drop a bit. Most towns see 0.1 to 0.2 inches of rain on a typical wet day.
Coastal cities like Portsmouth usually get a bit more, while northern areas like Berlin are a little drier.
Rain tends to fall as light showers or drizzle, though sometimes you’ll get a moderate event. Big storms moving up the East Coast can dump more rain, but those are less common during Thanksgiving.
Sometimes snow mixes in, especially in the mountains, but in the south, rain is still the main thing.
Frequency of Rainy Days
You’ve got a fair shot at rain around Thanksgiving, though it doesn’t happen every year. On average, 8 to 10 days in November see measurable rainfall in southern New Hampshire, while northern spots usually have a couple fewer.
For the holiday itself, the odds of rain are about 25% to 35%, based on climate records. So, roughly one in three Thanksgivings has some measurable rain in at least part of the state.
Rain usually comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day, so travel disruptions don’t happen as much. But if a coastal storm rolls in, heavier rain can make roads tricky and delay plans.
In the mountains, rain can quickly turn to snow, so you might face different travel challenges up there.
Snowfall Patterns and Winter Onset
By late November, winter’s usually underway in New Hampshire. Snowfall often starts earlier in the season, and by Thanksgiving, a lot of places already have some accumulation—especially up north and in higher elevations.
Timing of First Snowfall
The first measurable snow in New Hampshire usually arrives in late October or early November, though it depends on the region.
In the White Mountains and North Country, snow can fall as early as mid-October. Down south, around Manchester or Nashua, the first snow usually shows up closer to mid-November.
Cold fronts roll in fast during this time. By Thanksgiving, several light snow events may have already happened.
Early snow doesn’t always stick around in lower elevations, but it definitely signals the start of winter.
Mountain passes and high trails usually keep snow from the first storms. If you’re traveling through these areas, expect icy roads and possible restrictions.
Typical Snow Accumulation by Late November
By late November, many spots in the state have picked up 5 to 15 inches of snow, depending on where you are.
The northern and mountain regions usually hit the higher end of that range. The southern valleys and coastal areas see less.
For example:
| Region | Average Snow by Late Nov |
|---|---|
| White Mountains/North | 10–15 inches |
| Central NH | 6–10 inches |
| Southern NH/Coast | 3–6 inches |
It’s not all that rare for a Thanksgiving snowstorm to dump several inches in a hurry.
Some years, you’ll only get a light cover, but other years, big storms can really mess with travel and holiday plans.
Snowpack up north usually sticks around into December, while the south might see some melting between storms. Planning ahead is a must if you’re traveling across the state.
Weather Impact on Thanksgiving Activities
Thanksgiving in New Hampshire brings cold temps and a real chance of snow. That affects how you get around and what you can do outside, from family gatherings to local events.
Travel Conditions and Safety
Traveling in late November can be tough. Highs often sit in the 30s °F, and lows dip into the 20s °F.
Roads get slick when snow or freezing rain falls, and even a little ice can slow everything down.
You should plan for snowfall—measurable snow has happened on plenty of Thanksgivings here. Even a light dusting can make back roads and shady areas icy.
Interstates usually get cleared fast, but smaller roads can stay slippery much longer.
Air travel isn’t immune either. If a storm hits the Northeast, flights can get delayed, and snow in Vermont or Maine often impacts New Hampshire airports too.
If you’re driving, bring an emergency kit—blankets, water, flashlight, the basics.
Check the forecast a few days ahead so you can adjust. Sometimes leaving early or picking a safer route makes all the difference, especially if you want to avoid mountain passes where snow falls first and often heavier.
Outdoor Recreation and Events
Cold weather definitely shapes how you spend time outside. Lots of towns hold parades or holiday markets, but when it’s in the 20s °F with wind, standing around gets old fast.
Wearing layers, insulated boots, and maybe grabbing some hand warmers can help you last longer outdoors.
Sometimes, early snow makes cross-country skiing or snowshoeing possible in the White Mountains. Trails might be patchy, so check with local ski centers before heading out.
If you’re planning a family walk or hike, expect frozen ground and maybe some icy spots. Stick to flat, well-used paths—they’re safer than steep trails.
Town events in southern New Hampshire usually go on with only light snow, but up north, enough accumulation might cancel or reschedule things.
Outdoor stuff like football games or backyard fire pits can still happen, but with daylight running short and temps dropping fast after sunset, you’ll want to be ready.
How Thanksgiving Weather Compares to Other Months
Thanksgiving in New Hampshire is colder than early fall, but it’s not quite as snowy or frigid as deep winter. Late November really marks the switch from the mild days of October to the harsher stuff that December brings.
November Versus October and December
By late November, you’ll feel a sharp drop from October’s milder weather. In southern New Hampshire, October highs usually sit in the upper 50s °F, but Thanksgiving week averages closer to the mid-40s °F.
Lows go from the low 40s °F in October to the low 30s °F by Thanksgiving.
Precipitation changes too. October tends to be wetter with more rain, but by Thanksgiving, you’re more likely to see mixed precipitation or some snow, especially up north and in the hills.
Snow cover isn’t guaranteed, but flurries are pretty common.
Compared to December, Thanksgiving weather isn’t as harsh. December highs average in the mid-30s °F, and lows dip to the upper teens or low 20s °F.
Snow comes more often and heavier in December, especially in the White Mountains. So, Thanksgiving really feels like the bridge between fall and true winter.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Precipitation Type | Snow Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | Upper 50s | Low 40s | Mostly rain | Low |
| November | Mid-40s | Low 30s | Rain/mix, occasional snow | Moderate |
| December | Mid-30s | Upper teens | Frequent snow | High |
Trends Over Recent Years
Over the last few decades, late November temperatures in New Hampshire have edged upward. Data from across the Northeast shows November has warmed by about 2°F since the 1970s, and some spots have seen even more of a jump.
So, Thanksgiving feels a bit milder now than it did for previous generations. Sure, you still get those cold snaps, but average highs keep creeping up.
These days, hitting the 50s °F around Thanksgiving doesn’t seem so rare. Extreme cold spells don’t show up as often, though they can still surprise you.
Snowfall patterns? Those have changed too. You probably notice fewer big Thanksgiving snowstorms than the old records show.
Light snow or mixed precipitation still happens, though. Up north, early snowpack forms later in the season now, which definitely messes with skiing plans around the holiday.
All of this lines up with broader regional climate trends. While chilly and unsettled weather is still the norm, the long-term data points to late November getting a little warmer and less snowy than it used to be.