If you’re planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Hampshire, get ready for weather that often feels more like winter than spring. Most years, daytime highs land in the 40s, but nights still dip below freezing.
Snow on the ground sticks around in the north, while southern areas often deal with more rain as the season tries to shift.
March weather in New Hampshire can change fast. Some years, you’ll get a mild, sunny afternoon that feels perfect for a parade. Other times, heavy snow or cold rain shows up instead.
These quick swings make it tough to predict, so it helps to know what usually happens around mid-March. That way, you can plan with a bit more confidence.
If you look at temperature ranges, snowfall trends, and the odds of rain, you’ll get a decent idea of what’s coming. You’ll also see how New Hampshire compares with its neighbors, how often extreme weather interrupts the holiday, and what helps you prepare for anything.
Typical Weather Patterns on St. Patrick’s Day in New Hampshire
You’ll find cool temperatures, rain or snow depending on where you are, and winds that can change quickly in mid-March. The days are getting longer, but the weather still flips between winter and spring.
Average Temperatures in March
On St. Patrick’s Day, southern New Hampshire usually gets highs in the low to mid-40s °F (5–7 °C). Nights drop back into the 20s °F (-6 to -2 °C).
Up north, like in the White Mountains, highs only reach the mid-30s °F (1–2 °C), and the nights get even colder.
You’ll still want a warm coat, though sometimes the sun makes afternoons feel a little milder. Snow sticks around in the north and in higher spots, but southern valleys might have bare ground or just a few patches left.
Here’s a quick look at the mid-March averages:
| Region | High °F (°C) | Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Southern NH (Manchester) | 43 (6) | 27 (-3) |
| Central NH (Concord) | 41 (5) | 25 (-4) |
| Northern NH (Berlin) | 36 (2) | 18 (-8) |
Common Precipitation Types
On St. Patrick’s Day, precipitation can go either way. Rain showers are more common in southern New Hampshire, but snow or a mix is frequent up north.
March usually brings about 3–4 inches of total precipitation, counting both rain and melted snow.
Snowfall still happens statewide, with northern towns averaging 10–15 inches for the month. Southern areas might only pick up a few inches by mid-March.
Watch out for slushy roads, especially when daytime melting freezes up again at night.
Sometimes, freezing rain or sleet shows up when warm air passes over cold ground. These conditions can make travel a pain, so it’s smart to check the forecast before heading out.
Daylight and Wind Conditions
By mid-March, New Hampshire gets about 11 hours and 55 minutes of daylight. Sunrise comes around 7:00 a.m., and sunset is close to 7:00 p.m.
That extra daylight helps melt snow, although shady spots stay icy.
Winds usually blow at 8–12 mph, but gusts hit harder in open spots or near the coast. Mountain winds are stronger and can whip up blowing snow, even under blue skies.
Coastal towns like Portsmouth often feel breezier, while central valleys stay a bit calmer. Wind direction changes with passing weather systems, which happens a lot in March.
Rain and Flooding Risks
Rain is pretty common around mid-March in New Hampshire. While it’s usually manageable, steady precipitation can quickly turn into a flooding concern, especially near rivers and low-lying spots.
Frequency and Intensity of Rainfall
Rain falls fairly often around St. Patrick’s Day, since March is a month in transition. Storms passing through New England often bring steady rain, sometimes lasting most of the day.
Amounts usually range from light showers to over an inch if a stronger system rolls through. Meteorologists like Kevin Skarupa have pointed out that heavy pockets of rain can briefly reduce visibility and make roads slick.
Melting snow adds to the total water in rivers and streams. Even moderate rain can be a bigger deal when combined with snowmelt, making March storms more impactful than similar rains later in spring.
Flood Watches and River Conditions
Flood watches pop up in March, especially when rain falls on frozen or already soaked ground. Rivers like the Saco and Pemigewasset can rise fast after steady rain.
Flooding tends to hit low areas, near culverts, or along small streams. Some years, ice jams block rivers and force water into nearby fields or roads.
Once rainfall tops an inch, rivers can reach or even spill over their banks. While this doesn’t always mean major flooding, it does call for close monitoring. Emergency managers often remind people to stay alert to changing river levels during big rain events.
Impact of Rain on Local Events
Rain on St. Patrick’s Day can mess with travel and celebrations. Parades and outdoor gatherings might face soggy conditions, and parking lots can get muddy fast.
Even light rain turns standing areas into a mess, making it tough for crowds. Heavy rain slows down traffic and can cause delays, especially during busy hours.
If flooding happens, detours may block access to events. Local businesses often prepare by offering more indoor activities, just in case.
If you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to have backup plans for food, shopping, or entertainment in case the weather turns damp and travel gets tricky.
Snowfall and Snow Depth Trends
Mid-March in New Hampshire usually still feels like winter, with measurable snowfall possible. Snow depth varies a lot, depending on elevation and region.
Average Snowfall Amounts
By mid-March, snow is still in the cards, though totals drop from the highs of January and February. Southern spots like Nashua or Concord average 50–70 inches for the season, and March adds a few more inches.
Northern towns like Berlin and Colebrook average 80 inches or more, and higher places like Bethlehem or Pinkham Notch often top 100 inches. Mount Washington sees over 280 inches, making it a true snow magnet in the Northeast.
Even as March goes on, light to moderate snow events remain likely. Historical records show that snow has fallen on some past St. Patrick’s Days, though big storms grow less common this late in the season.
Snow on the Ground and Melting Patterns
Snow depth around March 17 depends on recent storms and how fast temperatures warm up. In the south, you might see patchy snow, with a few inches sticking around in shady or high spots.
Central places like Plymouth or Laconia often hold 6–12 inches of snow, but a warm spell can shrink that fast. Northern valleys and mountain areas usually keep well over a foot of snow into late March.
As the sun climbs higher, daytime melting becomes more common, even though nights stay cold. This freeze-thaw cycle makes the snowpack firmer in the morning, then turns it slushy by afternoon, especially on trails and back roads.
Regional Variations Across New Hampshire
Snowfall and depth change a lot between southern cities and the northern mountains. For example:
| Location | Seasonal Average (inches) | Typical Mid-March Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Concord (South) | ~68 | Patchy, 2–6 inches |
| Berlin (North) | ~82 | 10–15 inches |
| Bethlehem (North) | ~101 | 12–18 inches |
| Mount Washington | ~282 | Over 3–4 feet |
If you’re in southern towns, you may only see a dusting around St. Patrick’s Day. Heading north toward the White Mountains, expect deep snowpack and a higher chance of late-season storms.
Comparing New Hampshire with Neighboring States
Weather in New Hampshire during mid-March often looks a lot like nearby states, but small differences in temperature, snow, and storms can shape your travel or outdoor plans. Conditions also shift depending on whether you’re near the mountains, inland, or along the coast.
Weather Differences with Vermont and Maine
When you compare New Hampshire to Vermont, you’ll notice Vermont’s higher elevations make it colder and snowier around St. Patrick’s Day. Towns in the Green Mountains still get frequent snowfalls, while southern New Hampshire may be inching toward milder days.
Maine shows more contrast between inland and coastal areas. Coastal Maine, like Portland, stays a bit warmer than inland New Hampshire thanks to the Atlantic.
Northern Maine, though, is usually colder than northern New Hampshire, with snow hanging on longer into spring.
If you’re traveling, expect Vermont = snowier and colder, New Hampshire = mix of snow and thaw, and coastal Maine = slightly milder. These details can help you decide between skiing, hiking, or just exploring.
Regional Storm Impacts Across New England
Mid-March is still prime time for late-season nor’easters in New England. These storms sweep across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, dropping heavy snow, strong winds, and sometimes causing coastal flooding in Maine.
The White Mountains in New Hampshire boost snowfall totals, while Vermont’s hills keep snow on the ground longer.
Southern New England, like Connecticut and Rhode Island, usually gets more rain than snow from the same storms.
Storm tracks can swing wildly. A storm just offshore might bring 12–18 inches of snow to Concord or Montpelier, but Boston could end up with mostly cold rain.
This kind of variability is just part of March weather in New England.
Influence from Boston and Coastal Areas
Boston’s climate influences southeastern New Hampshire directly. Warm air from the coast often pushes north, cutting down snowfall in towns like Portsmouth compared to inland cities such as Manchester.
Coastal New Hampshire and southern Maine get higher humidity and more rain-mix days. Ocean temperatures, usually in the low 40s°F in March, keep the air a bit warmer than inland valleys.
If you drive from Boston to New Hampshire, you’ll notice the difference: Boston = rain and slush, southern NH = mix of snow and rain, northern NH = mostly snow.
These changes matter when you’re planning a road trip or outdoor activities around St. Patrick’s Day.
Historical Extremes and Notable Years
St. Patrick’s Day weather in New Hampshire has swung from bitter cold mornings to surprisingly warm afternoons. Some years have brought record highs, others heavy snow or ice that made travel and parades tricky.
It’s a reminder that mid-March weather in the Granite State can surprise you, for better or worse.
Record Highs and Lows
Temperatures on March 17 have covered a wide range in New Hampshire. While highs usually land in the 40s, records show much warmer and colder days.
Southern parts of the state have reached the low 70s during rare warm spells, while northern valleys have dropped well below zero in cold years.
In 1941, nearby regions only hit the teens, and New Hampshire felt that same chill. On the flip side, the warm March of 2012 brought highs into the 70s across much of the state, making it one of the nicest St. Patrick’s Days on record.
Meteorologists like Kevin Skarupa often mention how these swings show New England’s unpredictable climate in March. Winter still hangs on, but spring warmth can show up out of nowhere.
Major Storms and Unusual Events
Snowfall has shaped a lot of St. Patrick’s Day history in New Hampshire. Back in 1965, a powerful storm buried parts of New England, and nearby states got hit with more than 8 inches of snow.
Communities in New Hampshire reported heavy accumulation. Roads closed, and folks canceled parades.
Every now and then, ice storms have caused problems too. In the late 1980s, freezing rain made travel hazardous across northern New England, especially in central New Hampshire.
Drivers found the roads slick, and even a quick trip turned risky.
Recent years? The weather’s been all over the place. Sometimes you get just a few flurries, but other years, several inches of snow fall overnight.
These surprises really make you wonder if you should prepare for slush, ice, or maybe even near-blizzard conditions.
Trends Observed by Meteorologists
Meteorologists who track New Hampshire’s climate say St. Patrick’s Day often shows off the state’s tug-of-war between seasons. Historical data says there’s about a one-in-three chance you’ll see snow cover in central and northern parts, but southern cities usually just have bare ground.
Kevin Skarupa and other local forecasters have noticed that extreme cold isn’t as common these days. Still, late-season snowstorms can definitely happen.
Some years, like 2012, bring warmer March days, though you can’t count on it.
It’s just as likely to rain as to snow on March 17. This really highlights how New Hampshire can’t decide if it’s winter or spring that day.
Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day Weather in New Hampshire
You can expect cool or even cold temperatures, a chance of rain or snow, and changing road conditions in mid-March. If you dress in layers and plan for travel delays, you’ll be a lot more comfortable and safe while enjoying St. Patrick’s Day events.
What to Wear and Pack
Mid-March usually brings highs in the 40s°F, with lows dipping into the 20s°F. Rain and wet snow show up a lot, especially in the northern and inland spots. Because of that, you should expect damp and chilly weather.
Wear layers you can peel off or add as the day changes. A warm base layer, an insulated jacket, and a waterproof shell are a solid combo.
Don’t forget a hat and gloves—wind makes everything feel colder.
Waterproof boots are a must if you’re walking in parades, at festivals, or just down wet city streets. After a late-season snow, streets get slushy or even muddy.
Toss a small umbrella or poncho in your bag in case it rains. If you’re planning to be outside for a while, bring a thermos with something hot and maybe some hand warmers. You’ll be glad you did.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Weather around St. Patrick’s Day can shift fast. One morning you might see snow showers, but by afternoon it could be raining.
This mix creates slick roads and makes it tough to see.
If you’re driving, give yourself extra time. Try to keep your gas tank at least half full, and toss an emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight in your trunk.
Public celebrations usually pack the streets and make parking a pain. Walking might seem easier, though sidewalks can get icy.
Wear shoes with decent traction so you don’t end up slipping.
Check the local forecast before you head out. If you’re going to a parade or gathering outside, double-check the schedule, since rain or snow can mess with the timing.