When you picture Christmas in New Hampshire, you probably think of snow. The climate here makes that a real possibility, but honestly, the weather doesn’t always match the classic postcard scene.
Most years, you’ll see cold temperatures in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, with a decent chance of snow on the ground.
Conditions really depend on where you are. Southern towns get slightly milder days, while the north stays colder and snowier. Some years bring that white Christmas everyone hopes for, but sometimes it just feels like a chilly late fall day.
If you’re planning a trip—maybe heading to the mountains to ski, checking out small towns for holiday lights, or just sticking close to home—it helps to know what kind of weather to expect. Christmas weather in New Hampshire shapes traditions and travel in ways you can’t ignore.
Typical Christmas Weather in New Hampshire
Cold temperatures, frequent snow chances, and short days usually define Christmas in New Hampshire. Whether you’re down south or up in the mountains, winter weather will probably shape your plans.
Average Temperatures on Christmas Day
On December 25, southern spots like Nashua, Portsmouth, or Concord usually see daytime highs between 30°F and 38°F (around -1°C to 3°C). At night, temperatures drop into the teens and low 20s, often between 15°F and 22°F (-9°C to -6°C).
Northern towns—Berlin, Bethlehem, Colebrook—tend to run colder. Highs stick near 28°F to 32°F (-2°C to 0°C), while lows dip into the single digits or low teens. In the White Mountains, like up on Mount Washington, highs hover around 20°F (-7°C) and lows can fall to 5°F (-15°C).
You’ll want to dress in layers and expect frosty mornings. Even in the south, Christmas rarely feels mild. Every so often, though, a warm spell pushes highs into the 50s or even 60s, which feels pretty strange.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Snow is common around Christmas, but you can’t count on it every year. Historical records show a good chance of a white Christmas, especially in the north and higher elevations. Towns like Plymouth, Tamworth, and North Conway usually have snow cover this time of year.
Southern areas see more variation. Some years, a storm drops fresh snow right before the holiday, but other years bring bare ground or just a dusting. Rain sometimes sneaks in, especially near the coast or around the lakes when temps hover near freezing.
Most Decembers bring frequent light to moderate snow, with storms dropping a few inches at a time. If you’re driving during the holiday week, expect slippery roads and travel delays now and then.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
By late December, daylight is in short supply. The sun rises close to 7:15 AM and sets around 4:15 PM, so you only get about nine hours of daylight on Christmas.
Mornings and evenings feel extra long, especially with clouds or snow. If you want to ski, snowshoe, or sightsee, you’ll need to get an early start.
Sunset comes fast in the afternoon, and temps drop quickly once it’s dark. This is especially true in northern valleys and mountain towns, where cold air settles after sunset. For holiday events or travel, you’ll want to plan for short days and chilly nights.
Chances of a White Christmas
Whether you get snow on the ground for Christmas in New Hampshire depends on your location and recent weather. Long-term records say the north almost always keeps a snowpack, but southern and coastal spots have lower odds.
Historical Probability Across the State
Meteorologists call it a white Christmas if there’s at least one inch of snow on the ground Christmas morning. In New Hampshire, the odds run from about 40% in the southeast to nearly 100% in the north.
Since the mid-1900s, Concord in central New Hampshire has had a white Christmas a little less than half the time. Coastal towns like Portsmouth see snow cover less often, thanks to that warmer ocean air.
Snow depth records really show the swings. In 1970, Concord had 26 inches of snow on the ground—that’s the deepest since records began. Other years, most of southern New Hampshire stays bare.
Some decades stand out. During the 1980s, Concord and nearby towns had snow on the ground every Christmas for ten years straight, which just goes to show how persistent cold can lock in snowpack when the weather lines up.
Regional Differences: North vs. South
You’ll notice a big difference between northern and southern New Hampshire. The north country usually keeps snow cover from late November through March, so a white Christmas is almost a given.
Southern and southeastern areas deal with more thaws. Warm air from the Atlantic or farther south can melt snow, even after a storm. That makes snow cover less predictable in places like Nashua, Manchester, and the Seacoast.
Central New Hampshire, including Concord, sits in the middle. Snow sticks around if it stays cold, but a quick warm-up or rain can wipe it out fast. That’s why Concord’s odds hover around 50%.
For planning, you can think of the state as two zones:
- North/Central Mountains: high probability
- South/Seacoast: moderate to low probability
White Christmas in the White Mountains
The White Mountains are the most reliable area for a white Christmas in New Hampshire. Elevation makes a big difference here, as higher ground holds cold air and keeps snowpack longer than valleys or the coast.
Towns like North Conway, Lincoln, and Littleton almost always have snow by late December. Ski resorts in the area rely on both natural snow and snowmaking, so conditions stay snowy through the holiday.
The mountains trap cold air, which helps prevent mid-winter rain from washing away snow like it sometimes does in lower areas. Most years, you’ll see snow on the ground, often well over the one-inch mark.
If you’re traveling or getting outdoors in the White Mountains, you can count on snowy scenery. Typical depths range from 6 to 18 inches by Christmas morning, making this region the most dependable for a traditional snowy holiday.
Regional Weather Variations
Weather in New Hampshire around Christmas really depends on where you are. Temperature, snowfall, and wind all change between the southern towns, northern areas, and the high White Mountains.
Southern New Hampshire Weather
Down south, places like Manchester and Portsmouth get milder winter weather than the north. Daytime highs in late December usually hit the mid to upper 30s °F, and nighttime lows dip into the 20s °F.
Snow does fall, but it’s lighter than in the mountains. Manchester averages about 10–11 inches of snow in December, and Portsmouth gets a bit less. Snow cover isn’t always steady—some storms bring rain or mix, especially near the coast.
Winds here are moderate. Portsmouth, closer to the Atlantic, gets breezier, with average December wind speeds near 10 mph. That wind can make things feel colder, especially when it’s damp.
You’ll see a lot of cloudy days, but the sun breaks through sometimes. Expect precipitation on about 8–9 days in December, with a mix of snow, sleet, and rain.
Northern New Hampshire Weather
Up north, towns like Berlin and Lancaster get much colder and snowier by December. Highs hover in the upper 20s °F, and lows often drop to the teens or single digits.
Snowfall is heavier here, with Berlin averaging 15 inches of snow in December. Snow cover is more reliable than in the south, so winter sports fans flock here during the holidays.
Skies usually stay overcast, and daylight is in short supply—less than 9 hours per day. Precipitation falls on about 8–9 days in December, and almost all of it is snow.
Winds are lighter than on the coast, averaging about 6 mph, but the cold and frequent snow showers make it feel pretty harsh.
Weather in the White Mountains
The White Mountains get the harshest winter weather in New Hampshire. Above 3,000 feet, daytime highs often stay in the teens °F, and nighttime lows dip below zero.
Snowfall here is big. Mount Washington Valley often gets 20 inches or more in December, and the higher peaks see even more. Snowpack stays deep, which is great for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter fun.
Winds in the mountains are strong. Valleys see average speeds from 10 to 20 mph, but on ridges like Mount Washington, gusts can hit hurricane force. Wind chills drop well below zero—no joke.
Visibility can change fast with blowing snow and clouds. If you’re traveling or hiking here, be ready for quick shifts and extreme cold.
Notable Weather Extremes on Christmas
Christmas Day in New Hampshire has seen both record warmth and bitter cold. Some years, snow, ice, or rain created unusual conditions that stand out in the state’s weather history.
Record High and Low Temperatures
Christmas temperatures in New Hampshire swing from mild to extremely cold. The warmest Christmas on record hit 62°F in 2015, which made it feel more like early fall than winter.
On the flip side, the coldest Christmas dropped to 1°F in 1983. Northern spots, especially near Mount Washington, often see even harsher conditions, with wind chills that make being outside risky.
Average highs in December usually sit in the 30s, but these extremes show how fast things can change. When you plan holiday travel, it’s smart to prep for both ends of the scale since the weather doesn’t always follow the averages.
| Year | Temperature | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 62°F (record high) | Southern NH |
| 1983 | 1°F (record low) | Statewide |
Unusual Weather Events in Recent Years
Not every Christmas here is snowy. Sometimes, especially down south, the ground stays bare. In 2021, Concord and Manchester had about 3 inches of snow, but freezing rain turned roads into a mess.
Some years, it’s just cold and dry with no snow at all. By contrast, the White Mountains usually keep their snowpack through December, so that region almost always gets a white Christmas.
Rain can mess with holiday plans, too. Warm stretches can melt snow fast, especially in southern valleys. These swings between snow, ice, and rain show just how unpredictable Christmas weather can be across New Hampshire.
When you’re planning winter activities, keep an eye on the forecast. Conditions on December 25 can change a lot depending on where you are and the elevation.
Weather at Popular Destinations
Weather can be all over the place across New Hampshire during Christmas. Mountain areas get colder, snowier, and windier than the lowlands. These differences really matter if you’re planning to ski, hike, or just admire the winter scenery.
Mount Washington Christmas Climate
Mount Washington, up in the White Mountains, ranks as one of the coldest and windiest places around. Around Christmas, daytime highs usually stay well below freezing, between -12°C to -6°C (10°F to 20°F). At night, it can drop much lower, sometimes into the negative teens Fahrenheit.
Snow falls often and heavy. The summit usually has deep snowpack by late December, and storms can bring whiteout conditions. Winds are wild here—gusts often top 50 mph, and sometimes they even reach hurricane force.
Visibility drops quickly when clouds roll in. Clear days are rare, but when they happen, the views over the White Mountains are something else. If you’re planning a visit, bring plenty of layers, windproof gear, and be ready for rapidly changing conditions.
Mount Sunapee Holiday Weather
Mount Sunapee sits in southern New Hampshire, and honestly, it’s a bit milder than Mount Washington. Around Christmas, you’ll usually see daytime highs between -3°C and 2°C (27°F to 36°F). Nights? Those drop into the teens Fahrenheit—definitely cold, but not unbearable if you’re out skiing or just enjoying the outdoors.
Snow tends to fall pretty often, and by late December there’s usually a decent layer on the ground. Sometimes the weather flips between snow and freezing rain, so driving can get tricky fast. The resort staff works hard to keep the snow cover good with grooming and snowmaking.
Winds don’t get as wild here as they do up in the White Mountains, but exposed slopes still pack a chill. Expect a mix of cloudy skies and some partly sunny breaks, with about 4–5 hours of daylight that are actually useful for outdoor stuff. If you’ve got solid winter gear, you’ll be just fine during the holidays.
Travel and Outdoor Activities During Christmas
The cold, frequent snowfall, and short days really shape how people get around New Hampshire and what’s possible outside at Christmas. Weather changes a lot by region. The White Mountains usually get dumped on, while southern towns see lighter but steady snow.
Travel Conditions and Safety
You really have to plan ahead if you’re driving in December. Snow and ice show up a lot, especially up north and in the mountains. Lows often fall below 20°F, so roads can freeze up fast once the sun’s down. Crews keep the highways in good shape, but smaller roads might stay snowy for a while.
Toss a winter kit in your trunk—think blankets, water, a flashlight, and sand or kitty litter for traction. Snow tires or all-wheel drive make a big difference, especially if you’re heading into the White Mountains.
Usually, flights into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport go fine, but a winter storm can still throw off the schedule. If you rent a car, double-check that it’s ready for winter.
Public transportation doesn’t really reach far outside the bigger towns, so most folks end up driving. Give yourself extra time, and don’t forget to check the forecast before you hit the road.
Winter Activities and Festive Events
Snow opens up all kinds of outdoor recreation around the state. The White Mountains probably have some of the best skiing and snowboarding in New England, honestly. Resorts like Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods usually open up their full terrain by late December.
If you’re not into fast-paced sports, you can always try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating instead. Lots of small towns keep their trails groomed and set up outdoor rinks, which feels pretty cozy.
Holiday celebrations pop up everywhere. Towns like Portsmouth, Hanover, and Jackson put on tree lightings, holiday markets, and parades. Over in Jefferson, Santa’s Village theme park throws special Christmas events for families—kids love it.
You can hop on a scenic train ride, like the ones from Conway Scenic Railroad, and just watch the snowy landscape roll by. Local inns and small towns go all out with lights and wreaths, so you really get that classic New England holiday vibe.