Thinking about a Memorial Day trip in New Hampshire? The first thing most people wonder is, “What’s the weather going to be like?” Afternoons usually feel mild to warm, somewhere in the 70s or low 80s, but mornings and evenings tend to stay cool with that lingering spring chill. This mix makes late May a pretty comfortable time to get outside or relax by the water.
Don’t expect the weather to stay the same all weekend. Memorial Day in New Hampshire often delivers a blend of sunshine and scattered showers, which is just classic late spring for New England. One day might be perfect for a hike or a parade, while the next could push you indoors or under a tent.
If you know these patterns, you’ll have a better shot at enjoying the long weekend. From average temperatures to rainfall, and how the holiday stacks up to other months, you’ll get why Memorial Day in New Hampshire is a bit of a wildcard.
Typical Weather Patterns on Memorial Day Weekend
Late May in New Hampshire brings mild daytime warmth, cool evenings, and a back-and-forth between dry spells and quick showers. Weather can really differ depending on your spot—mountains and coast sometimes see totally different conditions at the same time.
Temperature Trends for Late May
Daytime highs in southern New Hampshire usually land in the upper 60s to low 70s °F. Cooler places, like the White Mountains or the coast with those onshore winds, often stick to the low or mid-60s. Nights drop back into the upper 40s or low 50s.
Temperature swings happen a lot. A sunny afternoon feels great for outdoor events, but a cloudy day can make you want a jacket. These ups and downs come from unpredictable spring patterns and the state’s blend of mountains and coastline.
Extreme heat doesn’t show up often, but it’s not unheard of. Some years, highs have hit the 80s inland. On the flip side, some Memorial Days stay stuck in the 50s. That’s why bringing layers makes sense.
| Region | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern NH | 70–72 | 50 | Warmest part of the state |
| White Mountains | 62–65 | 45 | Cooler, breezy at higher peaks |
| Seacoast | 65–68 | 48 | Onshore winds keep temps lower |
Precipitation Chances and Rainfall Patterns
Rain shows up pretty often during Memorial Day weekend in New Hampshire. Usually, measurable precipitation happens about 35–45% of the time. This might be a light drizzle or steady rain, and sometimes thunderstorms pop up if it’s a warmer year.
Afternoon showers develop when spring warmth meets leftover cool air higher up. Thunderstorms pop up more inland, while the coast usually just gets some mist or lighter rain. Heavy downpours do happen, but they don’t last long.
Snow isn’t really an issue by late May, except for the highest White Mountain peaks where rare flurries can still show up. If you’re planning something outside, expect at least one patch of unsettled weather over the weekend.
Typical Rainfall:
- Southern NH: 0.3–0.6 inches over the weekend
- Mountains: 0.4–0.8 inches, often in short bursts
- Seacoast: 0.2–0.5 inches, usually lighter but frequent
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in late May usually feels moderate. Dew points hover in the low 50s, which most people find comfortable for outdoor plans. On a warmer weekend, dew points can climb into the low 60s, making it feel muggy, especially in the south.
Winds can change how the weather feels. Inland spots start calm in the morning, but breezes pick up by afternoon. Along the coast, onshore Atlantic winds keep things cooler and add a little dampness.
Mountains get gustier. Hikers in the White Mountains might run into 20–30 mph winds on the peaks, even if it’s calm in the valleys. These gusts can make it feel colder than you’d expect.
Wind Patterns by Area:
- Southern NH: Light to moderate, 5–15 mph
- Seacoast: Onshore breezes, 10–20 mph
- Mountains: Gusty, 15–30 mph at higher peaks
Average Temperatures in New Hampshire During Memorial Day
Late May in New Hampshire usually brings mild or warm weather. Daytime highs climb into the 60s and 70s°F, while nights cool off into the 40s and 50s°F. The mountains stay cooler than the southern valleys.
Daytime Highs and Lows
Around Memorial Day, you’ll often see average daytime highs in southern and central New Hampshire in the upper 60s to low 70s°F (20–23°C). Some warmer towns can hit the mid-70s°F.
At night, lows usually fall back into the mid-40s to low 50s°F (7–12°C). Rural areas and higher ground often feel colder after sunset, since cooler air settles in.
Compared to the May average, Memorial Day temperatures run a bit warmer, thanks to the steady warming as summer approaches. For example:
| Location | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Southern NH | 70–73 | 50–53 |
| Central NH | 67–70 | 46–50 |
| Northern NH | 62–66 | 42–46 |
These ranges help you figure out what to pack, whether you’re outside all day or staying overnight.
Regional Variations Across the State
Temperatures on Memorial Day really aren’t the same everywhere in New Hampshire. Southern cities like Manchester and Nashua usually feel warmest, with highs near the low 70s°F. Lower elevation and less mountain influence help keep them warmer.
Central regions—think Concord or the Lakes Region—run a few degrees cooler, with highs in the upper 60s°F. Nights here drop into the upper 40s°F, especially by the water.
Northern New Hampshire and the White Mountains stay the coolest. Highs hover in the low or mid-60s°F, and lows can reach the low 40s°F. On peaks like Mount Washington, temps can stay below 50°F, even at the end of May.
You’ll want both light clothes for the day and warmer layers for evenings, especially if you’re heading north or up into the mountains.
Precipitation and Rainfall Expectations
Late May in New Hampshire often mixes mild spring warmth with a shot of unsettled weather. You’ll probably get some measurable rain, with showers or storms as the state edges toward summer.
Historical Rainfall Data for Late May
By late May, average monthly rainfall in New Hampshire lands around 3.0 to 3.5 inches in most towns. Manchester clocks about 3.4 inches in May, Portsmouth is close at 3.4 inches, and Berlin up north usually gets about 3.3 inches.
Rain spreads out over several days, not all at once. Southern cities see 9 to 10 days with measurable rain in May. Up north, it’s more like 10 to 11 days, since the mountains get wetter.
Snow is out of the picture by late May, with monthly averages dropping to just about zero. Rain takes over, usually tied to passing fronts or regional storms.
Likelihood of Showers and Storms
You should expect a moderate shot at showers during Memorial Day weekend. The odds of a wet day in May sit at about 30% to 35%, depending on where you are. That’s roughly one out of every three days.
Showers tend to be light or moderate, but brief thunderstorms can show up, especially in the afternoon. These storms happen more in the south and central parts, where it’s warmer.
Most rain events are quick, so you’ll probably get dry stretches even on rainy days. A light rain jacket or poncho usually does the trick for outdoor plans.
Comparing Memorial Day Weather to Other Months
Memorial Day in New Hampshire lands during a real shift—temperatures jump quickly and rainfall patterns start to change. You’ll notice a difference from the cooler, wetter spring months and the hotter, stickier summer that follows.
May Versus June and July
By late May, average highs run from the mid-60s in northern towns like Berlin to the low 70s in southern spots like Manchester. Lows sit in the 40s or low 50s, so evenings stay cool. Rain is still common, with about 9 to 10 days of measurable precipitation in May.
In June, daytime highs climb into the mid or upper 70s in most places. Nights get milder, often in the upper 50s. Rainfall stays steady, around 3–4 inches for the month, but thunderstorms pick up.
July brings the heat. Average highs reach the low or mid-80s in southern New Hampshire, while northern towns stay closer to the upper 70s. Humidity jumps, especially near the coast. You’ll probably get a few muggy days in July, while May is almost always mug-free.
Quick Comparison (Manchester Averages):
- May: 69°F high / 48°F low
- June: 78°F high / 58°F low
- July: 83°F high / 63°F low
Yearly Weather Fluctuations
Memorial Day weather swings around more than peak summer days. Records show May highs in New Hampshire can go from the low 50s on a chilly year to the low 90s on a hot one. That’s a bigger swing than you’ll see in July.
Rain patterns shift too. In May, you get more steady showers, while July brings short, intense storms. Snow almost never happens on Memorial Day, though you might see flakes in early May up north.
Daylight matters as well. By late May, you get about 15 hours of daylight, almost as much as June. That makes the weekend feel like summer, even if the temps don’t quite match up.
When you look at May compared to later months, Memorial Day weather just isn’t as predictable. June and July settle into a steady warmth, but May can swing from springy to an early summer scorcher.
Weather Impacts on Memorial Day Activities
Memorial Day weekend in New Hampshire usually brings a mix of warm afternoons, cool nights, and a few scattered showers. These weather swings can change your plans for outdoor gatherings, parades, or trips to the state’s parks and lakes.
Outdoor Event Planning
Parades, cookouts, and local festivals pop up all over New Hampshire during Memorial Day. Daytime highs usually hit the 70s or low 80s, but evenings can cool off fast into the 50s. If you’re staying out late, you’ll want to bring a layer or two.
Rain can show up, too. Light showers or a passing storm often roll in during the late afternoon or evening. Having a tent, canopy, or a backup indoor spot helps keep things running smoothly.
Wind can make things tricky, especially in open spaces. Gusts around 15–20 mph might mess with decorations, flags, or tents. Checking the forecast before you set up your outdoor area could save you some hassle.
Key tips for event planning:
- Keep umbrellas or ponchos handy.
- Secure tents and canopies against wind.
- Plan parades or ceremonies earlier in the day to dodge late showers.
Beach, Lake, and Mountain Conditions
New Hampshire’s lakes and beaches pull in a lot of visitors on Memorial Day weekend. Still, the conditions can feel pretty different from what you’d get in midsummer.
Water temperatures in Lake Winnipesaukee or along the Seacoast usually sit in the 50s or low 60s. That’s honestly pretty chilly for swimming, unless you’re feeling brave.
Onshore breezes along the coast keep the air cooler than what you’ll find inland. If you’re planning to hang around into the evening, a sweatshirt or windbreaker will come in handy.
In the mountains, daytime hiking weather usually feels pleasant. Higher elevations stay cooler, though.
Temperatures can run 10–15 degrees lower than in Concord or Manchester, and there’s a good chance of sudden showers. Trails might still be damp from spring snowmelt, so you’ll want to pick your footwear carefully.
Conditions to prepare for:
- Cool water that makes swimming brief, unless you’re a polar bear.
- Variable temperatures between valleys, lakes, and mountain summits.
- Quick weather changes in the mountains, with afternoon showers popping up more often than you’d think.
Long-Term Climate Trends for Late May
Late May in New Hampshire usually brings mild days and cooler nights. Long-term records show gradual warming and variable rainfall.
You can find Memorial Day weekends that turned out unusually hot, cold, or rainy. These odd years have shaped plenty of local events and travel plans.
Shifts in Temperature and Precipitation Over Time
If you check climate records from 1991–2020, you’ll see average daytime highs in southern New Hampshire during May reach the upper 60s °F. Lows usually drop into the mid-40s °F.
Northern areas tend to run a few degrees cooler, with highs in the mid-60s °F and lows in the upper 30s to low 40s °F.
Over the past several decades, late May has warmed a bit. Warmer afternoons seem to show up earlier in the season, especially in valleys and southern towns.
Nights still cool off, but the risk of frost isn’t what it was back in the mid-20th century.
Rainfall bounces around from year to year. May brings 3–4 inches of precipitation most years, but the timing can be unpredictable.
Some years bring steady showers spread out over the month, while other times you’ll get a burst of rain right around Memorial Day weekend. Snowfall almost never happens, but at higher elevations, it’s not totally out of the question.
Notable Weather Events on Past Memorial Days
Holiday weekends have brought all kinds of weather. Some years, you could just relax under sunny skies, with temperatures hanging around 80 °F in southern cities like Nashua or Concord.
But other times, chilly rain kept the highs stuck in the 50s °F, especially up north in places like Berlin or Plymouth.
Mount Washington really stands out. Even in late May, the summit can hit freezing temperatures, with strong winds and sometimes even snow.
That’s a stark contrast to the warmer valleys below. It’s honestly a bit wild how fast things can change just by heading uphill.
Travelers still talk about Memorial Days when heavy rainstorms rolled in and ruined parades or camping trips. On the flip side, some years offered dry, pleasant weather that made hiking and boating the obvious choice.
So, while long-term averages help, you really have to pay attention to the short-term forecasts if you want to plan something local.