Mount Major, NH
Today’s Forecast:
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Today’s Report:
Hiking
Use Caution for hiking. High near 56°F. Rain forecast later today (82%). Breezy winds (20 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Outdoor Events / Activities
Use Caution for outdoor events / activities. High near 56°F. Rain forecast later today (82%). Breezy winds (20 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Use Caution for camping. High near 56°F. Rain forecast later today (82%). Breezy winds (20 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Mount Major
Mount Major is a heavily visited Belknap Range hike known for broad Lake Winnipesaukee views, exposed summit ledges, and several route combinations.
Make the Most of a Mount Major Day
Arrive early for parking and avoid the exposed summit when lightning threatens. Heat, wet slabs, ice, and crowding can all make the short mileage more demanding than expected.
Weather Tips for Mount Major
- Compare valley and higher-elevation forecasts; temperature, wind, cloud, and precipitation can change sharply with elevation.
- If thunder is possible, finish exposed summits, overlooks, ridges, and event grounds early and keep shelter close.
- Check overnight lows, wet ground, drainage, and the nearest substantial shelter before settling into camp.
- Spring mud, summer bugs, fall crowds, and winter ice can affect access even on a mild day.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- Alton Bay
- Boulder Loop Trail
- Belknap Range
- Gilford
- Ellacoya State Park
- Gunstock Mountain
- Straightback Mountain
Plan Around the Conditions
Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Mount Major day. Match elevation, wind, storms, water conditions, trail surfaces, road access, temperature, and daylight to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.
7-Day Forecast for Mount Major
Mount Major Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Mount Major brings snow, ice, wind chill, short daylight, and changing road access. Summit and notch conditions may be severe while nearby valleys remain manageable; traction and conservative turnaround times matter. Check current facility and road status before departure.
Spring
Spring around Mount Major is mud season, with snowmelt, soft trails, lingering high-elevation ice, and rising waterways. Avoid widening trails by walking around deep mud. Black flies often become noticeable from late spring into early summer.
Summer
Summer at Mount Major brings the warmest weather, humidity, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Early starts reduce heat and give exposed routes more margin before storms. Higher elevations can still be cold, windy, or foggy.
Fall
Fall is a popular season at Mount Major, with cooler air, changing foliage, and generally comfortable outdoor conditions. Parking, traffic, and trail congestion can peak on foliage weekends. Cold nights, early ice, and rapidly shortening daylight return late in the season.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: generally around 42–46°F near surrounding trail towns, based on the relevant summit or surrounding regional context.
- Annual snowfall: commonly 60–100 inches, with higher totals on upper slopes; elevation and year-to-year storm tracks cause substantial variation.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest, although high terrain and water exposure stay cooler.
- Coolest months: January and February are typically coldest, with wind chill often more important than temperature alone.
- Wettest season: late spring and summer bring frequent rain and thunderstorms.
- Driest season: winter is driest by rainfall but snow and ice persist.
- Best outdoor window: late May through early October for hiking, camping, and lake alternatives.
