Franconia Notch State Park, NH

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park follows a dramatic mountain pass containing Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, the Basin, a paved recreation path, major trailheads, and campgrounds.

Make the Most of a Franconia Notch State Park Day

Use the recreation path or lake for lower-commitment plans and save exposed ridge hikes for a stable window. Notch wind, parking limits, and rapidly changing mountain visibility can shape the whole day.

Weather Tips for Franconia Notch State Park

• 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:

• Echo Lake
• Cannon Mountain
• The Basin
• Lonesome Lake
• Lafayette Place Campground
• Franconia
• Profile Lake

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Franconia Notch State Park 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 Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Franconia Notch State Park 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 Franconia Notch State Park 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 Franconia Notch State Park 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 Franconia Notch State Park, 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 40–43°F in the notch valleys, based on the relevant summit or surrounding regional context.
• Annual snowfall: often 80–120 inches, with larger totals on surrounding peaks; 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 through fall brings frequent rain and mountain showers.
• Driest season: winter is driest by liquid precipitation but remains snowy.
• Best outdoor window: late June through early October when trails and roads are open.