Mount Washington, NH
Today’s Forecast:
🧐 Adventure Bingo Game
Download the outdoor adventure Bingo game to keep kids engaged in the outdoors.
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Use Caution for hiking. High near 40°F. Rain forecast later today (78%). Windy conditions (55 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Outdoor Events / Activities
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 40°F. Rain forecast later today (78%). Windy conditions (55 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (40°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Use Caution for camping. High near 40°F. Rain forecast later today (78%). Windy conditions (55 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Sledding / Snowshoeing
Use Caution for sledding / snowshoeing. High near 40°F. Rain forecast later today (78%). Windy conditions (55 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Mount Washington
Mount Washington is New England’s highest summit and a destination for demanding hikes, the Auto Road, the Cog Railway, observatory visits, and Presidential Range travel.
Make the Most of a Mount Washington Day
Treat the summit forecast as separate from valley conditions. Wind, fog, cold, lightning, and low visibility can require turning around even when trailheads and nearby towns feel mild.
Weather Tips for Mount Washington
- 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:
- Tuckerman Ravine
- Pinkham Notch
- Presidential Range
- Mount Washington Auto Road
- Bretton Woods
- Lakes of the Clouds
- Gorham
Plan Around the Conditions
Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Mount Washington 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 Washington
Mount Washington Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Mount Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington, 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: about 27°F at the summit, based on the relevant summit or surrounding regional context.
- Annual snowfall: roughly 280 inches at summit elevation; elevation and year-to-year storm tracks cause substantial variation.
- Warmest months: July is typically warmest, though summit conditions 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: precipitation is substantial year-round, with frequent summer clouds and storms.
- Driest season: no reliably dry season exists at the summit.
- Best outdoor window: July through early September offers the widest hiking window, but summit weather always controls.
