Mount Washington, NH

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

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.