Pinkham Notch

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Pinkham Notch

Pinkham Notch is a major trailhead corridor for Mount Washington, Tuckerman Ravine, Wildcat Mountain, waterfalls, and Appalachian Mountain Club facilities.

Make the Most of a Pinkham Notch Day

Check summit and ravine conditions before leaving the trailhead. Parking, snowpack, stream crossings, wind, and rapidly lowering clouds can change which route is reasonable.

Weather Tips for Pinkham Notch

• 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
• Wildcat Mountain
• Glen Ellis Falls
• Appalachian Mountain Club Visitor Center
• Gorham
• Jackson
• Presidential Range

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Pinkham Notch 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 Pinkham Notch

Pinkham Notch Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Pinkham Notch 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 Pinkham Notch 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 Pinkham Notch 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 Pinkham Notch, 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.