Squam Lake, NH
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Paddling
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 43°F. Low rain risk (18%). Temperatures outside comfort limits (43°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Boating
Not Recommended for boating. High near 43°F. Low rain risk (18%). Temperatures outside comfort limits (43°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Hiking
Good for hiking. High near 43°F. Low rain risk (18%).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Squam Lake
Squam Lake offers quieter paddling, wooded islands, wildlife habitat, hiking overlooks, and shoreline communities between the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee.
Make the Most of a Squam Lake Day
Plan for cold water, wind funneling between islands, and limited landing choices. Rattlesnake Mountain or the science center can serve as land-based alternatives when open water is unsettled.
Weather Tips for Squam Lake
- Check temperature, wind, rain timing, and thunderstorm potential before choosing the day’s route.
- Wind, current, water temperature, waves, and lightning should guide water plans more than sunshine alone.
- After steady rain, favor paved paths or well-drained routes until natural surfaces recover.
- 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:
- Holderness
- Center Sandwich
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
- Little Squam Lake
- Rattlesnake Mountain
- Ashland
- Sandwich
Plan Around the Conditions
Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Squam Lake 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 Squam Lake
Squam Lake Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Squam Lake brings snow, ice, wind chill, short daylight, and changing road access. Shaded trails, parking areas, and bridges can stay icy through mild spells. Check current facility and road status before departure.
Spring
Spring around Squam Lake is mud season, with snowmelt, soft trails, lingering high-elevation ice, and rising waterways. Cold water remains a serious factor even when the air feels warm. Black flies often become noticeable from late spring into early summer.
Summer
Summer at Squam Lake brings the warmest weather, humidity, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Morning commonly offers calmer water and a larger safety margin before storms. Carry water and use shade breaks during hot periods.
Fall
Fall is a popular season at Squam Lake, with cooler air, changing foliage, and generally comfortable outdoor conditions. Busy foliage weekends can affect roads, parking, and waterfront towns. Cold nights, early ice, and rapidly shortening daylight return late in the season.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: generally around 44–47°F around the lake towns, based on the relevant summit or surrounding regional context.
- Annual snowfall: commonly 60–80 inches; 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 are typically wettest.
- Driest season: winter is driest by rainfall but snow and ice continue.
- Best outdoor window: late June through September for boating and paddling, with fall strong for hiking.