The climate of Manchester
Manchester,
New Hampshire, positioned in the northeastern part of the United States, is characterized by a Humid continental climate accompanied by no dry season and a warm summer. This classification of climate, also referred to as a Dfb by the Köppen climate classification, brings an overall cold to moderate temperature range to the region.
Throughout the year, the average high and low temperatures typically fluctuate from a low of 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January to a high of 81.7°F (27.6°C) in
July. The relative humidity levels are mostly stable year-round, maintaining an average percentage between 72% and 81%. Rainfall patterns are noticeable, as the city experiences on average 1.1" (28mm) to 1.38" (35mm) of rain per month, leading to about four and a half to twelve days of rainfall.
In terms of unique weather patterns, there is no distinct dry season, and the summer months are generally warm, leading to a substantial temperature variation throughout the year. Snowfall in Manchester also follows a seasonal pattern, with the highest inches of snow registered in
December at 2.99" (76mm), while during the summer, no snowfall is recorded.
The best time to visit Manchester
To experience the warmth of a Humid continental climate, it is recommended to visit
Manchester between
June and
August. During these months, the temperatures range from an agreeable 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 81.7°F (27.6°C), providing optimum conditions to engage in outdoor activities. The city sees longer daylight hours of approximately 14.7 hours in
May to 15.3 hours in June. The sunshine duration also peaks in
July with 10.1 hours, providing ample opportunities for exploration.
The worst time to visit Manchester
Visiting
Manchester is generally discouraged in the cold months between
December and
February. These months see lower temperatures ranging from 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January to 33.3°F (0.7°C) in February, accompanied by increased snowfall of up to 2.99" (76mm) in December. The reduced daylight hours, around 9.4 hours in January and a low amount of sunshine duration of 4.8 hours in December, also contribute to less than ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Manchester
In
Manchester, the spring season, which ranges from
March to
May, is marked by a gradual increase in temperature from 41.2°F (5.1°C) in March to 66.9°F (19.4°C) in May. Rainfall during these months slightly increases, with rainfall days ranging between 8.3 in March and peaking at 12 in May. In contrast, snowfall significantly decreases from 1.85" (47mm) in March to virtually none by May.
Summer weather in Manchester
Summer in
Manchester spans from
June to
August, and it is characterized by the warmest temperatures of the year, ranging from 74.5°F (23.6°C) in June to a high of 81.7°F (27.6°C) in
July. Rainfall remains relatively consistent with days of rainfall sitting at just above 11. Despite the rain, ample sunshine is also present during these months, with July registering the highest average of sunshine hours at 10.1.
Autumn weather in Manchester
Autumn in
Manchester brings a decrease in temperature from 72.1°F (22.3°C) in
September to 46.6°F (8.1°C) in
November. The number of rainfall days decreases throughout the season, starting from 8.4 in September to 7.2 in November. Meanwhile, snowfall begins to appear, with November recording an average of 0.75" (19mm).
Winter weather in Manchester
The winter season in
Manchester is cold, with temperatures declining from 36.3°F (2.4°C) in
December to a yearly low of 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January. The amount of snowfall sees an increase in this period, reaching 2.99" (76mm) in December. Days of snowfall also increase, peaking at 7.1 in December. Despite the cold conditions, the winter season is impressive for its snowy landscape and winter sports opportunities.
Weather in January
Manchester,
New Hampshire, sees the new year in with some of its coldest weather. Though the crisp air features far less snowfall than
December, at 2.4" (61mm) of snow. This decrease in snowfall is balanced by a relatively high percentage of cloud cover, making for several overcast days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Even with the plunge past the midpoint of winter,
February's weather in the city doesn't show dramatic shifts from
January's. The mercury just inches upward, although the snow continues to diminish, reaching as low as 2.32" (59mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Spring begins to make itself known in
Manchester during
March. There is a leap in daily temperatures, yet at the same time, the city gets a final dusting of winter snow, totaling 1.85" (47mm). As the snow makes its exit, daylight increases by more than an hour compared to
February, a welcome respite for residents.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Manchester brings a true thaw, with daily temperatures taking a turn towards warmth and winter snow finally giving way to rain showers. A notable feature of the month is the reduction of snowfall to just 0.91" (23mm). The increased rainfall nurtures the city's blossoming flora, making it a good time for nature walks.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May tempers the refreshing spring into something resembling the beginnings of a muted summer. Despite warming trends, it isn't a dry month; with remnants of
April showers in the form of 0.98" (25mm) of rain. The city becomes a hub of vibrant life, thanks to the bounty of sunlight illuminating the blue skies.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signals the arrival of summer in
Manchester with the highest daylight hours of the year at 15.3 hours. The pleasant breezes balance out the heat, creating a comfortable atmosphere, even though rainfall climbs slightly to 1.18" (30mm).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
If
Manchester has a hot season,
July holds the best claim to the title as the mercury climbs to 81.7°F (27.6°C). The absence of snow and the eleven rain days on average define the month. With the UV Index reaching its peak, it's a key time for summer dressing and sunscreen.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues
July's heat, but the decreasing daylight announces the imminent arrival of autumn. The month is typically defined by 1.1" (28mm) of rainfall. The decrease in wind speed at 5.1mph (8.2km/h) adds to the still, warm atmosphere.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As summer begins to fade into fall,
September sees a drop in daily temperatures in
Manchester. A significant reduction in rainfall to 0.79" (20mm) trademarks the advent of the dry season. Clear days and mild temperatures make it a great time to enjoy local festivities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes autumn in earnest, with a significant drop in temperatures and an increase in rainfall to 1.38" (35mm). Outdoor activities give way to indoor pursuits as
Manchester prepares itself for the winter to come. Sweaters and warm beverages become the order of the day, and the leaf-peeping season reaches its climax. Observing a mild shift, the average high-temperature during October reduces from
September's pleasant 72.1°F (22.3°C) to a mild 59.2°F (15.1°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Manchester is primarily characterized by the return of snow, as evidenced by the monthly total of 0.75" (19mm). Dwindling sunshine hours, drop in temperatures, and the picking up of the wind speeds underscore the shift towards winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the beginning of winter in
Manchester, with the city's weather taking a decisively cold turn. The most noticeable change is in the form of snowfall, which increases to 2.99" (76mm) compared to
November. Light and joy define the festive month with holiday decorations lighting up the shorter, darker days.
Weather in December »