Weather
New Hampshire Thanksgiving Travel: Drier Weather Days Nov. 18–24
Concord, NH – Thanksgiving travelers across New Hampshire could benefit from a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below
By Blake Harrison · 2026-11-11T05:08:03.500Z
Concord, NH – Thanksgiving travelers across New Hampshire could benefit from a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below average precipitation favored as holiday traffic begins increasing across the Granite State.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the extended outlook for Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24, favors above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation across New Hampshire.
The combination suggests a relatively mild preholiday pattern, with fewer opportunities for widespread precipitation than during a wetter late November period. However, occasional rain, colder nights and changing mountain conditions remain possible.
Manchester, Nashua and Southern New Hampshire Manchester, Nashua, Merrimack, Bedford and surrounding Hillsborough County communities could experience temperatures above typical late November averages.
Interstate 93, Interstate 293, the Everett Turnpike and Route 101 will be important travel corridors as Thanksgiving traffic increases.
Below normal precipitation could mean fewer widespread rain interruptions, although passing showers remain possible.
Concord, Hooksett and Central New Hampshire Concord, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke and surrounding Merrimack County communities could also experience milder than average conditions.
Interstate 93, Interstate 89 and U.S. Route 3 are important routes connecting central New Hampshire with Massachusetts, Vermont and northern New England.
The drier outlook could provide more opportunities for comfortable travel, but drivers should still monitor overnight temperatures.
Portsmouth, Dover and the Seacoast Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester, Exeter and surrounding coastal communities could see temperatures running above seasonal averages during November 18–24.
Interstate 95, Route 16 and the Spaulding Turnpike are important corridors for travelers heading between New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.
Coastal breezes and occasional rain remain possible, although the outlook favors below normal precipitation overall.
Laconia, Meredith and the Lakes Region Laconia, Meredith, Gilford, Tilton and surrounding communities could experience a relatively mild late November pattern.
Interstate 93, Route 3 and Route 11 are important regional travel routes.
Above average temperatures could limit prolonged freezing conditions, although colder overnight periods remain possible around the lakes and surrounding hills.
Conway, Lincoln and the White Mountains North Conway, Conway, Lincoln, Woodstock and surrounding White Mountain communities could experience temperatures above typical late November averages.
However, higher elevations may remain considerably colder than nearby valleys.
Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway and U.S. Route 302 are important routes where travelers should continue monitoring local forecasts.
Below normal precipitation suggests fewer widespread rain or snow events than usual, but it does not eliminate the possibility of mountain snow or icy conditions.
Berlin, Littleton and Northern New Hampshire Berlin, Gorham, Littleton, Lancaster and surrounding northern communities could also experience a milder overall pattern.
U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 3 and Route 16 are important corridors connecting northern New Hampshire with Vermont and Maine.
Even during an above normal temperature pattern, freezing temperatures remain possible during colder nights.
Thanksgiving Travel: Warmer and Drier Conditions Ahead? The forecast period ends Tuesday, November 24, two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
For New Hampshire, the main takeaway is the potential for above average temperatures and below average precipitation during the days leading up to the holiday.
That combination could support relatively comfortable travel conditions and fewer widespread weather related interruptions compared with a colder, snowier late November pattern.
However, below normal precipitation does not guarantee completely dry weather, and above normal temperatures do not eliminate freezing conditions, particularly across northern New Hampshire and the White Mountains.
The extended outlook also does not provide specific daily temperatures or establish conditions for Thanksgiving Day itself.
New Hampshire travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and New Hampshire Department of Transportation road conditions before departing.