New Hampshire winters can be challenging to say the least, even for those who’ve lived in the state their whole lives. It’s safe to say that the Granite State isn’t afraid of a little chill, but if it’s your first winter in the state you might not feel entirely prepared to face up against all that cold and snow. Here’s what longtime residents have learned through years of experience living in New Hampshire.

1. If a storm's on the horizon, stock up early.
Flickr/Bart
Grocery stores get exceptionally busy before big storms. A lot of it is just hype, but you also don't want to be stranded without toilet paper and unable to drive to the store - so might as well get out there and stock up just in case.
2. Stick your windshield wipers up before a storm starts if you park outside.
Flickr/nathalie
Yes, it looks silly, but it beats having to pry a pair of frozen windshield wipers off your windshield.
3. And remember to set your alarm early to dig out your car before work.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
It always, always takes longer than you think it will, and there's nothing worse than having to rush to work late because you had to dig your car out of a snow drift.
4. Walk like a penguin to avoid slipping on the ice.
Flickr/trinchetto
Walking in the winter is treacherous. In addition to wearing good boots, taking small steps and keeping your center of balance over your front foot like a penguin can help prevent nasty falls on icy sidewalks.
5. Keep plenty of flashlights on hand.
Flickr/Joe Loong
The power will almost definitely go out at some point during a New Hampshire winter, and you don't want to be stuck in the dark. Make sure you have plenty of batteries, too.

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6. Invest in a sturdy pair of snow boots.
Flickr/Kate Ter Haar
Forget those fashionable boots you wore all fall – looks go out the window once the first snow falls. There's nothing worse than wet socks, and you'll need real snow boots to survive a winter in New Hampshire.
7. New Hampshirites don't let the weather keep them inside for long.
Flickr/Mark Bonica
After all, if a little snow and cold kept us from leaving the house we'd never get out. Be careful, of course, but know that walks in freshly fallen snow are one of the purest pleasures of winter in the Granite State.
8. Sledding is great fun for all ages.
Flickr/Tony Baldasaro
Whether you go to a sledding park or just down the hill in your backyard, on a fancy tube or on a pizza box, sledding is an unbeatable and totally attainable adrenaline rush.
9. You'll have plenty of snow to shovel, so train your kids early (or hire a plow guy).
Flickr/oddharmonic
Trust us, you don't want to fall into the trap of being the one person in your family who does all the shoveling. And if you can't stand it, hire a plow guy – just don't wait until the snow is falling to call around.
The sun sets very, very early.
Flickr/putneypics
This tends to make a lot of us tired and even depressed. So make sure you have plenty of cozy candles, get outside while the sun is up, and consider getting a sun lamp.

What would you add to the list? Let us know what you do to make it through the winters in New Hampshire!

For ideas on getting out and enjoying the outdoors during our snowy New Hampshire winters, check out these 10 trails in New Hampshire that are perfect for winter hiking.

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New Hampshire Winters

Meghan Byers | November 18, 2022

What are winters like in New Hampshire?

Winters in New Hampshire tend to be pretty cold, with average monthly highs that don’t exceed 36 degrees Fahrenheit from December through February, and monthly lows as low as 14 degrees. New Hampshire also comes in at number three on the list of states with the highest average snowfall, with an average snowfall of around 70 inches.

What is there to do in the winter in New Hampshire?

There’s plenty to do in the winter in New Hampshire - and no need to hide inside. Some outdoor activities you can do in a New Hampshire winter include:

  • Dog sledding
  • Snow tubing
  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides
  • Snowmobiling

You can even try a winter zip line tour!

Is New Hampshire a good state to live in?

New Hampshire is an excellent state to live in, especially if you love the outdoors. New Hampshire even came in at number six on WalletHub’s 2022 list of best states to live in, based on 52 different “livability” indicators. Here are some benefits of living in New Hampshire:

  • Beautiful scenery year-round, but especially in the fall
  • Lots of natural spaces to enjoy
  • Charming small towns
  • No sales tax
  • Low rate of unemployment

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