Mount Washington in September
Great time to visit
September delivers some of the year's best conditions with perfect hiking weather and early fall colors. Crowds thin slightly but prices remain elevated.
Weather
September brings crisp mornings and warm afternoons with dramatically reduced humidity. Early fall colors start appearing at higher elevations. Rain becomes less frequent and more predictable.
19°C high8°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$145/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Fall Foliage Season Begins
- •Labor Day Weekend Events
- •Apple Harvest Festivals
September Tips
- •Pack layers for significant temperature swings between day and night
- •Foliage season means busy weekends continue through October
- •Consider midweek visits for better deals and smaller crowds
All Months
June through October gives you the best shot at decent weather, but even summer can bring snow to the summit. July and August are warmest, with highs around 60°F at the top — but pack layers because temperatures drop 3-5 degrees for every 1,000 feet you climb. September and early October offer spectacular fall foliage, but book accommodations months ahead. The Auto Road typically closes November through April due to weather. Winter brings extreme conditions — the observatory recorded a temperature of -47°F with wind chills reaching -100°F. Spring is mud season, with trails often impassable until late May. Check the Mount Washington Observatory website for current conditions before you go. Seriously, the weather here kills people who come unprepared.
Mount Washington Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
5/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
3/10
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