Climate and monthly weather forecastDover, NH
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Dover
Dover, situated in New Hampshire, USA, benefits from a humid continental climate, with no dry season and warm summers, according to the Köppen climate classification. This is predominantly characterised by the shifting in weather conditions with the varying seasons.Throughout the year, Dover experiences fluctuations in different weather parameters. The highest temperatures are seen in July, rising to 76.3°F (24.6°C), while January registers the lowest, plunging to 20.7°F (-6.3°C). Relative humidity remains fairly consistent, hovering around 78 to 80%. Rain, quite spread throughout the year, attains its maximum levels of 2.13" (54mm) in June and December, whereas in September it descends to a lower level of 1.26" (32mm).
With respect to daylight, Dover gets the maximum around June, stretching to 15.3h, and the minimum in December shrinking to 9h. Correspondingly, sunshine hours rise to a crest of 10.7h in August, but fall to a trough of 4.9h in December. The UV Index reaches its peak of 6 in July and August.
Uniquely, snowfall is typically observed between December to March, with February experiencing the highest amount of 3.86" (98mm). Capping off the climatic conditions are the wind speeds, which decrease from 11.3mph (18.2km/h) in January to 6.5mph (10.5km/h) in July and August, before rising again towards the year-end.
The best time to visit Dover
Given the warm and pleasant temperatures, with moderate rainfall, the period between late June and early September emerges as the ideal time to experience Dover. This time sees an average maximum temperature of 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C), daylight hours extending between 15.3h to 13.9h and lower wind speeds oscillating around 6.5mph (10.5km/h), providing the perfect ambiance for outdoor activities.The worst time to visit Dover
The winter months from late December to early March should be avoided due to extremely cold temperatures. During this period, the average temperature ranges from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to 28.4°F (-2°C), and the place experiences increased snowfall, with February recording the highest of 3.86" (98mm). With reduced daylight and sunshine hours from 9h to 11h and 4.9h to 5.1h respectively, coupled with high wind speeds up to 11.3mph (18.2km/h), outdoor activities become quite challenging.Spring weather in Dover
The spring season in Dover extends from March to May. With gradually rising temperatures, it goes from 40.1°F (4.5°C) to 61.2°F (16.2°C). Concurrently, rainfall increases from 1.89" (48mm) in March to 1.73" (44mm) in May. Further, daylight and sunshine hours also begin to extend, from 12h and 5.9h respectively in March to 14.7h and 8.5h by May's end.Summer weather in Dover
Summers in Dover, from June to August, are comfortable with temperatures at an average of 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C). The rainfall peaks to 2.13" (54mm) in June, before settling at 2.01" (51mm) in August. With extended daylight of 15.3h to 13.9h and abundant sunshine hours from 9.2h to 10.7h, summers in Dover are ideally suited for outdoor activities.Autumn weather in Dover
With the arrival of autumn, spanning September to November, Dover experiences a decline in temperature from 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 46.6°F (8.1°C). The rainfall stays at a moderate level around 2.09" (53mm) in October, while sunshine and daylight hours reduce from 8.6h and 12.5h in September to 5.5h and 9.7h by November.Winter weather in Dover
Winter sets in Dover from December to February, bringing with it a cold climate. Temperatures plummet to an average between 20.7°F (-6.3°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C). December and January witness the highest rainfall of 2.13" (54mm) and 1.5" (38mm) respectively, while February sees peak snowfall of 3.86" (98mm). The daylight and sunshine hours drop to around 9h and 4.9h to 5.1h, respectively, making it the period with the shortest daylight duration.Weather in January
Starting the year, Dover, New Hampshire experiences its coldest month with average high and low temperatures reaching only 31.6°F (-0.2°C) and 20.7°F (-6.3°C) respectively. Aside from its freezing temperatures, January also experiences a significant amount of snowfall amounting to 3.35" (85mm). Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a subtle shift in Dover's weather, with temperatures rising marginally from January's bitter cold. The month experiences 3.86" (98mm) of snowfall, a slight increase from the previous month, giving winter sports enthusiasts abundant opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Weather in February »Weather in March
In March, the transition period from winter to spring begins in Dover. The temperatures start to climb, reaching an average high of 40.1°F (4.5°C), yet the winter ambiance lingers with 2.28" (58mm) of snowfall still recorded during this month. Weather in March »Weather in April
April marks the advent of spring in Dover with temperatures climbing further to a livable range, and the last traces of snow, amounting merely to 0.87" (22mm), eventually melt away. The increase in daily sunlight hours brings vibrancy to the city as more outdoor activities become feasible. Weather in April »Weather in May
May in Dover intensifies the spring weather with a significant rise in temperatures, approaching summer-like warmth, and leaving behind April’s sporadic cool snaps. Noticeable is the spike in relative humidity to 78%, along with rainfall measures of 1.73" (44mm). Weather in May »Weather in June
Summer seizes Dover in June with average temperatures reaching their yearly highs, paving the way for a season filled with sunshine and outdoor activities. Quite importantly, June witnesses noteworthy rainfall amounting to 2.13" (54mm), reflecting the typical summer afternoon showers. Weather in June »Weather in July
July represents the zenith of summer in Dover, with an overall rise in temperatures, achieving an average high of 76.3°F (24.6°C). July also records the highest UV index of 6 indicating heightened sun intensity. Following July, August replicates similar weather characteristics albeit with slight variations. Weather in July »Weather in August
August in Dover mimics July's conditions closely, with near-peak temperatures and the least cloudiness, marked by 29% of cloud coverage. However, the slight drop in average high temperatures to 75.7°F (24.3°C) differentiates it from July's pinnacle heat. Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the onset of autumn in Dover with temperatures dipping to an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) from August's heat. Even though temperatures are decreasing, this month still experiences relatively less rainfall with 1.26" (32mm). Weather in September »Weather in October
With October, the full glory of fall graces Dover, ushering in cooler yet comfortable temperatures. The month also registers a marked increase in rainfall, witnessing 2.09" (53mm) of rain, a clear rise from September's minimal rainfall. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Dover sees a further plunge in temperatures, recording 46.6°F (8.1°C) at its average high. Interestingly, November witnesses a mild reappearance of snowfall with 0.43" (11mm) registered, indicating the impending winter months. Weather in November »Weather in December
In December, winter makes its presence known in Dover with temperatures descending rapidly. The month witnesses 3.27" (83mm) of snowfall; a significant increase, ushering the city into the snowy season. January extends this cold and snowy weather, making the city a winter haven once again. Weather in December »Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature
Dover, NH
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (76.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (31.6°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (62.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).
Average pressure
Dover, NH
- Average pressure in January:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.92"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.03"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed
Dover, NH
- Average wind speed in January:
11.3mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.9mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in May:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.2mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in September:
7.4mph - Average wind speed in October:
9mph - Average wind speed in November:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.4mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.3mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.5mph).
Average humidity
Dover, NH
The months with the highest relative humidity are June and July (80%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and November (75%).
Average rainfall
Dover, NH
- Average rainfall in January:
1.5" - Average rainfall in February:
1.65" - Average rainfall in March:
1.89" - Average rainfall in April:
2.01" - Average rainfall in May:
1.73" - Average rainfall in June:
2.13"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.01" - Average rainfall in August:
2.01" - Average rainfall in September:
1.26" - Average rainfall in October:
2.09" - Average rainfall in November:
1.85" - Average rainfall in December:
2.13"
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are June and December (2.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.26").
Average rainfall days
Dover, NH
- Average rainfall days in January:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
14.1 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.6 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.7 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (14.6 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (6.3 days).
Average snowfall
Dover, NH
The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.86").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Dover, NH
- Average snowfall days in January:
7.4 days - Average snowfall days in February:
7.2 days - Average snowfall days in March:
5.6 days - Average snowfall days in April:
1.2 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
5.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (7.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Dover, NH
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 24min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 30min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 24min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 42min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 18min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 42min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 6min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 54min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 12min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 18min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 42min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 36min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 54min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).
Average sunshine days
Dover, NH
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16.4 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in April:
15.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.9 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.6 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
18.2 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (14.3 days).
Average UV index
Dover, NH
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Dover, NH
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 49).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 29).
Average visibility
Dover, NH
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).





