What To Bring When Vacationing At Lake Winnipesaukee

Knowing what to bring when vacationing in the Lake Winnipesaukee area can help you enjoy everything about it.

The weather in New England changes with each season and is unpredictable no matter what time of year it is. In general, it's warm in the summer and cold in the winter.

The peak season around Lake Winnipesaukee is the summer, but you can enjoy everything all year. If you come between May and September, you'll experience the warmer days and evenings. The weather can range from cool and rainy to downright hot and humid.


This is all a matter of opinion based on where you're from. People from warmer climates might think cool is cold and hot is warm. Those that hail from cold climates might think cool is warm and hot is even hotter than we think.

If you visit in the fall, the weather is generally cool with some frosty mornings. Some days could be in the 70 to 80 degree range and others can be 30s and 40s. This is ideal weather for peak leaf peeping.

The winter months bring the cold, snowy weather. Lake Winnipesaukee is still a great place to visit in the winter because of all the outdoor activities such as skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and more.

Spring is a time for rejuvenating and it's a good time to get a head start on the summer season. Early spring tends to be colder than late spring. The cold nights and day time temperatures in the 40s is great weather for maple sugaring. Late spring can take on the characteristics of summer and then switch back to cooler weather in no time.

You can enjoy all of the seasons and face the unpredictable weather by being prepared. As they say in New England, "Wait a minute, the weather will change." Before coming, check my weather page. This will help with what to bring overall.

In the spring and fall it's best to bring both warm and cool weather clothes. If you dress in layers, you'll be able to peel off clothing as the temperatures climb or you can add a jacket if it gets cool.

There have been times that I've gone on a leaf peeping cruise with shorts and t-shirt and other times with a heavy coat and earmuffs. It didn't matter because I was ready for the temperatures and was able to enjoy the outdoors.

In the summer, it can be quite warm but it's important to have a light jacket along in case the weather turns.

The winter time is definitely cold weather gear. There's no need for shorts but you might want to bring extra clothes in case its really cold.

Just to let you know, the weather in southern New England can be different than the northern half. There could be three feet of snow in the Lake Winnipesaukee area and bare grass in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The temperature difference can be as much as 10-15 degrees.

It could be the opposite as well. Sometimes there are southern storms and we have cloudless skies. Since the weather is unpredictable, I've made a general list of what to bring:

For those who want to bring even less, I have found a terrific place to rent things such as cribs, strollers, high chairs, towels, linens and more. Big Lake Vacation Rentals even provides delivery and pick up service.  They do the work, while YOU have the FUN!

Summer Season

• Bathing suit, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, flip flops, beach towel, insect repellant


• Shorts, t-shirts, long pants, light jacket


• Some type of hiking or walking shoes


• Life jackets, sand toys, cooler, water bottles


• Snorkel gear, water toys (noodles, floats, etc.), beach chairs


• Camera, binoculars, umbrellas
  
  

Winter Season

• Heavy coat, hat, mittens, scarf, boots, snow pants, sunglasses (the glare off the snow can be bright)


• Ski gear - skis, poles, boots, goggles, etc.


• Ice skates (figure or hockey)


• Thermos for hot chocolate, slippers for sitting by a fire


• Camera and binoculars
  
  

Spring and Fall Season

• Warm jacket, light jacket, shorts, pants, good shoes for hiking or walking, umbrellas, rain boots for kids (they like the mud), outdoor toys


• Camera, binoculars
  
  

The above are suggestions on what to bring for each season. You might want to add to or subtract from based on when your vacation is. It's best to be prepared for whatever the weather brings.