Right now, if you step outside in Derry, you’re feeling a crisp 26°F. It’s one of those classic January nights where the air has that distinct, sharp bite. The wind is currently a light 6 mph coming out of the southeast, but honestly, with the humidity sitting at 52%, that 26°F feels more like 19°F. If you’re just checking your phone for a quick number, you might think a light jacket is fine for a quick run to the car.
It’s not.
Derry isn't like the coastal towns where the ocean keeps things a bit more predictable. Here in Rockingham County, the temperature in Derry New Hampshire follows its own set of rules. We get the "valley effect" where cold air settles into the low spots around Hood Pond or Beaver Lake, making your backyard thermometer read five degrees colder than what the news anchor in Manchester is claiming.
Why the Temperature in Derry New Hampshire is a Moving Target
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the "Derry Swings." In the winter, we’re currently looking at a cold stretch. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re expecting a high of 34°F. That sounds almost tropical compared to the 9°F low we’re going to hit by Tuesday.
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The real kicker? The snow. Today there's a 46% chance of it during the day. When that moisture moves in, the temperature usually hovers right around that freezing mark of 32°F, creating that heavy, heart-attack snow that’s a nightmare to shovel.
Basically, Derry's climate is a battle between the warm air trying to creep up from Massachusetts and the arctic blasts sliding down from the White Mountains.
Breaking Down the Seasons (The Real Version)
Forget the calendar. In Derry, we don't have four neat seasons. We have:
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- Deep Freeze (January - March): This is where we are now. The average low in January is about 18°F. But honestly, it’s the -10°F nights that people forget until their pipes freeze.
- Mud Season (April): The temperature in Derry New Hampshire starts climbing toward a 58°F average, but the ground is still frozen. Result? A giant mess.
- The Sweet Spot (May - June): Probably the best time to be alive here. Highs in the 60s and 70s.
- The Humid Blanket (July - August): July is the hottest month, averaging 83°F. Don't let that fool you; we hit the 90s more often than the "averages" suggest.
- Foliage Perfection (September - October): It drops fast. You’ll go from 72°F in September to a brisk 60°F in October.
The Weird Science of Microclimates Near Beaver Lake
You’d think a town the size of Derry would have one consistent temperature. Nope. If you're over by the Londonderry line near the shopping centers, the asphalt holds onto heat. You might be at 32°F while someone living out toward the Chester woods is looking at 28°F and ice on their windshield.
Water also plays a huge role. Beaver Lake acts like a tiny heat battery in the fall, keeping the immediate area just a smidge warmer. But once it freezes over? It becomes a giant ice cube that keeps the surrounding air chilled well into March.
What to Wear (Survival Edition)
I’ve seen people try to survive a Derry winter in "fashion" coats. It doesn't work. When the temperature in Derry New Hampshire dips into the teens, like it will this coming Monday night (17°F), you need a system.
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- The Base: Synthetic or wool. No cotton. "Cotton kills" is a saying for a reason—it holds moisture and turns into a cold rag against your skin.
- The Insulation: Fleece is cheap and works, but down is the king of Derry winters.
- The Shell: You need something to break that 10-13 mph wind we’re expecting later this week.
Honestly, a good pair of insulated boots is more important than a fancy parka. If your feet are on the frozen New Hampshire granite, they’ll be the first thing to go numb.
Practical Insights for 2026
If you’re planning your week based on the current trends, keep an eye on Tuesday, January 20th. That’s going to be our coldest day of this stretch with a high of only 22°F. It’s a dry cold, though—humidity drops to 47%. That’s the kind of day where static electricity will shock you every time you touch a doorknob.
Next Steps for Derry Residents:
- Check your tire pressure today; a 15-degree drop in temperature (like we're seeing between today and Tuesday) will trigger your "low pressure" light.
- If you haven't switched to winter wiper fluid, do it before the snow hits today.
- Make sure your outdoor spigots are disconnected; that 9°F low on Tuesday night is prime time for burst pipes.
Derry’s weather isn't just about the numbers on the screen—it's about preparing for the fact that those numbers are going to change the second you get comfortable. Keep a shovel in the trunk and a spare hoodie in the backseat. You're gonna need 'em.