What’s the Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving Travel Forecast for 2025? Sunny but Cold in New England

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its long-range weather outlook for Thanksgiving 2025, and the news is encouraging for travelers across New Hampshire and the broader New England region. The Almanac predicts sunny but cooler-than-normal conditions for the holiday week, with only limited chances of snow in the far north.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27 this year, and weather is a top concern for millions of Americans who will be traveling. According to the Almanac’s latest outlook, the Northeast should see clear skies and manageable conditions, whether hitting the road or boarding a flight.

Sunny Skies and Cool Temperatures Expected for New England Travel

For those planning to stay within the New England corridor, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says travel could be smoother than usual. The forecast calls for sunny days with colder-than-average temperatures throughout Thanksgiving week. While chilly conditions might mean bundling up for backyard football games, it’s largely good news for drivers and fliers alike.

Snowfall will be limited to northern parts of the region, including northern New England and parts of Maine. Other areas expected to see light flurries include the Upper Midwest, the higher elevations of the Intermountain West, and Alaska. Even in these areas, snow is expected to be light and not significantly disruptive.

AAA reports that about 89% of travelers drive to their Thanksgiving destinations, while 7% travel by air. With largely dry conditions expected, roadways and runways should be in better shape than in years with heavy snow or rain. However, forecasters caution that long-range outlooks like this one should be used for planning purposes only and should not replace daily weather updates closer to the holiday.

Winter Outlook: Milder, Drier, and Fewer Snow Days Overall

The Almanac’s broader 2025–2026 winter forecast for New England also offers a glimpse of what’s ahead after Thanksgiving. The outlook points to a milder and drier winter overall, with most snow expected around the holidays and again in late winter. This means there could be fewer total snow days, potentially easing commutes during much of the season.

While snowfall is expected to be below average, key snow periods are forecast for late December, early January, and late February. Temperatures are also expected to run slightly above normal through the winter, with the coldest stretches occurring in mid-to-late December and again from early to late January.

This forecast contrasts with that of the traditional Farmer’s Almanac, which is calling for a colder and snowier season. The differences highlight the uncertainty in long-range forecasting and the importance of checking updated local forecasts as conditions evolve.

For now, though, travelers in New Hampshire and across New England can plan on a Thanksgiving week that’s cold but manageable — a welcome forecast for one of the busiest travel times of the year.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What does the Old Farmer’s Almanac predict for Thanksgiving 2025 in New England?

Sunny skies and cooler-than-normal temperatures are expected, with limited snowfall mostly in northern areas like Maine.

Q2: Will snow affect Thanksgiving travel in New Hampshire?

Significant snow is unlikely in most of New Hampshire, though far northern regions could see light flurries.

Q3: How many people travel by car during Thanksgiving?

About 89% of travelers use cars, while roughly 7% fly, according to AAA data cited by the Almanac.

Q4: What is the winter forecast for New England for 2025–2026?

The Almanac predicts a milder, drier winter with below-average snowfall and most snow falling around the holidays and late winter.

Q5: When will the coldest winter periods occur?

The coldest stretches are expected in mid-to-late December and again from early to late January.

References

USA TODAY Network. (2025). “What’s the Old Farmer’s Almanac travel forecast for Thanksgiving? What to know in NH.” October 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). “Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts sunny, cooler Thanksgiving travel conditions in New England.” October 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Thanksgiving 2025 travel forecast: Weather looks favorable across much of the U.S.” October 2025.