Manchester, NH Homeowners Can Expect a Cooler, Drier Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

New Hampshire residents can expect a traditional New England autumn in 2025.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a cooler and drier fall than usual, setting up Manchester for brisk mornings, scattered showers, and vibrant foliage.

But while the forecast cools the weather, Manchester’s housing market is heating up. ZIP code 03104 ranked No. 15 on the Realtor.com list of the Top 50 Hottest ZIP Codes of 2025, placing the city among the most in-demand real estate markets in the country.

New Hampshire forecast: brisk air and bright foliage

The Almanac’s Fall Forecast 2025 State Breakdown calls for New Hampshire to be “cool and dry,” reflecting a broader pattern for New England. September will average 59°F, about 2 degrees below normal, with 3.5 inches of precipitation.

The month will bring a mix of scattered showers, sunny breaks, and brief warmth before a cooler finish. By October, the average temperature drops to 46°F, about 3 degrees below normal, with just 2.5 inches of rainfall. That means drier skies and crisper air, perfect for foliage season.

This local forecast stands apart from the national picture. While many regions in the South and West will see warmer-than-normal autumns, New Hampshire is bracing for an earlier chill. The cooler, drier air could make leaf peeping in Manchester especially colorful, with reduced rainfall keeping the trees vibrant longer into October.

Manchester’s market among nation’s hottest

Manchester’s real estate market is moving quickly. Homes in ZIP 03104 sold in just 28 days on average, compared with a national norm that’s more than a month longer. Listings also drew 4.1× more views per property than the typical U.S. home.

The median listing price in Manchester was $481,000, above the U.S. median of $441,000. That higher price hasn’t cooled buyer interest. Instead, the city’s combination of affordability relative to nearby Boston and suburban lifestyle appeal is driving demand.

Massachusetts suburbs also dominated the list, with nearby Beverly topping the rankings nationwide. Compared with Beverly’s $746,000 median listing price, Manchester offers a more accessible entry point while maintaining a competitive pace of sales.

Fall projects to tackle before winter

With cooler weather on the way, September is the right time for Manchester homeowners to get ahead on seasonal upkeep. Ryan Williams of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric recommends repairing walkway cracks now before icy conditions make them hazardous. Chris Granger of Sears Home Services suggests power washing siding, both for curb appeal and to spot potential repairs. And Lindsey Pasieka of ConsumerSafety.org stresses the importance of sweeping chimneys before the first fire of the season.

Other tasks, like sealing windows to prevent drafts and changing air filters to keep HVAC systems running efficiently, can also help homeowners save on heating bills. For a complete list, the Realtor.com September home maintenance guide outlines the essential steps.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.