Barnstead is a charming town located in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. Situated in the scenic Lakes Region of central New Hampshire, Barnstead offers residents and visitors alike a peaceful retreat amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The town is bordered by the towns of Alton to the northeast, Pittsfield to the southwest, and Gilmanton to the northwest. With a population of approximately 4,600 residents, Barnstead maintains a close-knit community atmosphere while providing easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities, including nearby lakes, forests, and hiking trails.
Geography
Barnstead is centrally located within the state of New Hampshire, approximately 30 miles northeast of Concord, the state capital. The town encompasses a total area of approximately 44 square miles, consisting of rolling hills, forests, and several lakes, including Halfmoon Lake, Locke Lake, and Suncook Lake. Its location in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire affords residents stunning views and abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Population and Area
As of the latest census data, Barnstead has a population of approximately 4,600 residents. Despite its relatively small population, the town covers a significant area, providing ample space for residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The town’s rural character and scenic beauty make it an attractive destination for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.
Famous Company or University
Barnstead is not home to any major companies or universities. Instead, its appeal lies in its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and small-town charm. However, nearby institutions such as the University of New Hampshire in Durham and Plymouth State University in Plymouth provide educational and cultural opportunities for residents of Barnstead and the surrounding region.
Major Landmarks
While Barnstead may not have many traditional landmarks, its natural attractions and recreational facilities serve as focal points for residents and visitors alike. Halfmoon Lake and Locke Lake are popular destinations for boating, fishing, and swimming during the summer months, while the surrounding forests offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. Additionally, the Barnstead Town Hall, located in the village of Center Barnstead, serves as a hub for community events and local government activities.
Climate and Weather Overview
Barnstead experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Its location inland from the New Hampshire coastline and elevation contribute to its climate patterns, with weather influenced by both maritime and continental air masses. Residents of Barnstead enjoy a range of outdoor activities throughout the year, from swimming and boating in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Average Monthly Temperature, Precipitation, and Sunny Days
To provide a comprehensive overview of Barnstead’s climate, the following table lists average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month of the year:
| Month | Average Temperature (F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 27 | 3.5 | 11 |
| February | 29 | 2.8 | 11 |
| March | 37 | 3.6 | 12 |
| April | 49 | 3.9 | 14 |
| May | 61 | 4.2 | 16 |
| June | 70 | 4.0 | 17 |
| July | 76 | 4.1 | 18 |
| August | 74 | 3.8 | 18 |
| September | 67 | 3.5 | 16 |
| October | 56 | 3.9 | 14 |
| November | 46 | 4.2 | 11 |
| December | 32 | 3.6 | 10 |
Weather by Month
January
January brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall to Barnstead, with an average temperature of 27°F. The month is characterized by winter landscapes and outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Indoor activities such as cozying up by the fireplace, baking, and attending community events provide warmth and entertainment during the colder months.
Natural Disasters: January may occasionally experience winter storms with heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when traveling in winter weather.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are ideal for January. Indoor activities such as baking, attending community events, and cozying up by the fireplace provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
February
February continues the cold temperatures of winter in Barnstead, with an average temperature of 29°F. The month is characterized by snow-covered landscapes and outdoor activities such as sledding, ice skating, and winter hiking. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending concerts, and cooking classes offer opportunities for residents and visitors to stay active and engaged during the winter months.
Natural Disasters: February may experience winter storms with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when traveling in winter weather.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as sledding, ice skating, and winter hiking are ideal for February. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending concerts, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
March
March marks the transition to spring in Barnstead, with temperatures gradually warming up to an average of 37°F. The month is characterized by melting snow, budding flowers, and the emergence of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and maple sugaring. Indoor activities such as attending workshops, visiting art galleries, and cooking classes offer opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate the changing seasons.
Natural Disasters: March may occasionally experience early spring storms with snow, rain, or gusty winds. Flooding can occur as snowmelt increases runoff and spring rains saturate the ground. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when traveling in inclement weather.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and maple sugaring are ideal for March. Indoor activities such as attending workshops, visiting art galleries, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
April
April brings milder temperatures and the arrival of spring in Barnstead, with an average temperature of 49°F. The month is characterized by blooming flowers, green foliage, and the return of outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, and nature walks. Indoor activities such as attending live performances, visiting farmers’ markets, and cooking classes offer opportunities for residents and visitors to embrace the season’s bounty.
Natural Disasters: April may occasionally experience spring storms with rain, thunderstorms, or gusty winds. Flooding can occur as spring rains saturate the ground and snowmelt increases runoff. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when traveling in inclement weather.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, and nature walks are ideal for April. Indoor activities such as attending live performances, visiting farmers’ markets, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
May
May brings warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine to Barnstead, with an average temperature of 61°F. The month is characterized by blooming wildflowers, green foliage, and the return of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Indoor activities such as wine tastings, art classes, and cooking workshops offer opportunities for residents and visitors to explore their creative side.
Natural Disasters: May may occasionally experience severe weather such as thunderstorms or hail, particularly in the latter part of the month. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching are ideal for May. Indoor activities such as wine tastings, art classes, and cooking workshops provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
June
June brings warm temperatures and long days to Barnstead, with an average temperature of 70°F. The month is characterized by the peak of springtime activity, with lush vegetation, blooming flowers, and abundant wildlife. Outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and kayaking become popular choices for residents and visitors as they take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending outdoor concerts, and cooking classes are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: June may occasionally experience severe weather such as thunderstorms or hail, particularly in the early part of the month. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and kayaking are ideal for June. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending outdoor concerts, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
July
July brings hot temperatures and sunny skies to Barnstead, with an average temperature of 76°F. The month is characterized by the height of summer, with outdoor recreational opportunities abound. Outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and mountain biking become popular choices for residents and visitors as they seek adventure in the New Hampshire wilderness. Indoor activities such as visiting art galleries, attending live performances, and cooking classes are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: July may occasionally experience severe weather such as thunderstorms, lightning, or wildfires, particularly in dry forested areas. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and mountain biking are ideal for July. Indoor activities such as visiting art galleries, attending live performances, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
August
August continues the hot temperatures of July in Barnstead, with an average temperature of 74°F. The month is characterized by sunny days, warm evenings, and outdoor festivals. Outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding remain popular choices for residents and visitors as they embrace the peak of summer. Indoor activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and art workshops are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: August may occasionally experience severe weather such as thunderstorms, lightning, or wildfires, particularly in dry forested areas. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding are ideal for August. Indoor activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and art workshops provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Barnstead, with temperatures gradually cooling down to an average of 67°F. The month is characterized by changing foliage, crisp mornings, and the return of wildlife activity. Outdoor activities such as hiking, leaf-peeping, and wildlife photography become popular choices for residents and visitors as they explore the natural beauty of autumn. Indoor activities such as visiting local markets, attending harvest festivals, and cooking classes are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: September may occasionally experience early fall storms with rain, thunderstorms, or gusty winds. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking, leaf-peeping, and wildlife photography are ideal for September. Indoor activities such as visiting local markets, attending harvest festivals, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage to Barnstead, with an average temperature of 56°F. The month is characterized by crisp days, chilly nights, and the peak of fall colors. Outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, and scenic drives become popular choices for residents and visitors as they immerse themselves in the beauty of autumn. Indoor activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and art workshops are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: October may occasionally experience early-season snowfall or freezing temperatures, particularly in higher elevations. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, and scenic drives are ideal for October. Indoor activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and art workshops provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
November
November marks the transition to winter in Barnstead, with temperatures averaging around 46°F. The month is characterized by shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the arrival of snow. Outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing become popular choices for residents and visitors as they embrace the onset of winter. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending holiday markets, and cooking classes are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: November may occasionally experience early-season snowstorms or freezing temperatures, particularly in higher elevations. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when traveling in winter weather.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are ideal for November. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending holiday markets, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.
December
December brings cold temperatures and snowy conditions to Barnstead, with an average temperature of 32°F. The month is characterized by winter landscapes, holiday festivities, and the spirit of the season. Outdoor activities such as sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating become popular choices for residents and visitors as they celebrate the holidays amidst the snow-covered scenery. Indoor activities such as attending holiday concerts, visiting Christmas markets, and cooking classes are also enjoyed during this time.
Natural Disasters: December may experience winter storms with significant snowfall, freezing temperatures, and hazardous travel conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions when traveling in winter weather.
Recommended Activities: Outdoor activities such as sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating are ideal for December. Indoor activities such as attending holiday concerts, visiting Christmas markets, and cooking classes provide enjoyable alternatives for residents and visitors.