Winter clothing for NH/Maine

[Sarge]

We've all read to make sure you get your winter clothes back at or before Glencliff before hitting the high country of the Whites. The question I have is what would someone consider winter clothing in June or July? I know it can snow there any month of the year, but what type of temperatures are we talking here? I've spent time backpacking the Rockies in Idaho at 9000' and the Cascades in Washington and know it can get cold even in the summer, but I've never been up in area of the Whites before so I want to make I know what to expect. Winter clothing to me means at least 3 layers on the upper body and at least 2 layers on the lower body, but that sounds like overkill at that time of the year. I plan on having a set of polypros, long pants, shirt and a medium jacket? Will that be sufficient in June or July? I know each person is different, but if I have a good idea of what temperatures to expect, then I'll know what I need. I don't want to overdo it, but I want to make sure I have what I need for that area at that time of the year.

Sarge

[4eyedbuzzard]

A wind shell and wind pants(rain gear could double) are the biggest must have in the Whites in the summer months. The temps can drop to below freezing but it is honestly rare that time of year. It's those 30 something degree and colder mornings(very normal) and wet and damp days it doesn't get out of the 40°'s with 40+ mph winds that can do you in. Polypro + light to medium fleece bottoms and tops with a light down vest should be adequate with a good wind shell for the worst you're likely to encounter. A winter hat(must have ear protection) + gloves are a must. Ears and face can get "hurtin" cold from the wind.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Found this fer ye:

"Wondering what is normal weather for Mount Washington? The following tables give the average weather conditions on Mount Washington for each month, averaged over the period from 1971-2000. Also included are the extreme (record) conditions recorded during the station's history, from 1933 to the present."

http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/normals.php

[Slosteppin]

I plan on having a set of polypros, long pants, shirt and a medium jacket? Will that be sufficient in June or July? I don't want to overdo it, but I want to make sure I have what I need for that area at that time of the year.
Sarge

I have not done all the AT, but I have done several 2 week trips in ME (mostly July & August) and a few week walks in NH (mostly June & July).
I think if you add rain gear and bug protection you would be well prepared.
We usually got a few nights of low 30s & frost.

If you live in the deep south you might need winter clothes but if you are from the north it IS summer.

Slosteppin

[RobKimball]

I'd second what 4eyed said: wind protection is priority one! A lot of people take NH lightly, which is why it's one of the most deadly peaks in the States. Once that wind gets kicked up, it doesn't matter what month it is, it can get mighty cold on the peaks and ridgelines. I would say throw in an extra upper body layer, double check that your windbreaker is good, and plan to camp at lower elevations