North Conway Travel Guide

City Gateway to White Mountains with outdoor activities

North Conway sits beneath the White Mountains and welcomes skiers, rock climbers and outlet shoppers; the Conway Scenic Railroad, Mount Washington vistas and nearby Kancamagus drives keep the town on many itineraries.

Costs

Around $180 per day

Covers outlet shopping, midrange hotels, and outdoor activities.

Safety

Very safe, tourist-focused

Low crime; busy tourist seasons mean crowded streets and traffic.

Best Time

September-April (foliage & skiing)

Peak foliage and ski-season months for scenery and winter sports.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

3:28 PM

GMT-4

Weather

61°F

Overcast

Population

2,349

Infrastructure & Convenience

Walkable village core, limited public transit, seasonal shuttles and parking challenges.

Popularity

Attracts hikers, skiers, scenic-drive enthusiasts, and outlet shoppers.

Known For

White Mountains hiking, Cranmore Ski Resort, Conway Scenic Railroad, outlet shopping, Kancamagus Scenic Byway, rock climbing, family attractions, breweries, fall foliage

The Conway Scenic Railroad runs vintage steam and diesel excursions out of North Conway.

Why Visit North Conway? #

Nestled in the Mount Washington Valley, this New Hampshire town attracts outdoor lovers and shoppers alike. North Conway Village pairs classic white‑steeple New England charm with outlet shopping, while Cranmore Mountain offers year‑round skiing and lift‑access mountain biking; the Conway Scenic Railroad adds nostalgic steam‑era excursions. Fall foliage and easy access to Cathedral Ledge give it a strong seasonal draw. Expect lively après‑ski energy without the big‑city fuss.

Best Things to Do in North Conway

All Attractions ›

Mount Washington

Northeast US summit famous for extreme weather

Mountain

White Mountains (New England)

New England mountain range known for hiking and peaks

Mountains

Frankenstein Cliff

Steep cliff on White Mountains with hiking access

Cliff

North Conway Bucket List

Don't Miss

Cranmore Mountain Resort - Skiing and year-round mountain activities with lessons and scenic chairlift rides.
Diana's Baths - Series of small waterfalls and pools accessible via a short, family-friendly walk.
Conway Scenic Railroad - Heritage train rides through the Saco River valley on vintage railcars.

Hidden Gems

Echo Lake State Park - Quiet swimming beach and short trails beneath Cathedral Ledge's granite walls.
Saco River tubing outfitters - Leisurely tubing and rafting options with multiple launch points and shuttle service.
Settlers Green Outlet Village - Outdoor outlet village with local craft shops and restaurants near the village.

Day Trips

Kancamagus Scenic Byway - Iconic 34-mile drive through White Mountain forests, waterfalls, and overlooks.
Mount Washington (Auto Road or Cog Railway) - Ride or drive to New England's highest summit for alpine panoramas.

Best Time to Visit North Conway #

Go to North Conway in summer for long hikes and scenic drives, or in fall for peak foliage and smaller crowds. Winters are snowy and great for skiing but very cold.

Winter

December - February · -15 to 2°C (5 to 36°F)

Long, snowy winters make it a skier's playground - cold temperatures, packed snow trails, and bustling resorts during holiday weeks. Expect lots of layers.

Spring/Autumn

March - May & September - November · 0 to 18°C (32 to 64°F)

Shoulder seasons feel fresh - wildflowers and waterfalls in spring, brilliant foliage in fall; trails quieter and accommodations easier to book.

Summer

June - August · 12 to 27°C (54 to 81°F)

Warm, insect-prone days perfect for hiking, canoeing, and scenic railway trips; expect busy roads, crowded trailheads on weekends, and book parking early.

Best Time to Visit North Conway #

Climate

North Conway's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1203 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good

Best Time to Visit

JulyJuneAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

43°

Warmest Month

-34°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

-8°

Feels Like Freezing

-8°C

Temperature

-14° – -2°

94%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -13°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

-6°

Feels Like Freezing

-6°C

Temperature

-13° – 1°

94%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.3h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-7° – 6°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

93 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

0° – 12°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.0

UV Index

Moderate

13.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

5° – 20°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

102 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

14.6h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

11° – 25°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

101 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

15.3h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

13° – 27°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

96 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

15.0h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

12° – 26°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

103 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.4

UV Index

High

13.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

7° – 21°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.0

UV Index

High

12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

1° – 15°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

2.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Low

10.8h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-3° – 7°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

124 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

28 Poor

Comfort

-4°

Feels Like Freezing

-4°C

Temperature

-10° – 1°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

114 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.7h daylight

How to Get to North Conway

North Conway is a mountain resort hub in New Hampshire best accessed by car or regional coach buses from Boston and Portland. There is no direct passenger rail; the Concord Coach Lines bus from Boston is a convenient public option.

By Air

Portland International Jetport (PWM): PWM is about 70-80 minutes’ drive from North Conway, NH. Driving and car rental are common; rental cars typically start around $40-100/day. Expect roughly 1.25-1.5 hours on the road depending on weather.

Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT): MHT is approximately 1.5-2 hours’ drive to North Conway. Renting a car is recommended for full flexibility, though seasonal shuttles and intercity buses link the region to North Conway from southern New Hampshire and Boston.

By Train & Bus

Train: North Conway does not have direct Amtrak service. The nearest Amtrak/Downeaster terminal is Portland (Transportation Center); from there you need to switch to bus or rent a car to reach North Conway.

Bus: Concord Coach Lines provides regular service from Boston (Logan Airport and South Station) to North Conway. Typical fares are roughly USD 25-40 one-way and the trip takes about 2-2.5 hours from Boston depending on traffic; this is a reliable option in high season.

How to Get Around North Conway #

North Conway village is very walkable: shops, restaurants and the train area are close together. Driving is useful for reaching trailheads, ski resorts and surrounding towns; seasonal shuttles and local taxi services operate to ski areas. Large outlet parking lots at Settlers Green are convenient for drivers.

Where to Stay in North Conway #

Budget

West/Route 16 - $60-140/night

Affordable stays include motels and small guesthouses along Route 16; book ahead during ski season and leaf-peeper months.

Budget motels & chains - Practical, affordable chain motels nearby.
Budget B&Bs and hostels (listings) - Seasonal dorms and small guest rooms.

Mid-Range

Village / Kancamagus access - $140-300/night

North Conway has many comfortable hotels and well-known resort properties-great access to skiing, hiking, and outlet shopping.

Red Jacket Mountain View Resort - Family-friendly resort with pools and dining.
Eastern Slope Inn - Historic inn in the village center.
North Conway area boutique inns - Comfortable inns near outlets and trails.

Luxury

Ski access / Village center - $300+/night

For luxury, look to private chalets and premium resort properties near the village; expect full amenities and higher seasonal rates.

Luxury suites & private chalets - Upscale private homes and premium suites.
White Mountain Hotel & Resort (area) - Higher-end resort amenities and services.

Where to Eat in North Conway #

Pubs, BBQ & Brews

Rustic pubs, local craft brewers, and wood-oven pizza joints cater to hikers, skiers, and families visiting the Mount Washington area and Settlers' Green outlets.

Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. - House-brewed beers and smoked meats
Delaney's Hole in the Wall - Longtime pub with live music
Flatbread Company - Wood-fired pizzas, family-friendly atmosphere

Casual Breakfasts & Diners

Small diners and cafés keep long opening hours, offering filling breakfasts, sandwiches, and casual dinners that suit daytrippers and families exploring the Whites.

Local diners and breakfast spots - Hearty breakfasts before outdoor activities
Cafés along Main Street - Coffee, pastries, quick plates
Family-friendly restaurants - Kid-friendly menus and casual vibes

Breakdown of cuisine types found across North Conway's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

Burger

American

Donut

Coffee Shop

Sandwich

Thai

Mexican

Breakfast

Ice Cream

Grill

Bistro

Indian

Chinese

Tex Mex

Barbecue

Burritos

Steak House

Nightlife in North Conway #

Nightlife revolves around brewpubs, taverns and casual restaurants-after‑ski crowds in winter swell the bars. Expect live music at breweries and pubs rather than late‑night dance clubs.

Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. - Popular brewpub with burgers, wood‑fired pizza, and live music.
Thirsty Moose Taphouse - Casual taproom known for many craft beers and lively evenings.

Shopping in North Conway #

North Conway is a major regional shopping hub: Settlers Green outlets, outdoor outfitters and independent boutiques line the village and outlet area. You’ll find ski and hiking gear, outlet stores and souvenir shops concentrated near the main thoroughfares.