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Step inside one of the Northeast’s most challenging environments with a guided tour of the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Station. Meet the team behind extreme weather forecasts at 6,288 feet.
Step inside one of the Northeast’s most challenging environments with a guided tour of the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Station. Meet the team behind extreme weather forecasts at 6,288 feet.
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Operated by Mount Washington Observatory · Conway, New Hampshire
At 6,288 feet above sea level, the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Station presents a rare window into one of the most extreme and dynamic environments in the northeastern United States. Located atop Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, this weather station sits where fierce winds, sudden storms, and wild temperature swings define the landscape. The Mount Washington Observatory offers guided tours six days a week that bring visitors face-to-face with the science and people behind one of the country’s most renowned weather monitoring outposts.
These 30-minute tours immerse guests in real-time meteorology through close encounters with the station’s cutting-edge instruments and the dedicated scientists who operate them. Visitors gain insight into how weather is tracked, forecasted, and recorded under conditions that can shift dramatically within minutes. The tour also sheds light on how the data collected here influences regional weather predictions and helps improve extreme weather readiness.
Situated in Mt. Washington State Park near North Conway, New Hampshire, the observatory is accessible by car via the storied Mt. Washington Auto Road or by the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway. These transportation options offer their own adventure, climbing through alpine forests and rocky formations shaped by glacial forces. Once at the summit, the observation station stands out for its functional design tailored to harsh weather, surrounded by sparse, hardy alpine vegetation.
The weather station’s long history—dating back nearly 90 years—anchors it as a unique feature of the White Mountains. It represents a blend of cutting-edge science and rugged, high-altitude endurance. Whether you’re a weather enthusiast, a hiker looking for a technical stop, or a curious traveler, the Mount Washington Observatory offers an unforgettable experience to connect with New England’s wild and unpredictable alpine environment.
easy.
30 minutes.
Accessible for most visitors as tours take place inside the summit facility with no hiking required.
You can reach the summit by driving the Mt. Washington Auto Road or riding the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Both require advance planning to time your arrival for the tour.
Yes, reservations are required at least 45 minutes in advance to ensure access and staffing.
Yes, children five and under attend free, and the tour is family-friendly with interactive elements.
Dress in layers with windproof and insulated outerwear; summit weather can be unpredictable and colder than the base area.
Tours run from mid-May through mid-October when the Visitor Center is open; winter access is limited due to severe weather.
Yes, observatory members and their households receive free admission to weather station tours.
The observatory has been collecting continuous weather data since 1932, marking nearly a century of pioneering meteorological science.
The observatory emphasizes minimizing environmental impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem and promotes sustainable public access.
Mount Washington Observatory is a scientific organization based in Conway, New Hampshire, that operates the weather station at the summit of Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet. It provides public access to extreme weather science through guided Weather Station Tours and specialized training programs. The Observatory's Weather Station Tours run six days a week and offer visitors the chance to meet dedicated scientists, explore cutting-edge instruments, and learn about forecasting practices used in one of the most challenging environments in the northeastern United States. In addition to public tours, the Observatory partners with Memorial Hospital and SOLO Wilderness Medical School to deliver the Mount Washington Observatory Overnight Medical Training Program for Youth Educators. This immersive overnight program at the summit weather station equips staff from youth-serving organizations with Wilderness First Aid certifications and hands-on experience tailored for outdoor youth activities. The Observatory emphasizes safety, scientific rigor, and practical training. Visitors to the summit encounter real operational instruments and professional staff who collect weather data and share forecasting insights. Program participants gain certified medical skills relevant to wilderness settings and benefit from collaboration with established medical and wilderness training partners. Located in Conway, New Hampshire, the Observatory connects community education with applied mountain meteorology and outdoor safety training. Its public tours and educator programs are designed to increase understanding of extreme weather, improve preparedness for outdoor programs, and strengthen the skills of those responsible for youth safety in remote environments. Programs and tours accommodate educators, outdoor leaders, and interested public participants regularly.
Book with Mount Washington Observatory