Major city · United States
Keene, New HampshireKeene
Give Keene one full day and one night: Main Street, the Colonial Theatre and a Monadnock hike. Two nights if you want a second trail day.
Keene is a small New Hampshire city of about 23,000 people, the Cheshire County seat, and the practical base for Mount Monadnock — the most-climbed mountain in the world by some counts. Downtown is walkable in 20 minutes end to end, with a 1924 theatre, a brewpub in an old mill and no state sales tax. Most visitors come for one night, a hike and a drive through the Monadnock Region.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct for hiking; Sep–Oct for foliage
- avoid Jan–Mar (ice and cold), mud season in April
- Airports
- EEN · MHT · BOS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Keene, New Hampshire911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Keene Police (non-emergency)603-357-9813
- Monadnock State Park HQ603-532-8862
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Keene, New Hampshire, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyKeene is a low-crime small city and downtown is fine on foot at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 603-357-9813 Keene Police (non-emergency) · 603-532-8862 Monadnock State Park HQ
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckEEN Dillant-Hopkins Airport, Keene (Small regional field with two runways; no scheduled airline service — check before planning around it.).
- Getting aroundDowntown Keene is walkable — Main Street and Central Square are a few minutes apart on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealBrewpub main course$16–28
- Street or quick mealCafé breakfast or lunch plate$10–18
- BeerDraught beer at a Main Street bar$7–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareSupply is thin late at night.$12–20
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–35
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$280
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$130 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EEN Dillant-Hopkins Airport, Keene (Small regional field with two runways; no scheduled airline service — check before planning around it.) · MHT Manchester-Boston Regional (About 1 h 30 min by car via NH-101 (check).) · BOS Boston Logan International (About 2 h by car (check); a common arrival point for overseas visitors, but confirm your own routing.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: Jun–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Keene, New Hampshire: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
10 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
9 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown Keene is walkable — Main Street and Central Square are a few minutes apart on foot. For Monadnock, the airport or outlying hotels you need a car: there is no useful bus to the trailheads. Downtown parking rules vary by lot and by day — check the signs or the city's parking page before you leave the car.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way (check) plus 3–4 h on the trail — allow a full day
Car via NH-101 east then NH-124, about 12 miles to the park entrance
Start before 9am on weekends; the pump house and White Dot routes are the usual up-and-down.
Peterborough, New Hampshire
goDoor to door: About 40 min (check)
Car via NH-101 east, about 30 min (check)
Small downtown, galleries and the MacDowell area; pairs well with a Monadnock morning.
Swanzey, New Hampshire
goDoor to door: About 20 min (check)
Car via NH-12 south, about 15 min (check)
Covered bridge and quiet back roads; a short stop, not a day.
Claremont, New Hampshire
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 10 min (check)
Car via NH-12 north, about 1 h (check)
Doable as a loop with the Connecticut River, but thin on sights for the drive time.
Francestown, New Hampshire
cautionDoor to door: About 55 min (check)
Car via NH-101 east and NH-47, about 45 min (check)
Village green and meetinghouse; go only if you are already driving the back roads.
Westmoreland, New Hampshire
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min (check)
Car via NH-12 north and NH-63, about 25 min (check)
Park Hill Meetinghouse (1764) is the draw, but it is not confirmed as regularly open — verify access before you drive out.
Rindge, New Hampshire
cautionDoor to door: About 50 min (check)
Car via NH-101 east and NH-202, about 40 min (check)
Cathedral of the Pines is the reason to come; combine with a Monadnock hike.
Marlow, New Hampshire
skipDoor to door: About 50 min (check)
Car via NH-10 north, about 40 min (check)
Very small; only worth it if you are already heading up NH-10.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Main Street
Walk to dinner, the Colonial Theatre and Central Square; one hotel sits right on Main Street.
Winchester Street (NH-101 west)
Chain hotels and the Monadnock Marketplace plaza; you need a car for everything.
Key Road / NH-12 south
Highway-side hotels with free parking; 5–10 min drive to downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$170 | US$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$80 · Book ahead for foliage weekends. | US$80 |
| Fuel, Keene–Monadnock loop, one day1 × US$12 | US$12 |
| Monadnock State Park day-use fee, per adult2 × US$5 | US$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$57 |
| Trip total≈ US$315 per person per day, bed included | US$629 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is not charged in New Hampshire but meals and rooms taxes apply. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Café breakfast or lunch plate | $10–18 |
| Brewpub main course | $16–28 |
| Draught beer at a Main Street bar | $7–10 |
| 5 km taxi or rideshareSupply is thin late at night. | $12–20 |
| Chain-hotel room, midweekHigher in foliage season. | $110–180 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–35 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Mount Monadnock trails are rocky and exposed near the top: carry water, a map and a layer even in summer.
- Trailhead lots at Monadnock fill on fall weekends — arrive before 9am or park at the staffed park HQ.
- Winter and early-spring ice makes the summit trails genuinely dangerous without traction; many people turn back.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the mountain's upper slopes.
- Rural roads are dark and deer are common at dusk — drive slowly after sunset.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Keene Police (non-emergency)
- 603-357-9813
- Monadnock State Park HQ
- 603-532-8862
Pocket card
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Keene, New HampshireKeene
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Keene Police (non-emergency)603-357-9813
- Monadnock State Park HQ603-532-8862
Embassy
No embassies in Keene; consulates and embassies are in Boston and Washington, DC. Check your country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rideshare, downtown Keene → NH-101 hotels: $10–16
- Rental car, one day: $55–130 plus fuel
- Monadnock State Park day use: about $5 per adult
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a table for two? — Is there a table for two?
- How far is it on foot? — How far is it on foot?
- I need help — I need help
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, but meals and rooms taxes apply — the price on the menu is not the price on the bill.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Keene, New Hampshire. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct for hiking; Sep–Oct for foliage · avoid Jan–Mar (ice and cold), mud season in April · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for EEN, MHT and BOS: last sensible arrival times, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street and Central Square, the Colonial Theatre block, the mill district, and the NH-101 hotel strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Colonial Theatre box office, Monadnock State Park HQ, Park Hill Meetinghouse) and eat pages with last orders.
- Foliage-season and ice-season fixtures so gates A–D can go green.