Mount Rainier National Park

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a Washington destination for parkwide mountain roads, forests, campgrounds, visitor corridors, waterfalls, and high-elevation trails.

Make the Most of a Mount Rainier National Park Day

Choose one park entrance and check its road and reservation requirements. Snow, smoke, fog, crowds, and elevation can make conditions differ sharply across the park.

Weather Tips for Mount Rainier National Park

• Compare valley and high-elevation forecasts because snow, wind, clouds, smoke, and temperature can change sharply with elevation.
• If thunder is possible, finish exposed viewpoints, ridges, golf, or event grounds early and keep substantial shelter close.
• Check overnight lows, wet ground, fire rules, drainage, and the nearest substantial shelter before settling into camp.
• Summer smoke, winter access, shoulder-season closures, and shorter fall daylight can matter even during an otherwise mild forecast.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

• Longmire
• Ohanapecosh
• Carbon River
• White River
• Mowich Lake
• Nisqually Entrance
• Stevens Canyon

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Mount Rainier National Park day. Match wind, precipitation, smoke, water conditions, trail surfaces, road access, temperature, and daylight to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.

7-Day Forecast for Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Mount Rainier National Park brings mountain snow, ice, short daylight, and changing road or trailhead access. Higher routes may close while lower valleys remain rainy, so check current transportation notices.

Spring

Spring around Mount Rainier National Park brings changing conditions, rising rivers, wet trails, and lingering mountain snow. Give muddy natural surfaces time to drain and avoid widening trails. Mountain and eastern thunderstorms become increasingly possible later in the season.

Summer

Summer at Mount Rainier National Park is usually the driest and most dependable season, but wildfire smoke, fire restrictions, heat, and afternoon thunderstorms can interrupt plans. Start exposed routes early and carry enough water. Dry vegetation makes local fire rules especially important.

Fall

Fall at Mount Rainier National Park brings cooler temperatures, shorter daylight, changing color, and the return of wetter weather west of the Cascades. Early snow or ice may reach upper roads before lower elevations. Check seasonal facility hours and allow extra time on busy event or salmon-viewing weekends.

Key Climate Data Points

• Annual average temperature: around the low to mid-40s in developed park valleys, much colder at elevation, using the relevant local or regional elevation context.
• Annual snowfall: valley totals are substantial and high terrain can receive several hundred inches, with substantial year-to-year and elevation variation.
• Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
• Coolest months: December through February are typically coolest.
• Wettest season: November through January.
• Driest season: July and August.
• Best outdoor window: July through September for the widest road and trail access.