Mount St. Helens, WA
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Use Caution for hiking. High near 41°F. Rain forecast later today (97%). Breezy winds (29 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Use Caution for camping. High near 41°F. Rain forecast later today (97%). Windy conditions (29 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Outdoor Events / Activities
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 41°F. Rain forecast later today (97%). Windy conditions (29 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (41°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is a Washington destination for the volcanic monument, blast-zone roads, observatory approaches, lakes, exposed trails, and remote forest access.
Make the Most of a Mount St. Helens Day
Confirm which side of the monument is reachable because roads are long and seasonal. Snow, heat, wind, smoke, and limited shade shape exposed routes.
Weather Tips for Mount St. Helens
- 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:
- Johnston Ridge area
- Coldwater Lake
- Windy Ridge
- Toutle River
- Seaquest State Park
- Cougar
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Plan Around the Conditions
Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Mount St. Helens 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 St. Helens
Mount St. Helens Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Mount St. Helens 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 St. Helens 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 St. Helens 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 St. Helens 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: generally around 40–46°F across accessible monument elevations, using the relevant local or regional elevation context.
- Annual snowfall: snowfall ranges from moderate near lower roads to several hundred inches in high terrain, 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 broadest road and trail access.