Mount Rainier National Park (WA) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park.
Climate overview of Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State, United States of America, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 11°C (52°F) in July, while winters cool to -6°C (21°F) in December.
With around 3498 mm (138 in) of annual rain/snowfall, Mount Rainier National Park has a notably wet climate. However, this rain/snowfall is not evenly distributed, the city has a distinct rainy season from October to April, with cold summers and very cold winters. The wettest month is March. Sunshine peaks in July, when the city sees around 10.4 hours of sunshine per day.
Mount Rainier National Park Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Mount Rainier National Park - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Mount Rainier National Park
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from chilly to very cold in Mount Rainier National Park. Average daytime temperatures reach a chilly 11°C (52°F) in July. In December, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a very cold -6°C (21°F).
At night, temperatures range from around -1°C (30°F) in July to -13°C (9°F) in December.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 3498 mm (138 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Mount Rainier National Park can be quite wet during March, receiving approximately 539 mm (21 in) of precipitation over 27 snowy/rainy days.
In contrast, during the driest month (July), you will experience much drier conditions, with 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation spread across 8 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Mount Rainier National Park Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of July under a blue sky, with approximately 10.4 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in November, with only 2.0 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: July and August
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July
- Fewest rainy days: July and August
- Wettest months: January, February, March, October, November and December, when rainfall is highest.
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct rainy season from October to April, with cold summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: December, with freezing nights around -13°C (9°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Mount Rainier National Park
What is the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park?
July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Mount Rainier National Park. In contrast, January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Mount Rainier National Park has a distinct rainy season from October to April, with cold summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Mount Rainier National Park?
Daytime highs range from -6°C (21°F) in December to 11°C (52°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -13°C (9°F) to -1°C (30°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Mount Rainier National Park get?
Annual rainfall is around 3498 mm (138 in). March is the wettest month with 539 mm (21 in), while July is the driest with 32 mm (1.3 in). In the coldest months, precipitation may fall as snow/rain.
How sunny is Mount Rainier National Park?
Mount Rainier National Park receives around 2,172 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 312 hours, while November is the cloudiest with just 60 hours. Overall, Mount Rainier National Park enjoys abundant sunshine.
Mount Rainier National Park 3-Day Forecast
Mount Rainier National Park on the map
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