Weather

Lenticular, disc-shaped, clouds cling to the peak of Mount Rainier.
Lenticular clouds cling to the peak of Mount Rainier.

NPS/Steve Redman

 

Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, elevation, and latitude. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is possible any day, and very likely in spring, fall, and winter.

Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. Wet, cold weather can occur anytime of the year. Although late-July and August are generally the driest and warmest time of the year, summer can also be wet and cool. Snow will remain at the 5,000 to 8,000 feet elevation well into mid-July.

Hikers and mountain climbers should be prepared for changing weather. Pay attention to weather forecasts, both one day and long range, avalanche warnings, and special weather alerts. Have extra clothing, rain gear, and a tent for protection against storms anytime of the year. Know the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.

 

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Current Weather

Use the following links to learn about current weather conditions at Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier Recreational Forecast
Daily update of park weather with forecast for next several days from National Weather Service.

Northwest Avalanche Center
Current conditions and snow level at Paradise.

Western Washington Weather Forecast
National Weather Service forecast for the various western Washington regions, including the Cascades and Mount Rainier.

Chinook & Cayuse Mountain Pass Report
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) information on Chinook (SR410) and Cayuse (SR123) mountain passes on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park.

Longmire Weather
Current weather data at Longmire from NOAA.

Ohanapecosh Weather
Current weather conditions and snow depth at Ohanapecosh from the University of Utah.

Sunrise Weather
Current weather conditions and snow depth at Sunrise from NOAA.

Camp Muir Weather Station
Current weather conditions at Camp Muir from the Northwest Avalanche Center.

National Weather Service Seattle Office
Access National Weather Service information for all of western Washington.

Mount Rainier Webcams
Want to see the current weather for yourself? Check our webcams!

Snowpack Information

Use the following links to learn about snowpack conditions at Mount Rainier.

Paradise SNOTEL Data Report
Information on snow depth, current temperature, year-to-date precipitation and more at Paradise. Updated hourly.

Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) Plot for Paradise
Plot of SWE in inches compared with average (1981 to present), created by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Modeled Snow Water Equivalent Forecast Map
Forecast model map of SWE in inches for Mount Rainier and the surrounding area, created by NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center.

Cayuse Pass SnoTel Station
Weather and snow depth information at Cayuse Pass from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Annual Snowfall Totals at Paradise, 1920 to Present

 
 

Average Monthly Temperatures at Mount Rainier

Paradise
(5400 ft/1647 m)

Longmire
(2762 ft/825 m)

Ohanapecosh
(1950ft/560 m)

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

°F/°C

°F/°C

°F/°C

°F/°C

°F/°C

°F/°C

January

33 / 0.5

21 / -6

36 / 2

24 / -4

39 / 4

30 / -1

February

35 / 2

22 / -6

40 / 4

26 / -3

41 / 5

30 / 1

March

37 / 3

22 / -6

44 / 7

28 / -2

42 /6

32 / 0

April

44 / 7

27 / -3

53 / 12

32 / 0

58 / 14

35 / 2

May

50 / 10

32 / 0

62 / 17

37 / 3

70 / 21

41 / 5

June

56 / 14

44 / 7

66 / 19

43 / 6

77 / 25

45 / 7

July

64 / 18

44 / 7

75 / 24

47 / 8

78 / 23

49 / 9

August

63 / 17

43 / 6

74 / 23

47 / 8

81 / 27

48 / 9

September

57 / 14

39 / 4

68 / 20

43 / 6

72 / 22

43 / 6

October

48 / 9

33 / 0.5

57 / 14

38 / 3

57 / 14

36 / 2

November

41 / 5

37 / 3

45 / 7

31 / -0.5

39 / 4

27 / -3

December

34 / 1

22 / -6

39 / 4

28 / -2

34 / 1

23 / -5

 
Mount Rainier and the Paradise meadows covered in snow.
Mount Rainier Webcams

Is the mountain out? What's the weather like at Paradise or Sunrise? Take a look at our live webcams to find out!

A meadow surrounded by forested hills mostly obscured by smoke.
Air Quality

Air quality, which can be affected by wildfire smoke and other pollutants, is one of the environmental factors monitored in the park.

Last updated: September 3, 2024

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Contact Info

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55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Phone:

360 569-2211

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