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Mount Rainier National Park
Weather
 
 
Cloud cap over Mount Rainier

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.

 

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

Mt. Rainier Recreational Forecast
Daily update of park weather with forecast for next several days.

NW Avalanche Center
Current conditions and snow level at Paradise.

West Slopes and Passes of the Central Cascades Forecast
National Weather Service Forecast for Snoqualmie Pass. 

Mountain Pass Road Report
Washington State Department of Transportation information on mountain passes throughout Washington.

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

Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center Forecasts
Avalanche forecasts for Washington state and northern Oregon.

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

 

Average Monthly Temperatures at Mount Rainier:

 

Paradise
(5400 ft/1647 m)

Longmire
(2762 ft/825 m)

Ohanapecosh(1950 ft/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 / 26

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

Top of page

Drawing of snowflakes on blue background.
Avalanche Safety
If you plan to enjoy winter activities at Mount Rainier, be avalanche aware.
more...
A view of a snow covered Mount Rainier.
Snowfall at Paradise
Just how much snow falls at Paradise? The annual snowfall at Paradise has been recorded since 1920.
more...
Trees and lush vegetation in the Carbon River Rainforest.  

Did You Know?
The Carbon River Valley receives about 70 - 90 inches of rain a year. Abundant rainfall and mild temperatures have created an inland temperate rainforest. Explore the Carbon River Rainforest on the 1/4 mile loop trail and learn about the rainforest ecosystem from exhibits located along the trail.

Last Updated: January 17, 2007 at 13:51 EST