Olympic Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and the Best Time to Visit

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Olympic

Olympic National Park can defy the forecast. In a single hour of driving, you can cross one of the wettest forests in the continental United States, then reach a sunny bay and a foggy beach. Three microclimates coexist within one park. That's both its charm and its trap.

The short answer: Olympic is currently in its best weather window. July is the park's driest month, with comfortable temperatures in the valleys (64 to 75 °F) and high-mountain trails finally clear. Enjoy it while you can. September marks the start of the return of the rains.

Olympic's Climate Month by Month

The figures below are climate normals for the low elevations on the north side of the park, around Port Angeles, the park's main gateway. On the west side, in Hoh Rain Forest, rainfall is four to seven times higher.

Hoh Rain Forest, on the west side, receives more than 138 inches of rain each year. It's one of the world's few temperate rainforests, alongside parts of British Columbia and Chile. Just 19 miles away as the crow flies, the town of Sequim benefits from such a strong rain-shadow effect that it gets only 16 inches. Two extremes in the same landscape.

The Climate Season by Season

Winter (December to February)

The valleys stay mild. The Pacific's maritime influence moderates temperatures, overnight freezes are occasional, and severe cold snaps remain rare at low elevations. It's a wet season more than a cold one. The mountains are a different story. Hurricane Ridge (5,250 feet) builds up considerable snowpack, and the access road regularly closes, sometimes for several consecutive days. The west side sees almost continuous rain from November through March.

Spring (March to May)

Rain remains the rule in March and April. The waterfalls are at peak flow, and the park is spectacular, but high-elevation trails often remain blocked by snow until May, sometimes until June. Conditions gradually improve. May already brings beautiful days along the coast and in the low-elevation forests, though rain is still a possibility.

Summer (June to September)

This is the main weather window. July, August, and September are the three driest months of the year. Valley temperatures reach 64 to 75 °F, the alpine trails around Hurricane Ridge are clear, and the coast alternates between morning fog and afternoon breaks of sunshine. There's one caveat: coastal fog can last all day in June. The Pacific Northwest's "June gloom" is a recurring and predictable phenomenon. September is often our favorite month, with fewer people than in August, golden light in the forests, and stable conditions.

Fall (October to November)

The rains return in October, rivers rise, and deciduous trees turn red. It's a beautiful season if you're willing to treat a rain jacket as basic gear. November gradually closes the mountain roads and brings winter conditions. Crowds thin out, and the park regains its quiet.

Is Olympic Cold? Records and Extremes

Extreme cold is rare in the valleys and along the coast. Maritime influence keeps winters mild and summers moderate. The thermometer rarely rises above 86 °F in summer, even during the heat waves the Pacific Northwest has experienced in recent years.

The extremes show up at higher elevations. The peaks, including Mount Olympus (7,980 feet), stay snow-covered for much of the year and are home to active glaciers. Hurricane Ridge can see powerful winter winds, with temperatures well below freezing and wind chills far lower than the thermometer reading.

On the coast, wind matters more than temperature. A 57 °F day with sustained ocean gusts can feel like 43 to 46 °F. Bring an extra layer even in summer on exposed beaches.

What to Wear and Pack by Season

Year-round: Keep a reliable rain jacket in your pack, no exceptions. It can rain anywhere in the park, including in July and on the normally drier east side.

Summer (July to September): In the valleys, lightweight clothing is enough during the day, such as a T-shirt and hiking pants. Add a fleece for the evenings and a windbreaker for the coast. At elevation on Hurricane Ridge, always bring an extra layer. The wind can bite even in midsummer.

Spring and fall: Bring a waterproof jacket with a membrane, such as Gore-Tex or an equivalent, mid-layers, and waterproof trail shoes. Trails on the west side can become saturated, so lightweight non-waterproof shoes are a bad idea.

Winter: Bring tire chains if you plan to drive up to Hurricane Ridge. The NPS requires them on some days. Pack thermal layers and windproof clothing. Check the road status on the NPS website the morning of your visit.

Alerts and Conditions to Watch

Olympic is open 24 hours a day, year-round, but several roads and campgrounds close seasonally.

Hurricane Ridge Road: This is the park's most weather-sensitive road. It often closes in winter for snow removal or because of ice, sometimes for several days at a time. Check conditions the day before and again that morning on the NPS website before heading out.

Flooding and slides: After prolonged heavy rain, which is common from October through March, rockfalls or rising rivers can cut off some trails and roads on the west side. Hoh Road is the route most likely to become impassable temporarily.

Coastal passages at high tide: Several coastal trails cross areas accessible only at low tide. A passage that's clear at 9 a.m. may be cut off at 11 a.m. Check tide tables before setting out, and ask at the nearest visitor center.

Fog: Fog is common along the coast in summer, especially early in the morning and in the evening. It usually lifts by midmorning but can linger. Drive carefully on coastal Highway 101 in these conditions. Visibility may drop to just a few hundred feet.

Frequently Asked Questions