When is The Best Time To Visit Olympic National Park?

If you’re planning a trip to Olympic National Park, you’ve probably asked yourself: When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park?

And if you’ve searched online, you’ve likely found conflicting answers. Some say summer. Others swear by fall or spring.

The truth? It depends on what you want to see – and what you want to avoid.

This guide is for travelers who want to pick the best times to visit Olympic National Park based on weather, crowds, wildlife, and seasonal highlights. Whether you’re dreaming of tidepooling on a sunny afternoon, snowshoeing in the mountains, or avoiding the heaviest tourist rush, I’ll help you match your plans to the park’s seasonal rhythm.

Here’s a teaser – if you want warm weather, long days, and the widest range of open trails, July is hard to beat. But it’s not the only answer.

Let’s figure out exactly when your Olympic adventure should happen.

‼️ While this is my choice for the best time to go to Olympic National Park, the park is great throughout the year.  I’ve provided a detailed breakdown by season and every month so you can easily see what to expect and then make your own choice. ‼️

The Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park in a Nutshell

Overall, summer is the best time to visit Olympic National Park if you want to enjoy the park’s natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities to the fullest.

During the summer months, the weather in Olympic National Park is generally mild and dry (or at least drier than the very wet winter months), making it the perfect time to explore the park. The temperatures are warm for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and swimming. 

Many areas of the park are only accessible during the warmer months due to heavy snowfall in the winter. Roads and trails are generally open and well-maintained, making exploring the park and accessing its many attractions easier.

Summer is also a great time to see wildlife in Olympic National Park. Animals such as elk, deer, and black bears are more active during this time and are often seen grazing in the park’s meadows and forests.

Another reason to visit Olympic National Park in the summer is the abundance of wildflowers that bloom throughout the park. The vibrant colors and sweet fragrances make for a beautiful and memorable experience.

Olympic National Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and swimming, that are best enjoyed during the summer when the weather is warm and dry.

The downside of summer is that this is by far the most popular time to visit and it can be crowded.  

Late June and early September tend to have all the benefits of summer without the July-August crowds, so this is the absolute best time to visit Olympic National Park.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Olympic National Park (for different interests)?

The best temperatures in Olympic National Park

The best temperatures in Olympic National Park are during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures range between 54°F to 75°F.

The best weather in Olympic National Park

The best weather in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is generally mild and dry. However, the park can experience rain and cooler temperatures throughout the year.

The best time to see wildlife in Olympic National Park

The best time to see wildlife in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September when animals like elk, deer, and black bears are more active.

The best time to avoid the crowds in Olympic National Park

The best time to avoid the crowds at Olympic National Park is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April – May) and fall (September – October), when the weather is still mild, but there are fewer visitors.

The best time to travel in summer

The best time to travel to Olympic National Park in the summer is in June to beat the worst of the crowds.

The best time for tide pooling in Olympic National Park

The best time for tide pooling in Olympic National Park is during the low tide, which occurs twice a day. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warmer, and the tides are more predictable.

The best time for fishing in Olympic National Park

The best time for fishing in Olympic National Park is from June to September when the weather is warmer, and the fish are more active.

The best time for boating in Olympic National Park

The best time for boating in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warmest, and the water is calmest.

The best time for star gazing in Olympic National Park

The best time for star gazing in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the skies are clearest, and there is less chance of rain.

The best time for hiking in Olympic National Park

The best time for hiking in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild, and the trails are open and accessible.

The best time for camping in Olympic National Park

The best time for camping in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is warmest and the campgrounds are open.

The best time for fall colors in Olympic National Park

The best time for fall colors in Olympic National Park is mid-September through October, when the leaves of deciduous trees change color and create a stunning display of fall foliage.

The best time to travel on a budget in Olympic National Park

The best time to travel on a budget to Olympic National Park is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to November), when prices for accommodations and activities are generally lower.

The best time to have a winter adventure in Olympic National Park

The best time to have a winter adventure in Olympic National Park is from December to February when the park offers skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping opportunities.

The worst time to visit Olympic National Park:

The worst time to visit Olympic National Park is March, when the park can still have snow, there is often rain, and many areas are inaccessible.

Check my detailed breakdown of what to expect every month of the year for much more detailed information.

Weather in Olympic National Park

To help you decide when to go to Olympic National Park, it’s important to be aware of the ever-changing Olympic Park weather patterns that can affect your experience. Keep reading to find out more about the climate of Olympic National Park.

Summer Weather

In the summer months, from June through August, you’ll find warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring the many trails and scenic vistas throughout the park.

But don’t forget to bring a rain jacket, as occasional showers and thunderstorms are common in the afternoons and evenings even in these ‘dry’ months.

Fall Weather

As fall settles in, the temperature starts to drop, and the leaves on the trees begin to turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

The weather is usually mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. But be prepared for possible rainstorms, as the Pacific Northwest is known for its wet weather, especially as fall progresses.

Winter Weather

Olympic Peninsula weather in winter turns the place into a snowy wonderland, with temperatures plummeting below freezing and blanketing many parts of the park in white from December to February.

It’s crucial to pack accordingly with warm clothing, and if you plan on exploring the park’s trails, don’t forget to bring snowshoes, cross-country skis or microspikes for your hiking boots.

READ MORE: If you need you need the right wear or gear, read my buying guides:

Best Snowshoes for Beginners
Best Microspikes for Winter Hiking
Best Winter Jackets For Extreme Cold
Best Men’s Boots For Winter
Best Winter Boots For Women

Spring Weather

In the spring, from March to May, the weather at Olympic National Park begins to warm up, and the park starts to come alive with blooming wildflowers and green foliage.

Temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit, and the occasional rainstorm is to be expected. But don’t let the rain dampen your spirits – the park is just as beautiful, if not more so when the misty clouds roll in.

Weather Variations

While temperature extremes are rare, the climate does vary between the park’s numerous valleys, ridges, and at different elevations.

Valleys retain more cold air and snow in the winter, while warmer air lingers in the summer. 

The mountain ridges can be colder and wetter on the north faces and warmer and drier on the south.

Higher elevations bring colder temperatures, with every 1,000 feet of elevation gained causing a 3ᵒF drop in temperature. Ultraviolet light exposure also increases with elevation, so it’s important to take note of temperature changes when climbing in the park during the winter months.

Rainfall

When it comes to Olympic National Park rainfall, it’s worth mentioning that the western side of the park experiences the most rain, averaging over 135 inches per year, while the northeast corner is the driest, receiving only about 17 inches per year. The rest of the park sees rainfall levels around 35-38 inches per year, similar to much of western Washington State. 

Below are the month-by-month Olympic National Park average temperatures and rainfall to help you plan your trip.

Weather: Olympic National Park monthly average temperatures and rainfall at the main Visitor Center:

Travel Insurance for Olympic National Park  

No matter what when you go to Olympic National Park, you should definitely get travel insurance.  This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy Olympic National Park!

More Planning Resources for Olympic National Park

What do you think is the best month to visit Olympic National Park?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).

If you liked this article about Olympic National Park (best time to visit), Pin It to your Olympic National Park board!

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…

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