The Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

Are you thinking of taking a trip to Olympic, but are unsure of when to go? My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I can’t wait to help you decide when is the best time to visit Olympic for your upcoming vacation!

You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and crowds when choosing the best time to visit Olympic. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:

• Beat the crowds: September
• Travel during the summer: July
• See lots of wildlife: September
• Go backpacking: July or August
• Save money: May or October
• Have a unique adventure: January

Each month in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience.  Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time to visit Olympic!

Average Monthly Temperatures in Olympic

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	40	45	50	56	63	68	73	74	68	56	46	42
Avg Low (F)	31	32	34	37	42	46	49	50	47	41	35	32
Avg Snow (“)	7	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3
Avg Rain (“)	9	7	6	3	2	1	1	1	2	5	9	10

Winter in Olympic (November-April)

Visiting a national park in the winter often limits you from seeing some of the best parts of the park, but not in Olympic. You’ll find three main areas of the park – Hurricane Ridge, the Pacific Coast, and the Rain Forests, each providing a unique experience anytime you visit, even during the winter.

In Olympic, you’ll be exposed to vastly different experiences ranging from snow-covered mountains to ocean storms to soggy rain forests. The winter is the wettest time of the year, with rainfall reaching 140-150 inches along the coast and in the rainforests. In the mountains, expect 30-35 feet of snow each season!

Most of the park is accessible throughout the winter, but a few facilities do close, and you won’t find as many ranger-led programs this time of year. Expect all kinds of weather, and be prepared to get wet.

November in Olympic

If you’re planning to visit Olympic in November, be sure to bring your rain gear! The rainy season is in full swing by November, and it won’t show signs of slowing for a few months.

The temperatures are typically in the 30s and 40s, but can occasionally drop below freezing. Several facilities in the park are closed by November, but most of the park is still accessible for exploring, weather permitting.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) close during the winter months. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the end of November. If you plan on driving this road in the winter, bring tire chains.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Lake Crescent Lodge and the Kalaloch Lodge in November. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Log Cabin Resort are closed at this time.
• The crowd levels are low.

December in Olympic

Visiting Olympic in December can be an exciting experience. Snowfall begins to pick up this month, and the surrounding towns on the Olympic Peninsula add festive touches everywhere you look.

Temperatures can drop to freezing around this time, so bring your warm winter gear and be prepared to have fun!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) close during the winter months. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday). The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area opens in early December on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you plan on driving this road in the winter, bring tire chains.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Lake Crescent Lodge and the Kalaloch Lodge in December. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Log Cabin Resort are closed at this time.
• The gateway towns of Port Angeles and Forks often have Christmas events or special activities planned throughout the holiday season.
• The crowd levels are low.

January in Olympic

Snowfall accumulations peak in January, so both planned closures and unexpected closures should be expected if you visit Olympic this month. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you will find several fun and unique options for getting out and experiencing the park at this time!

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Olympic National Park, I recommend visiting the park in January and heading up to the Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing area.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) close during the winter months. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday). The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you plan on driving this road in the winter, bring tire chains.
• Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are often offered at Hurricane Ridge beginning in mid-January.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Kalaloch Lodge in January. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort are closed at this time.
• The crowd levels are low.

February in Olympic

February in Olympic National Park looks very similar to January, with high amounts of precipitation – both rain and snow. Most of the same closures are still in place, and temperatures don’t get much warmer than the low 40s.

You’ll still find plenty of snow activities to try up at Hurricane Ridge, but this is also a good time to experience the rainy season in the Hoh Rain Forest or the dramatic storms along the Pacific Coast!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) close during the winter months. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday). The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you plan on driving this road in the winter, bring tire chains.
• Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are often offered at Hurricane Ridge.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Kalaloch Lodge in February. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort are closed at this time.
• The crowd levels are low.

March in Olympic

The precipitation levels begin to decline gradually in Olympic starting in March — temperatures begin rising, and snow and ice begin melting around this time.

March in Olympic is also an exciting time for a unique wildlife sighting. The whale migration begins this month, so you might catch a glimpse of a gray whale while exploring the coast!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) close during the winter months. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday). The Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Area is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., but will close down towards the end of March. If you plan on driving this road in the winter, bring tire chains.
• Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are often offered at Hurricane Ridge.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Kalaloch Lodge in March. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort are closed at this time.
• It’s gray whale migration season!
• The crowd levels are low.

Spring in Olympic (April-June)

Springtime in Olympic is a magical time to visit! The rainfall from the wet winter months has created a thriving environment for the luscious greenery in the rainforests, and you’ll see the foliage at its greenest in the spring.

The weather at this time can be unpredictable, with a chance of snow still falling in the mountains into June. But if you want fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and the ability to experience most areas of the park, taking the risk on a spring visit might be perfect for you.

April in Olympic

The buckets of rain finally stop dropping this month, leaving most of Olympic glistening in green and perfect for exploring. Popular activities this time of year include whale watching along the coast and fishing.

Trails in the higher elevations of the park will often still be impassable due to snow, so if you’re hoping to hit some longer trails, I suggest delaying your trip and visiting in the summer instead.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) will still be closed in the spring. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road is only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday). If you plan on driving this road, bring tire chains. Snow is still common in the spring at these higher elevations.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in April. The Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort are closed at this time.
• It’s gray whale migration season!
• Expect all kinds of weather. Hiking trails will be muddy as the snow melts.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

May in Olympic

Temperatures in May begin to get much more comfortable for exploring Olympic National Park, and chances of snow and rain aren’t as likely, especially in the lower elevations.

Most places in the park are fully open by the end of this month, but May is still considered the “shoulder” season, so hours will vary at visitor centers and other in-park facilities.

I suggest visiting in May if you want to save some money on hotels and don’t mind a few closures in the park.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park remain open, weather permitting, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) will still be closed in the spring. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Hurricane Ridge Road will switch to being open every day, not just on weekends, at some point in May, depending on snow levels/road conditions.
• All visitor centers are open, and you can find current hours here.
• All campgrounds will be open by the end of the month, weather permitting. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• All in-park lodges are open.
• It’s gray whale migration season!
• Expect all kinds of weather. Hiking trails will be muddy as the snow melts.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

June in Olympic

June is still considered part of spring in Olympic National Park, though many areas of the park will feel like summer at this time! Most areas of the park will be open and ready for you to explore, but some seasonal roads may still be closed well into this month.

As more things begin opening up, more visitors begin coming into the park as well. Expect higher crowds (though not as high as during the peak summer months), nice weather, and plenty of fun to be had!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park are open, but some side roads (like Deer Park and Staircase) may still be closed this month. Check the current road conditions here.
• All visitor centers are open, and you can find current hours here.
• All campgrounds are open. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• All in-park lodges are open.
• Expect all kinds of weather. Hiking trails will be muddy as the snow melts.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

Summer in Olympic (July-August)

Olympic National Park is busiest in the summer months because the chances of precipitation are slimmer, and the temperatures are amazing for adventure! You’ll have unlimited lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers.

Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price — crowds.  Be prepared to share the fantastic sights of Olympic with people from all over the world during the popular summer season.

July in Olympic

If you’re visiting Olympic in July, be prepared for crowds. Olympic is very popular this time of year, but you’ll find so many fun things to do!

The weather is perfect for hiking and camping, but this is also the perfect time to enjoy some water activities on Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette, or the park’s many beaches.

July is my favorite summer month to be in Olympic, so if you must travel during the summer, I would visit sometime during this month!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open. Check the current road conditions here.
• All visitor centers are open, and you can find current hours here.
• All campgrounds are open. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• All in-park lodges are open.
• Many ranger-led programs are available.
• Many areas of the park will fill to capacity and have long wait times to enter and find parking. Don’t show up without a good plan!
• July is wildfire season in the west.  You may find air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• It’s Quileute Days near Forks in mid-July! This festival is held on the Quileute Reservation just outside of Olympic and is a fun way to learn about the local Native American tribe.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

August in Olympic

Temperatures at Olympic National Park in August are mild to warm in most places, but you should always prepare for drastic weather changes. There’s always a chance of rain in this park, and thunderstorms are more likely in higher elevations.

August is also known as “foggust” along the Pacific Coast. Expect foggy conditions almost daily while you are exploring and photographing Olympic’s picturesque beaches this month.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open. Check the current road conditions here.
• All visitor centers are open, and you can find current hours here.
• All campgrounds are open. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• All in-park lodges are open.
• Many ranger-led programs are available.
• Many areas of the park will fill to capacity and have long wait times to enter and find parking. Don’t show up without a good plan!
• August is wildfire season in the west.  You may find air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

Autumn in Olympic (September-October)

As autumn rolls in, temperatures in the Pacific Northwest begin to drop, and precipitation levels begin to rise. If you want to explore Olympic before heavy rainfall sets in, visiting in the early fall is best.

Autumn in Olympic is a magical time to experience the beauty of the area and witness some unique wildlife sightings before the snow begins to fall. Gray whales migrate through the area, the salmon are spawning, and the elk are rutting at this time of year!

September in Olympic

September in Olympic is a time of transition. Facilities in the park begin to close down by the end of September as heavy precipitation begins to set in for the season. However, temperatures stay mild, and the main areas of the park are still open for exploring.

September is my favorite time to be in the park if I want fewer crowds and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but weather-related closures are possible. Check the current road conditions here.
• All visitor centers are open, but most are operating on shorter hours this month. You can find current hours here.
• All campgrounds are open. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• All in-park lodges are open.
• Some ranger-led programs are available.
• The elk rut begins at the Hoh Rain Forest!
• The coho salmon run begins in September at Salmon Cascades along the Sol Duc Road.
• It’s gray whale migration season!
• The Twilight Festival is held in Forks each September and is a fun experience if you’re a fan of the Twilight books or movies.
• The crowd levels are high, especially around Labor Day and the Twilight Festival in Forks.

October in Olympic

It’s hard to know what you’ll get if you take your trip to Olympic in October! Sometimes the weather is mild and pleasant, but sometimes the rain is relentless. Things start to close down in preparation for the cold, but the weather just may hold out for some fabulous sightseeing opportunities.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are scheduled to stay open through at least the middle of the month, but weather-related closures are possible. Check the current road conditions here.
• The Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open year-round. All other visitor centers are open seasonally, and you can find current hours here.
• Many of the main campgrounds in the park are open year-round, such as Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Mora. Click here for instructions on getting a site and information on which campgrounds are open during your visit.
• In-park lodging is available at the Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Resort, and Kalaloch Lodge in October. The Log Cabin Resort is closed at this time.
• The elk rut continues through October at the Hoh Rain Forest!
• The coho salmon run continues into October at Salmon Cascades along the Sol Duc Road.
• It’s gray whale migration season!
• Crabfest, Port Angeles’ crab and seafood festival, takes place in October.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit Olympic, you’re ready to make your dream trip a reality. Happy trails!

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