Mount Rainier · December · Washington
Mount Rainier National Park in December
December is a fair month for Mount Rainier National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average -1°F and lows -11°F, with about 12.11 inches of rain.
December is rated fair at Mount Rainier. Consider Jul–Sep instead.
What to expect
Honest take: December is not the month for Mount Rainier. Paradise gets enormous snowfall and becomes a snowshoe and sledding destination. The road from Longmire to Paradise is the only route kept open, and it can close in storms.
Clouds hide the mountain on many days. Check the Paradise webcam before you drive up, and go on a weekday in August for the best mix of flowers and space.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
- Closest airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2 hours.
- Before you go: The park has used timed-entry reservations for the Paradise and Sunrise corridors in recent summers. Check the current season's rules before you go. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is December a good time to visit Mount Rainier National Park?
December is a fair month for Mount Rainier National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average -1°F and lows -11°F, with about 12.11 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Mount Rainier National Park in December?
Highs average -1°F and lows -11°F, with about 12.11 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is Mount Rainier National Park in December?
Crowds are moderate in December.