North Cascades · December · Washington
North Cascades National Park in December
December is the off-season at North Cascades National Park. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 38°F and lows 29°F, with about 10.69 inches of rain.
December is rated poor at North Cascades. Consider Jul–Sep instead.
What to expect
Honest take: December is not the month for North Cascades. The North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) closes over the passes, usually from November to April or May. The park's interior is effectively off-limits except to experienced ski-mountaineers.
Most visitors see the park from State Route 20. For the real backcountry, hike Cascade Pass or take the boat up Lake Chelan to Stehekin.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
- Closest airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2.5 hours.
- Before you go: No entrance fee. State Route 20 has a seasonal winter closure; check WSDOT for opening dates. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is December a good time to visit North Cascades National Park?
December is the off-season at North Cascades National Park. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 38°F and lows 29°F, with about 10.69 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in North Cascades National Park in December?
Highs average 38°F and lows 29°F, with about 10.69 inches of rain. Conditions are poor this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is North Cascades National Park in December?
December is one of the quietest months at North Cascades National Park.