Mount Rainier in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 43/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a harsh-season month at Mount Rainier National Park: crowds run 5% of the July peak (19,405 average visits). Weather: highs average 33°F and lows 22°F, with 18.9″ of precipitation and 8.6 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Mount Rainier in December
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 22°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 18.9″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 8.6 hours of daylight in mid-December.
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Crowds in December
Mount Rainier averages 19,405 recreation visits in December — 5% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
It is properly cold (highs average 33°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). This is one of the wetter months (18.9″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 8.6 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 5,427 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Mount Rainier in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 18.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 8.6 hours of daylight in mid-December (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 18.9″ of rain is normal this month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Mount Rainier are May and June.
Also at their best in December
Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
- Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
- Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100
Common questions
Is Mount Rainier crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 5% of the July peak, averaging 19,405 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Mount Rainier in December?
Average highs of 33°F, lows of 22°F, 18.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US station).
What should I pack for Mount Rainier in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Mount Rainier in December?
Sunrise and Stevens Canyon roads are typically open only July–September; the road to Paradise is plowed and open year-round (carry chains in winter). Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-24