Mount Rainier in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 46/100 · #11 of 12 months
January is a harsh-season month at Mount Rainier National Park: crowds run 6% of the July peak (26,038 average visits). Weather: highs average 35°F and lows 24°F, with 17.2″ of precipitation and 8.9 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 January
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 24°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 17.2″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 8.9 hours of daylight in mid-January.
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Crowds in January
Mount Rainier averages 26,038 recreation visits in January — 6% of what July, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Expect cold conditions (highs average 35°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 24°F). This is one of the wetter months (17.2″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 8.9 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 January.
What to pack for Mount Rainier in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 24°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 17.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 8.9 hours of daylight in mid-January (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 17.2″ of rain is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Mount Rainier are May and June.
Also at their best in January
Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
- Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
- Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100
Common questions
Is Mount Rainier crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 6% of the July peak, averaging 26,038 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Mount Rainier in January?
Average highs of 35°F, lows of 24°F, 17.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US station).
What should I pack for Mount Rainier in January?
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 January?
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 January · Last verified 2026-09-24