Mount Rainier in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 54/100 · #8 of 12 months
October is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Mount Rainier National Park: crowds run 32% of the July peak (134,477 average visits). Weather: highs average 46°F and lows 33°F, with 11.3″ of precipitation and 11 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 October
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 33°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 11.3″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 11.3″ of rain is normal this month.
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Crowds in October
Mount Rainier averages 134,477 recreation visits in October — 32% of what July, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 46°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 33°F). This is one of the wetter months (11.3″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11 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 October.
What to pack for Mount Rainier in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 33°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 11.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 11.3″ 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 October
Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
- Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
- Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Mount Rainier crowded in October?
No — October is one of the quieter months: 32% of the July peak, averaging 134,477 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Mount Rainier in October?
Average highs of 46°F, lows of 33°F, 11.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US station).
What should I pack for Mount Rainier in October?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Mount Rainier in October?
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 October · Last verified 2026-09-24