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), days average 46°F with 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Mount Rainier are May and June.
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; Sturdy broken-in footwear, 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 2026-07-16