Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park
The best months to visit North Cascades National Park are May, June and October — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (9,618 monthly visits); December is quietest at under 1% of peak.
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Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
North Cascades month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 74 | 1% | 32°F / 25°F | 6.8″ | 8.7h |
| February | Shoulder | 73 | 1% | 38°F / 26°F | 3.7″ | 10.2h |
| March | Shoulder | 59 | 1% | 47°F / 30°F | 3.6″ | 11.8h |
| April | Shoulder | 411 | 4% | 58°F / 36°F | 1.4″ | 13.7h |
| May | Best window | 1,030 | 11% | 69°F / 44°F | 1.1″ | 15.2h |
| June | Best window | 2,494 | 26% | 74°F / 50°F | 0.8″ | 16.1h |
| July | Peak crowds | 9,618 | 100% | 84°F / 56°F | 0.5″ | 15.7h |
| August | Peak crowds | 8,037 | 84% | 83°F / 55°F | 0.5″ | 14.4h |
| September | Shoulder | 6,671 | 69% | 73°F / 48°F | 1.1″ | 12.6h |
| October | Best window | 1,811 | 19% | 56°F / 38°F | 3.7″ | 10.9h |
| November | Shoulder | 62 | 1% | 40°F / 30°F | 6.7″ | 9.2h |
| December | Harsh season | 13 | 0% | 32°F / 26°F | 7.2″ | 8.3h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STEHEKIN 4 NW, WA US (12 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit North Cascades each year
North Cascades National Park had 46,925 recreation visits in 2025, 185% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 46,925. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 30,353 visits a year, which makes it the 6th least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 46,925 | +185% |
| 2024 | 16,485 | −59% |
| 2023 | 40,351 | +34% |
| 2022 | 30,154 | +69% |
| 2021 | 17,855 | −42% |
| 2020 | 30,885 | −19% |
| 2019 | 38,208 | +27% |
| 2018 | 30,085 | −1% |
| 2017 | 30,326 | +6% |
| 2016 | 28,646 | +39% |
| 2015 | 20,677 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for North Cascades in May
Computed from May's weather normals — North Cascades's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 44°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit North Cascades?
May, June and October rank best for North Cascades on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight, among months when the park’s headline access is typically open.
What is the most crowded month at North Cascades?
July: an average of 9,618 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is December, at under 1% of the July peak.
When is North Cascades least crowded with decent conditions?
November, at 1% of the July peak (62 average visits). December is quieter still, but headline access is typically closed then.
How many people visit North Cascades per year?
North Cascades National Park had 46,925 recreation visits in 2025, 185% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 46,925. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 30,353 visits a year.
What is the weather like at North Cascades through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 84°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 25°F. The wettest month is December, with 7.2″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, STEHEKIN 4 NW, WA US station.)
Is North Cascades open all year?
State Route 20 (the North Cascades Highway) typically closes November–late spring due to avalanche danger. Dates shift with snow and weather each year, so check the park's current NPS conditions before you go.
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how North Cascades ranks against all 63 parks in May, June and October.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks