Olympic in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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February is a quiet month with trade-offs at Olympic National Park: crowds run 15% of the August peak (93,324 average visits). Weather: highs average 48°F and lows 35°F, with 13.3″ of precipitation and 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Olympic in February
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 35°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 13.3″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-February.
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Crowds in February
Olympic averages 93,324 recreation visits in February — 15% of what August, 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
Daytime stays cool (highs average 48°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 35°F). This is one of the wetter months (13.3″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station QUINAULT 4 NE, WA US (13 mi from park coordinates, 286 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.
What to pack for Olympic in February
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 35°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 13.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-February (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 13.3″ of rain is normal this month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Olympic are April and May.
Also at their best in February
Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
- Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
- Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100
Common questions
Is Olympic crowded in February?
No — February is one of the quieter months: 15% of the August peak, averaging 93,324 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Olympic in February?
Average highs of 48°F, lows of 35°F, 13.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, QUINAULT 4 NE, WA US station).
What should I pack for Olympic in February?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24