Olympic in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 59/100 · #8 of 12 months
October is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Olympic National Park: crowds run 42% of the August peak (263,849 average visits). Weather: highs average 59°F and lows 43°F, with 16.0″ of precipitation and 10.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Olympic in October
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 43°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 16.0″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 16.0″ of rain is normal this month.
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Crowds in October
Olympic averages 263,849 recreation visits in October — 42% of what August, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 59°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 43°F). This is one of the wetter months (16.0″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.9 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 October.
What to pack for Olympic in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 43°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 16.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 16.0″ of rain is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Olympic are April and May.
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 Olympic crowded in October?
Moderately: October runs 42% of the August peak, averaging 263,849 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Olympic in October?
Average highs of 59°F, lows of 43°F, 16.0″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, QUINAULT 4 NE, WA US station).
What should I pack for Olympic 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.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24