Mount Rainier in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 43/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a harsh-season month at Mount Rainier National Park: crowds run 5% of the July peak (19,405 average visits), days average 33°F with 8.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Partial access: 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). Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in December

Mount Rainier averages 19,405 recreation visits in December — 5% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (December)

19,405 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1.2% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 33°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). This is one of the wetter months (18.9″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 8.6 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 December.

What to pack for Mount Rainier in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
Rain shell + pack cover — 18.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 8.6 hours of daylight in mid-December
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Mount Rainier are May and June.

Also at their best in December

Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100

Common questions

Is Mount Rainier crowded in December?

No — December is one of the quieter months: 5% of the July peak, averaging 19,405 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Mount Rainier in December?

Average highs of 33°F, lows of 22°F, 18.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US station).

What should I pack for Mount Rainier in December?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Mount Rainier in December?

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 December · Last verified 2026-09-12