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 bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: 16.0″ of precipitation is normal this month.
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Olympic in October: what the park service says
October starts Olympic's reduced season: the park service says that from October through May some roads, campgrounds and visitor facilities close or cut hours. Obstruction Point Road, open from mid-June, closes on October 15, weather permitting, and Hurricane Ridge Road can close at any time for weather. On the park's road page (November 3, 2026), Sol Duc, Upper Hoh and Staircase roads were open. Call 360-565-3131 for road and weather.
Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, NPS 3, checked 2026-11-05.
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 precipitation 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). See every month at Olympic.
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). Compare it with other national parks in October.
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. Going in November instead? Olympic in November has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24