Best Times to Visit Olympic National Park, USA
Quick Answer:
July and August are truly special for Olympic National Park, offering the most reliably sunny days to explore its diverse landscapes. Imagine the crisp mountain air as you hike through wildflower-dotted meadows, or feel the lively spray of the Pacific Ocean on a coastal walk, with fewer crowds than you might expect. While June can still be a bit misty, it's a wonderful time for lush greenery, and September often gifts you with clear skies and fewer visitors, perfect for capturing those golden sunsets over the Hoh Rainforest. Even the winter months have a unique charm, with dramatic storms on the coast and snow blanketing the mountains, creating a starkly beautiful, quiet experience.
Best Months to Visit:
Airport Code
SEA
Coordinates
47.96°, -123.74°
Top Things to Do
Hike Through the Hoh Rainforest's Emerald Embrace
Wander beneath the moss-draped giants of the Hoh Rainforest, where sunlight filters through a canopy of ancient Sitka spruce and Western hemlock, creating an otherworldly, verdant glow. Listen for the calls of Roosevelt elk and feel the damp, earthy scent of the forest floor. The Hall of Mosses trail is a must, but venture onto the Spruce Nature Trail for a less crowded, equally magical experience.
Sunrise Serenity at Rialto Beach
Witness the dramatic sea stacks of Rialto Beach silhouetted against a fiery sunrise, a truly unforgettable spectacle. Explore the tide pools teeming with marine life during low tide, and keep an eye out for the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation. Arrive well before dawn to secure a good vantage point and soak in the raw coastal beauty.
Discover the Sol Duc Hot Springs' Healing Waters
Soak your cares away in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated pools of Sol Duc Hot Springs, nestled in a tranquil forest setting. The natural warmth is incredibly restorative after a day of hiking. Consider staying overnight at the historic lodge for a truly immersive and relaxing escape.
Taste the Pacific Northwest Bounty in Port Angeles
Savor the freshest local flavors in Port Angeles, from succulent Dungeness crab and oysters to locally brewed craft beers. Visit the Port Angeles Farmers Market for artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal produce. For a memorable meal, seek out a restaurant with waterfront views and enjoy the catch of the day.
💡 Travel Tip: For the best value on hotels during this season, check current rates on Trip.com.
Essential Travel Tips
Pack for all four seasons, even in summer! Olympic National Park boasts incredibly diverse microclimates, from temperate rainforests to alpine peaks. You might be hiking in a t-shirt one hour and need a waterproof jacket and warm layers the next, especially if you're heading up to Hurricane Ridge.
Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year. For Olympic NP alone, the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, but the annual pass is only $80 and covers entrance to all national parks and federal recreational lands. It's a huge money-saver if you're on a multi-park road trip.
Don't underestimate driving times between park areas. Olympic is vast, and getting from the Hoh Rainforest to Rialto Beach can take over an hour. Download offline maps using Google Maps or Maps.me before you go, as cell service is spotty to non-existent in many parts of the park.
Be bear aware, especially in the Hoh Rainforest and along hiking trails. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, and always store food properly in bear-resistant containers or your vehicle. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising any wildlife.
Respect the indigenous heritage of the Quinault and Hoh tribes, whose ancestral lands encompass parts of the park. Learn about their history and culture at visitor centers or through interpretive signs, and be mindful of any sacred sites or cultural practices you might encounter.
Pack plenty of your own snacks and meals, as dining options within the park are very limited and can be pricey. Towns like Port Angeles and Forks offer more choices, but if you're deep in the park, a picnic lunch is your best bet. Think hearty sandwiches, trail mix, and plenty of water.
💡 Travel Tip: If you're planning your trip, it's worth checking flight prices on Trip.com before you decide.
Weather Details
Monthly Weather Data Table
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Daylight (h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 1°C | 45°F | 34°F | 150mm | 15 days | 9h |
| Feb | 8°C | 1°C | 46°F | 34°F | 120mm | 13 days | 10.5h |
| Mar | 10°C | 2°C | 50°F | 36°F | 110mm | 14 days | 12h |
| Apr | 12°C | 3°C | 54°F | 37°F | 80mm | 12 days | 13.5h |
| May | 15°C | 5°C | 59°F | 41°F | 60mm | 10 days | 15h |
| Jun | 17°C | 7°C | 63°F | 45°F | 50mm | 8 days | 16h |
| Jul | 19°C | 8°C | 66°F | 46°F | 40mm | 7 days | 15.5h |
| Aug | 20°C | 9°C | 68°F | 48°F | 45mm | 7 days | 14h |
| Sep | 18°C | 7°C | 64°F | 45°F | 70mm | 9 days | 12.5h |
| Oct | 14°C | 5°C | 57°F | 41°F | 110mm | 12 days | 11h |
| Nov | 9°C | 2°C | 48°F | 36°F | 150mm | 14 days | 9.5h |
| Dec | 7°C | 1°C | 45°F | 34°F | 160mm | 15 days | 8.5h |
All Things to Do in Olympic National Park, USA
Hike Through the Hoh Rainforest's Emerald Embrace
natureWander beneath the moss-draped giants of the Hoh Rainforest, where sunlight filters through a canopy of ancient Sitka spruce and Western hemlock, creating an otherworldly, verdant glow. Listen for the calls of Roosevelt elk and feel the damp, earthy scent of the forest floor. The Hall of Mosses trail is a must, but venture onto the Spruce Nature Trail for a less crowded, equally magical experience.
Best time: Year-round, but especially lush after autumn rains
Sunrise Serenity at Rialto Beach
attractionWitness the dramatic sea stacks of Rialto Beach silhouetted against a fiery sunrise, a truly unforgettable spectacle. Explore the tide pools teeming with marine life during low tide, and keep an eye out for the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation. Arrive well before dawn to secure a good vantage point and soak in the raw coastal beauty.
Best time: Spring and Fall for clearer skies
Discover the Sol Duc Hot Springs' Healing Waters
activitySoak your cares away in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated pools of Sol Duc Hot Springs, nestled in a tranquil forest setting. The natural warmth is incredibly restorative after a day of hiking. Consider staying overnight at the historic lodge for a truly immersive and relaxing escape.
Best time: Late Spring through Early Fall
Taste the Pacific Northwest Bounty in Port Angeles
foodSavor the freshest local flavors in Port Angeles, from succulent Dungeness crab and oysters to locally brewed craft beers. Visit the Port Angeles Farmers Market for artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal produce. For a memorable meal, seek out a restaurant with waterfront views and enjoy the catch of the day.
Explore the Quinault Rainforest's Giant Trees
natureVenture to the southern end of the park to marvel at the colossal Roosevelt elk and the world's largest Sitka spruce in the Quinault Rainforest. The Lake Quinault Lodge offers a historic base for exploring, and the loop drive provides access to stunning viewpoints and short interpretive trails. Look for the 'World's Largest Spruce' marker for a photo opportunity.
Best time: Summer for best road access
Stargazing on Hurricane Ridge
activityExperience the awe-inspiring vastness of the night sky from Hurricane Ridge, far from city lights. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in a dazzling display. Bring a blanket, a thermos of hot chocolate, and prepare to be mesmerized by the celestial panorama.
Best time: Summer and early Fall for clearest skies
Discover Local Artistry in Forks
shoppingBeyond its literary fame, Forks offers a surprising array of local crafts and art. Browse the small shops for handmade jewelry, wood carvings, and unique souvenirs that reflect the spirit of the Olympic Peninsula. Chat with the artisans to learn about their inspiration and techniques.
Planning your Olympic National Park, USA adventure? Enhance it with a customizable private tour guide via GoWithGuide—perfect for exploring beyond the city.
Getting Around Olympic National Park, USA
Rental Car (Most Recommended)
Olympic National Park is vast and spread out, making a rental car the most flexible and efficient way to explore its diverse ecosystems. You'll need it to access trailheads, viewpoints, and different park areas like the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and Rialto Beach.
Private Shuttles & Tours
Several companies offer guided tours or private shuttle services that can take you to key park highlights. This is a good option if you prefer not to drive or want a more curated experience with local insights.
Limited Public Transit (Port Angeles & Sequim)
Within the towns of Port Angeles and Sequim, there are local bus services (e.g., Clallam Transit System). These are useful for getting around these specific communities but do not extend into the national park itself.
Bicycle (For Specific Areas)
While not practical for covering the vast distances between park regions, cycling can be a fantastic way to explore specific paved roads or designated trails within the park, particularly around Hurricane Ridge or along the coastal roads.
Walking/Hiking (Within Park)
Once you've reached a trailhead or a specific area within Olympic National Park via another mode of transport, walking and hiking are your primary ways to experience the park's natural beauty.
💡 Travel Tip: This season usually means better deals — check what's available on Trip.com.
Similar Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the absolute best time to visit Olympic National Park to see all three ecosystems?
Honestly, aiming for late July through September is your sweet spot for hitting the mountains, rainforest, and coast without too much weather interference. You'll get the best chance of clear skies in the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge, and the coastal areas are generally milder, though always be prepared for fog and rain – it's the Pacific Northwest, after all!
I'm planning to hike in the Olympic Mountains. What should I pack besides the usual hiking gear?
Beyond your standard layers and sturdy boots, definitely bring waterproof outer shells for both your jacket and pants, even in summer. The mountain weather can change on a dime, and sudden downpours are common. Also, consider bringing bear spray and knowing how to use it; while encounters are rare, it's always wise to be prepared in bear country.
How do I get around Olympic National Park? Is a 4WD vehicle necessary?
You absolutely do not need a 4WD vehicle for most popular areas. The main roads to Hurricane Ridge, Lake Quinault, and the Hoh Rainforest are paved and well-maintained. However, if you plan on exploring some of the more remote forest service roads or accessing certain trailheads, a higher clearance vehicle can be beneficial, but it's not a requirement for a typical visit.
Are there any 'must-see' spots that most tourists miss?
While everyone flocks to the Hoh Rainforest, don't overlook the Quinault Rainforest on the park's southwest side; it's often less crowded and equally stunning, with some of the world's largest Sitka spruce. Also, consider a drive out to Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States – the views are breathtaking and it offers a unique coastal perspective.
What's the deal with cell service and Wi-Fi in the park?
Prepare to be disconnected! Cell service is extremely spotty to non-existent throughout most of Olympic National Park, especially in the rainforest and mountain areas. Download offline maps and any necessary information before you arrive. The few lodges and visitor centers might have limited Wi-Fi, but don't count on it for anything critical.
I'm hoping to see tide pools. When and where should I go?
For the best tide pooling experience, aim for a low tide during the spring or summer months, and check the tide charts religiously before you head out. Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach are fantastic spots, but be mindful of the slippery rocks and always respect the delicate marine life – look, but don't touch or disturb anything.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Explore accommodation options on Booking.com or find amazing tours and activities with GetYourGuide.
Tip: Booking through these links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping support this site's free content!