The climate of Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, located in
Washington, USA, falls under the Csb category in the Köppen climate classification. This signifies a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers. The area's geographical position contributes significantly to its distinct weather patterns, with profound variations observed throughout the year.
Temperature highs span from a moderate 40.7°F (4.8°C) in
January to a pleasant 74.1°F (23.4°C) in
August, while temperature lows teeter from a chilly 31.1°F (-0.5°C) to a mild 50.9°F (10.5°C) across the same intervals. Rainfall demonstrates a notable pattern, with heavier downpours peaking in
December and January at 9.9" (251mm) and 9" (229mm) respectively, while tapering off to a mere 0.8" (20mm) in the month of
July. Substantial shifts materialize in daylight hours too. The park enjoys the longest stretch of light during
June with 16 hours, whereas the shortest daylight span occurs in December with 8.5 hours.
A distinctive feature of this climate zone includes a dose of snowfall as well. December witnesses 3.1" (79mm) of snow, tapering off to a bare minimum from
April to
November.
The best time to visit Olympic National Park
Given the climate data, the optimum period to explore
Olympic National Park encompasses
June through
September. Dubbed the warmest months, temperatures reach between 63.5°F (17.5°C) and 74.1°F (23.4°C), offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Rainfall during this period is at its least, dropping to a scant 0.8" (20mm) in
July and peaking at a manageable 1.8" (46mm) in September. Coupled with abundant daylight hours, ranging from 14.2 to 16 hours, these months foster a conducive atmosphere for visitors to explore the park's scenic beauty.
The worst time to visit Olympic National Park
Contrastingly, the months of
November through
February qualify as the less favorable period for visiting the park. Temperatures during this span plummet to lows varying from 31.1°F (-0.5°C) to 35.7°F (2.1°C), and highs between 40.7°F (4.8°C) and 46.4°F (8°C). Rainfall exhibits a substantial surge, peaking in
December at 9.9" (251mm), thereby fostering a damp and chilly environment. Simultaneously, daylight hours dwindle to bare minimum from 8.5 to 9.3 hours, restricting outdoor exploration time for visitors.
Spring weather in Olympic National Park
Spring in Olympic National park covers the months from
March to
May, bestowing an eclectic mix of temperatures and rainfall. High temperatures range from a cool 50.3°F (10.2°C) in March to a warm 63.5°F (17.5°C) in May, while lows hover between 34.1°F (1.2°C) and 42°F (5.6°C). Rainfall undergoes a steady decline from a heavier 6" (152mm) in March to 1.8" (46mm) in May, making the landscape come alive with blooming flora. The daylight hours also show an increase, spanning from 11.9 hours in March to a generous 15.2 hours in May.
Summer weather in Olympic National Park
Summers in
Olympic National Park usher in the warmest months of the year between
June and
August. Temperatures shoot up to a high of 74.1°F (23.4°C) and a low of 50.9°F (10.5°C) in August, bestowing the park with a pleasant warmth. The rainfall during this time drops to a minimum of 0.8" (20mm) in
July and facilitates largely dry conditions. The breadth of daylight expands further, providing ample time and favorable circumstances for outdoor activities in the park.
Autumn weather in Olympic National Park
The autumn season from
September to
November begets a gradual drop in temperatures, from 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 46.4°F (8°C) for highs and 47.5°F (8.6°C) to 35.7°F (2.1°C) for lows. Rainfall exhibits an upward trend from 1.8" (46mm) in September to 9.2" (234mm) in November. Coupled with the decrease in daylight hours, from 12.6 to 9.3 hours, it heralds the onset of the park’s cold season.
Winter weather in Olympic National Park
Winter in
Olympic National Park spans from
December to
February, ushering in the chilliest period of the year. Temperature lows drop to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in
January, with highs not exceeding 44.9°F (7.2°C) in February. The park experiences its heaviest rainfall during this period, reaching a maximum of 9.9" (251mm) in December. Daylight, on the other hand, witnesses a slump, with December accounting for the shortest span of 8.5 hours. Additionally, the park sees snowfall, registering 3.1" (79mm) in December, adding to the winter allure.
Weather in January
January in
Olympic National Park presents residents and visitors with an inviting winter scene. The onset of the year brings in the chilled atmosphere as the landscape decorates itself with an average of 7.1" (180mm) of snowfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February experiences a shift towards warmer days with an appreciable hike in temperatures compared to
January. The month is noteworthy for a significant decrease in snowfall at 2" (51mm) on average. Winter is gradually losing its grasp on the environment in
Olympic National Park, and the days are starting to lengthen.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March showcases the considerable move away from the cold and toward the warming trend of spring. The month sees a drop in average snowfall to only 1.2" (30mm), highlighting a definite move towards more temperate conditions. March, when compared with
February, presents a little more rainfall, but the increase in daylight hours, now reaching close to 12 hours a day, signals the incoming spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With
April sets in the full bloom of spring in
Olympic National Park. It marks an end to snowfall, a significant reduction in rainfall from 6" (152mm) to 3.3" (84mm), and an increase in temperatures, shedding the last vestiges of winter entirely.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Olympic National Park highlights the transitioning weather from spring to early summer. The park witnesses a significant dip in rainfall, now only averaging 1.8" (46mm), indicating drier days when compared to the previously more humid
April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces summer to
Olympic National Park, showcasing warm, longer days. Observing a leap in average lowest temperature to 46.6°F (8.1°C) from
May, this transformation brings a welcome change from the cool spring evenings.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in Olympic National park becomes the embodiment of perfect summer coordinates. Overlooking the subtle changes from
June, July emerges as the month of greatest heat, with the mercury rising up to an average maximum of 73.8°F (23.2°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the reign of summer with temperatures almost parallel to those experienced in
July. The month keeps the trend of minimal rainfall, with a slight increase to 1.2" (30mm), maintaining the nature of hot, dry days. The August weather, desisting from significant changes from the previous month, brings us the long summer days filled with approximately 14.2 daylight hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
In
October, autumn firmly makes its presence felt in
Olympic National Park. The park bids farewell to the last of the high-temperature days of
September, welcoming a mild, more forgiving climate. The month records a jump in rainfall to 5.3" (135mm), marking the move towards a wetter period.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a significant acceleration towards chillier weather in
Olympic National Park. Reminiscent of the falling leaves of
October, November observes a considerable hike in rainfall, averaging 9.2" (234mm). November is the welcome mat laid out by the impending winter, indicating the approaching season of snow and cold.
Weather in November » Weather in December