Early winter · Weather & things to do
Olympic NP in December
This is the coldest month in Olympic NP: highs average 31°F (-1°C) and lows 24°F (-5°C), with about 10.6 in (270 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 19/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 10.6 in (270 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 19/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 31°F (-1°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 24°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 10.6 in (270 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 79%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 13 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July & August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 13 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (19 → 19/100).
- Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 10.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Olympic NP in December
With 10.6 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Rialto Beach
Driftwood-strewn wild beach; walk 1.5 miles north to the Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch.
Hurricane Ridge
Paved road to subalpine meadows with views across the Olympic range and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Next Door Gastropub
Port Angeles gastropub with Northwest taps and burgers, a good base-camp dinner.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 10.6 in of rain.
Lake Crescent Lodge
Historic 1915 lodge whose dining room serves Northwest dishes with lake views.
Marymere Falls Trail
Easy 1.8-mile round trip through old-growth forest to a 90-foot waterfall.
Nearby in December
- Victoria in December~45 mi · highs 44°F, 5.4 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, drier
- Bainbridge Island in December~52 mi · highs 44°F, 6.9 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, drier
- San Juan Island in December~57 mi · highs 44°F, 5.4 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, drier
- Seattle in December~61 mi · highs 44°F, 6.9 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~664 m to Olympic NP's ~1,317 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Olympic NP in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Olympic NP?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 19/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July & August. Expect highs of 31°F (-1°C) and 10.6 in (270 mm) of rain or snow. Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Olympic NP in December?
Average highs are 31°F (-1°C) and average lows 24°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Olympic NP in December?
Yes: about 10.6 in (270 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 73.9 in (1877 mm).
What should I pack for Olympic NP in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 10.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Olympic NP
Planning Olympic NP in December?
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