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

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 49/100 · #10 of 12 months

February is a harsh-season month at Mount Rainier National Park: crowds run 4% of the July peak (16,368 average visits), days average 34°F with 10.3 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 February

Mount Rainier averages 16,368 recreation visits in February — 4% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (February)

16,368 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 34°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). This is one of the wetter months (12.9″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.3 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 February.

What to pack for Mount Rainier in February

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
Rain shell + pack cover — 12.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 10.3 hours of daylight in mid-February
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 February

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

Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100

Common questions

Is Mount Rainier crowded in February?

No — February is one of the quieter months: 4% of the July peak, averaging 16,368 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Mount Rainier in February?

Average highs of 34°F, lows of 23°F, 12.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US station).

What should I pack for Mount Rainier in February?

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 February?

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 February · Last verified 2026-09-12