Olympic in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 51/100 · #12 of 12 months
December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Olympic National Park: crowds run 16% of the August peak (99,558 average visits), days average 44°F with 8.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in December
Olympic averages 99,558 recreation visits in December — 16% of what August, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
It is properly cold (highs average 44°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 35°F). This is one of the wetter months (20.8″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 8.4 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 December.
What to pack for Olympic in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 35°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 20.8″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 8.4 hours of daylight in mid-December
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
📦 Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime's free 30-day trial includes fast free delivery, so gear ordered this week arrives before you leave — and returns are free if a layer doesn't fit. Start the free 30-day trial →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Olympic are April and May.
Also at their best in December
Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
- Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
- Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100
Common questions
Is Olympic crowded in December?
No — December is one of the quieter months: 16% of the August peak, averaging 99,558 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Olympic in December?
Average highs of 44°F, lows of 35°F, 20.8″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, QUINAULT 4 NE, WA US station).
What should I pack for Olympic in December?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-12