Mount Rainier in December.

Crowd snapshot.

December averages about 19,000 recreation visits over 2021 to 2025, about 5% of July and second only to February as the quietest month. The 2025 count was 21,352. Clear days can still fill Paradise: NPS says the lot can fill quickly on sunny days even in winter, and rangers may meter traffic at the Longmire gate, one car up for each car down.

Weather snapshot.

Longmire's 1991-2020 normals give December an average high of 36.4°F, the lowest of the year, a low of 25.1°F, 12.42 inches of precipitation, and 34.3 inches of snow, the most of any month. NPS calls Mount Rainier one of the snowiest places on earth, averaging more than 630 inches of snow a year. Expect snow and ice on trails and on the road at Paradise.

Access snapshot.

Winter rules are in full force. Only the Nisqually Entrance is open to reach Longmire and Paradise, per the NPS winter travel page, and the Longmire gate's typical schedule is open at 9 a.m., uphill gate closed at 4 p.m., and downhill gate closed at 5 p.m. Check the alerts after 4 p.m. the day before and after 7 a.m. that day. Every vehicle must carry chains, per the NPS tire chain FAQ, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds need a second set. There's no gas in the park. Mowich Lake and the Carbon River side don't open until summer. Paradise Inn is closed, and the National Park Inn at Longmire is open all year, per the NPS lodging page. Check the NPS current conditions page for the closures and restrictions in force.

Seasonal events.

Ranger-guided snowshoe walks at Paradise are typically offered from late December through March, usually on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., for up to 25 people ages 8 and older. The Paradise Sledding Area is generally open late December through mid-March when there's enough snow and enough staff, and NPS posts each season's status. The concessioner rents snowshoes at the Longmire General Store, depending on snow. Dogs can walk on plowed roads and parking lots but not on trails or snow.

Audience verdict.

December is for snow lovers who don't mind short days and winter driving. Plan to arrive when the gate opens and leave Paradise by 4:30 p.m. Families on winter break should check the sledding status before promising a sled day, and kids 8 and older can join a ranger snowshoe walk once the walks start. Carry chains, bring extra food in case of delays, and book the National Park Inn if you want to stay inside the park.

Common questions.

Is December a good time to visit Mount Rainier?

December runs very quiet at Mount Rainier, about 5% of the July peak, with harsh winter cold (average highs near 36°F). If thinner crowds are the goal, it is one of the easier months to pick.

How crowded is Mount Rainier in December?

December averages about 19,405 recreation visits, roughly 5% of Mount Rainier's busiest month (July). That puts it among Mount Rainier's quietest months.

How much of Mount Rainier is open in December?

In a typical December, about 45% of Mount Rainier's road network (weighted by how important each route is) is open to wheeled vehicles. Road-opening dates shift year to year, so check the official NPS page for current conditions before you go.

Methodology

Monthly recreation visits come from the official NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025 on NPS IRMA Stats; the statistic shown is Recreation Visits, the 5-year mean for 2021-2025. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at Longmire Rainier NPS, WA (station USC00454764, 2,762 ft elevation). The access score weights the Nisqually-Longmire-Paradise corridor's day-use status, Stevens Canyon and Sunrise Road seasonal openings, and Carbon River/Mowich Lake vehicle access for typical wheeled-vehicle openings that month. NPS says no timed-entry reservation is required anywhere in the park in 2026. This page carries typical seasons, not today's status: for closures, fire restrictions, construction and water problems, read the NPS Mount Rainier current conditions page and confirm dates on the official NPS Mount Rainier page before booking. Independent site, not affiliated with the National Park Service.