Olympic · December
Olympic in December
December is one of the best times to visit Olympic — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (2/10), highs near 44°F, and about 8.4 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 20% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 3% of Olympic’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 44°F
- Avg low
- 34°F
- Precipitation
- 6.6"
- Sunrise
- 7:57 AM
- Sunset
- 4:22 PM
- Daylight
- 8.4h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Port Angeles
What's open
Olympic in December: access
Open 24 hours; Hurricane Ridge Road access varies in winter
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Staircase Developed Area is Open, Use Caution in Burned Areas
The Staircase developed area is open. The surrounding wilderness areas will remain closed as repair and recovery efforts continue. Use extreme caution when entering burned areas. Burned landscapes may contain falling trees and branches, loose boulders, unstable ground, stump holes, landslides, and debris flows. Changing conditions such as wind, rain, or storms can rapidly trigger hazards. Learn more on our Fire Conditions and Updates page.
Details on nps.gov → - Danger
Bat Tests Positive for Rabies, Visitors Urged to Report Potential Contact
A rabid bat was found at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on August 9th. At approximately 2 p.m., the bat swooped down onto an unidentified woman and was temporarily caught in her hair. This individual is at risk for rabies and should seek healthcare immediately, as well as contact the Mason County Health Department at 360-427-9670, ext. 405. More at the link.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Olympic crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Olympic in December
How busy is Olympic in December?
December rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Olympic National Park — about 20% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 112,799.
What is the weather like at Olympic in December?
In December, Olympic averages a high of 44°F and a low of 34°F, with about 6.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Olympic?
Entrance to Olympic costs $30 ($30 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Olympic least crowded?
Olympic is quietest in January and December. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Olympic get in December?
In mid-December, Olympic gets about 8.4 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:57 AM and sunset around 4:22 PM.