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Olympic · September
September is a busy time to visit Olympic — quieter than August, busier than October.
Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 67°F, about 12.6 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 73% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
September draws about 12% 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
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Port Angeles
What's open
Open 24 hours; Hurricane Ridge Road access varies in winter
Seasonal closures may apply:
South Shore Road – which is maintained by Jefferson County – is closed due to a major wash-out. For more information, visit the Jefferson County website.
Details on nps.gov →Mora Road is closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, at the campground. Rialto Beach is not accessible via Mora Road during this construction period. Mora Campground is open. This construction work will repair damage from a severe winter flood event, fortify the road against river migration, and protect long-term access to Rialto Beach.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
South Shore Road – which is maintained by Jefferson County – is closed due to a major wash-out. For more information, visit the Jefferson County website.
Details on nps.gov →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 →Mora Road is closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, at the campground. Rialto Beach is not accessible via Mora Road during this construction period. Mora Campground is open. This construction work will repair damage from a severe winter flood event, fortify the road against river migration, and protect long-term access to Rialto Beach.
The lightning-caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire is burning on a remote mountain slope on the west side of Olympic National Park. Fire management officials have ordered aviation and ground resources to respond to the fire, including Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters, enhanced reconnaissance aircraft, wildland fire engines, and hand crews. Backpackers are encouraged to consider alternative routes. There are no evacuation orders.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
September rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Olympic National Park — about 73% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 413,599.
In September, Olympic averages a high of 67°F and a low of 47°F, with about 1.9 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Olympic costs $30 ($30 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
Olympic is quietest in January and December. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-September, Olympic gets about 12.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:52 AM and sunset around 6:25 PM.