Mount Rainier National Park in September
September at Mount Rainier National Park averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 41°F, with about 4.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.7× the park's average month, which makes September a very busy month here.
- Average low
- 41°F
- Average high
- 57°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 64°F
- Precipitation
- 4.4 in
- Daylight
- 12.3 hours
Roughly 14% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 214,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (3×) and the February low (0.1×).
September is our recommended month at Mount Rainier: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 49°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 62% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.3 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 8.3-hour midwinter low and the 15.7-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,635,342 recreation visits, up 0.9% from 1,620,006 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.2%, so a September visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 64°F / 45°F | 2.9× Very busy | 39 Poor |
| September | 57°F / 41°F | 1.7× Very busy | 44 Poor |
| October | 46°F / 33°F | 0.9× Average | 37 Poor |
All twelve months at Mount Rainier, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in September 2027
The National Park Service lists these Mount Rainier facilities as closed during September 2027. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Sunrise Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (August 7, 2027 to September 30, 2027)
Things to do at Mount Rainier in September
The National Park Service tags 28 Mount Rainier activities for fall. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Family-Friendly Paradise Activities · 2-6 hours
- Fishing at Mount Rainier National Park
- Hike and Bike Westside Road in Mount Rainier
- Hike Emmons Moraine Trail · 1-2 hours
- Hike to Bench and Snow Lakes · 2 hours
- Ohanapecosh Area Activities · 2-8 hours
- Paddle Sports at Mowich Lake · 2-8 hours
- Road Trip Around the Mountain · 4-8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 57°F and an overnight low around 41°F at Mount Rainier National Park, with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is very busy at Mount Rainier National Park (about 1.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. September is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. September sits at about 1.7× the park's average, or 14% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 214,000 recreation visits at Mount Rainier National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Mount Rainier in September
Booking a September trip to Mount Rainier National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Mount Rainier
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.