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Contents
- The climate of North Cascades National Park
- The best time to visit North Cascades National Park
- The worst time to visit North Cascades National Park
- Spring weather in North Cascades National Park
- Summer weather in North Cascades National Park
- Autumn weather in North Cascades National Park
- Winter weather in North Cascades National Park
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The lovely Picture Lake reflecting the trees on the shores and the distant Mount Shuksan in the North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
The climate of North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, USA, falls under the Dfc classification in the Köppen climate system. This indicates the local prominence of a subarctic climate, characterized by severe winters, absence of a dry season, and a cool summer. Alongside the geographical position, these elements contribute to a unique climatic pattern throughout the year.
An examination of the yearly climatic data of the park unveils a tale of considerable diversity. Average high temperatures fluctuate from 30°F (-1.1°C) in the coldest months of January and December, gradually climbing to peak at 70°F (21.1°C) in the summer months of July and August. The lowest average temperatures follow a similar pattern, beginning at a chilly 18°F (-7.8°C) in January and December, and rising to a mild 45°F (7.2°C) in July and August.
Rainfall distribution remains relatively consistent across the year, with the park seeing the heaviest rainfall in the colder months. The highest precipitation is recorded in December with 7.8" (198mm), and the lowest in July and August with 1.7" (43mm). In terms of daylight hours, July sees the most sunshine, with an impressive 16.1 hours of daylight, while December trudges behind with just 8.4 hours.
An examination of the yearly climatic data of the park unveils a tale of considerable diversity. Average high temperatures fluctuate from 30°F (-1.1°C) in the coldest months of January and December, gradually climbing to peak at 70°F (21.1°C) in the summer months of July and August. The lowest average temperatures follow a similar pattern, beginning at a chilly 18°F (-7.8°C) in January and December, and rising to a mild 45°F (7.2°C) in July and August.
Rainfall distribution remains relatively consistent across the year, with the park seeing the heaviest rainfall in the colder months. The highest precipitation is recorded in December with 7.8" (198mm), and the lowest in July and August with 1.7" (43mm). In terms of daylight hours, July sees the most sunshine, with an impressive 16.1 hours of daylight, while December trudges behind with just 8.4 hours.
The best time to visit North Cascades National Park
From a climatic perspective, the most favorable time for visiting North Cascades National Park would be in July and August. During these months, the park records the warmest temperatures, ranging from 45°F (7.2°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), and the least precipitation, at 1.7" (43mm). Visitors can also enjoy lengthy daylight hours, extending to 16.1 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy the park’s vibrant biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The UV index reaches its maximum level of seven in these months, necessitating the use of protective measures, especially for those sensitive to sunlight.
The worst time to visit North Cascades National Park
In contrast, the least favorable period for exploring the park is arguably the winter months of late November to early March. During this period, temperatures can fall between 18°F (-7.8°C) to 36°F (2.2°C), compounded by heavy precipitation peaking at 7.8" (198mm) in December. The park also experiences the shortest period of daylight, diminishing to a scanty 8.4 hours in December. Consequently, these conditions may render outdoor activities and exploration challenging.
Spring weather in North Cascades National Park
The spring season in the North Cascades National Park is a time of moderate warmth and gradual transition. March, April, and May see average high temperatures moving from 41°F (5°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), and low temperatures from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). Precipitation decreases throughout spring, starting from 4.6" (117mm) in March and reducing to 2.4" (61mm) in May. Daylight hours extend during the season, from 11.9 hours in March to 15.3 hours in May.
Summer weather in North Cascades National Park
As summer settles in, the park experiences its warmest and brightest period. June, July, and August witness high temperatures averaging between 63°F (17.2°C) to 70°F (21.1°C) and low temperatures around 41°F (5°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). These months are also the driest with precipitation levels dropping from 2.2" (56mm) in June to 1.7" (43mm) in July and August. An abundance of daylight, up to 16.1 hours, marks the summer, making it an optimal time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in North Cascades National Park
With the onset of autumn, the temperatures within North Cascades National Park take a downward turn. September, October, and November see high temperatures move from an appreciable 61°F (16.1°C) in September, decreasing to a chilly 36°F (2.2°C) in November. Low temperatures mirror this trend, from 39°F (3.9°C) to 25°F (-3.9°C) during the same period. Rainfall increases during these months, growing from 2.5" (64mm) in September to 7.4" (188mm) in November.
Winter weather in North Cascades National Park
Winter sets a cold climate within the North Cascades National Park, with high temperatures dropping as low as 30°F (-1.1°C) in both December and January, before inching up to 36°F (2.2°C) in February. Low temperatures follow a similar pattern, nudging between 18°F (-7.8°C) and 21°F (-6.1°C). Rainfall is considerable during these months, cresting in December at 7.8" (198mm). Along with reduced daylight hours - down to a mere 8.4 hours in December - the weather conditions can pose challenges to outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in North Cascades National Park is frequently accompanied by varying degrees of cold weather. Temperatures fluctuate from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C) making it a chilly start to the year. It is the coldest month of the year, and while the park remains exquisitely beautiful under a blanket of snow, it’s important to dress in layer and be prepared for icy conditions. Weather in January »
Weather in February
By February, the freezing conditions of the previous month continue to dominate in North Cascades National Park. However, there is a gentle increase in temperature, with daylight hours also slightly lengthening. The weather maintains its winter characteristics, dropping snow on the peaks of the mountains. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March sees a gentle transition from winter to spring, with milder temperatures and an increase in daylight hours signifying the beginning of a new season. Although the temperatures continue to rise, the weather remains cool. The park begins to explode with spring greenery as snow melts away from the lower elevations. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April comes with significant changes that start to transform the landscape of North Cascades National Park. The temperature swings between 28°F (-2.2°C) to 48°F (8.9°C) and there is a distinct warmth in the air and in the increasing sunshine hours. Weather in April »
Weather in May
The arrival of May further enhances the outdoor potential of North Cascades National Park. Temperature increases from the previous month are distinctly noticeable, and spring continues to flourish across the region. The park, warmed by increased sunshine hours, blossoms with a vibrant mix of wildflowers taking over the once snow-covered trails. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June sets the stage for ideal hiking conditions in North Cascades National Park, with minimal rainfall and a mere 11 rainy days. There’s a marked increase in temperatures bringing much-needed warmth. This period represents the pivot towards summer, with longer daylight hours and a notable rise in UV index. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is North Cascades National Park's warmest month, marked by high temperatures that peak at 70°F (21.1°C). The weather adds a layer of sparkling warmth to the otherwise chilly park. Longer sunshine hours and the highest UV index of the year make it prime time for hiking and backcountry camping. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August emulates July with the temperature also reaching a maximum average of 70°F (21.1°C). The park’s weather, however, remains predictably sunny and warm, providing excellent conditions for exploring and enjoying its majestic landscape. Weather in August »
Weather in September
In September, the weather starts to cool down from the highs of the previous two months in North Cascades National Park. The reduction in temperature signals the approaching autumn season. Despite the cooler air, there’s still plenty of daylight and sunshine hours permitting a multitude of outdoor activities. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings with it a tangible shift in weather at North Cascades National Park. The park begins to prepare for winter with a rapid decrease in temperature. Days gradually grow shorter, and less sunshine is experienced throughout the month. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November marks the commencement of winter conditions, with considerable decline in temperature from the previous month. The crisp air of North Cascades National Park continues to chill, and daylight hours significantly lessen. Weather in November »
Weather in December
By December, winter is in full swing at North Cascades National Park. The weather is dominated by low temperatures from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C) and shorter days. This period is characterized by increased precipitation and more rainy days, reaching the highest levels compared to the rest of the months. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What month is the coldest in North Cascades National Park?
The coldest period, with an average high-temperature of 30.2°F (-1°C), falls in January and December.
How many days does it rain in North Cascades National Park?
In North Cascades National Park, during the entire year, the rain falls for 157 days and collects up to 51.02" (1296mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the least sunshine in North Cascades National Park?
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December, with an average of 2h of sunshine.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in North Cascades National Park?
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in North Cascades National Park?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in North Cascades National Park, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.
When are the longest days in North Cascades National Park?
With an average of 16h and 6min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in North Cascades National Park, Washington.
What are the months with the highest UV index in North Cascades National Park?
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.
What are the warmest months in North Cascades National Park?
July and August bring North Cascades National Park's average highest temperatures, reaching a high of 69.8°F (21°C).
What month has the most sunshine in North Cascades National Park?
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
What is the driest month in North Cascades National Park?
The month with the least rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 9 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.
What is the rainiest month in North Cascades National Park?
The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 18 days and typically aggregates up to 7.83" (199mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in North Cascades National Park?
December has the shortest days of the year in North Cascades National Park, Washington, with an average of 8h and 18min of daylight.
Average temperature
North Cascades National Park, WA
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (70°F).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (30°F).
The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (45°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and December (18°F).
Average rainfall
North Cascades National Park, WA
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (7.8").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and August (1.7").
Average rainfall days
North Cascades National Park, WA
- Average rainfall days in January:
17 days - Average rainfall days in February:
14 days - Average rainfall days in March:
15 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12 days - Average rainfall days in May:
12 days - Average rainfall days in June:
11 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11 days - Average rainfall days in October:
13 days - Average rainfall days in November:
17 days - Average rainfall days in December:
18 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (18 days).
The month with the least rainy days is July (8 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
North Cascades National Park, WA
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 18min).
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 2h).
Average UV index
North Cascades National Park, WA
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).
North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
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