Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mount Rainier, MD

Today
Tomorrow
Long-term
YearJFMAMJJASOND
°Celsius°Fahrenheit
Share

Contents

The climate of Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier, located in Maryland, USA, showcases a predominantly Humid subtropical climate, with no dry season, as per the Köppen climate classification. This adopted categorization, denoted as Cfa, dictates the annual weather patterns observed in the region. Throughout the year, weather parameters, including temperature, humidity, and daylight hours, fluctuate and exhibit certain traits unique to each season.

Continuous temperature oscillations constitute a key characteristic of Mount Rainier’s climate. The average high temperature ascends from a chilly 39.9°F (4.4°C) in January to a warm 87.4°F (30.8°C) in July, while the average low temperature shows a similar transition from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in January to 70°F (21.1°C) in July. A noticeable shift happens around April, when temperatures begin their climb towards peak summer levels.

On the humidity front, the environment remains relatively consistent year round, with a small spike in May and October. The relative humidity hovers from 71% to 76%, indicating a rather humid overall environment throughout the year. Sunshine hours also tend to increase as the year goes on, ranging from 5.1 hours in January to a maximum of 10.9 hours in July. Conversely, cloud coverage, ranging from 29% in July to the annual high of 46% in March, and visibility, being consistent at 6 miles all year, exhibit minor fluctuations.

Remarkably, rainfall and snowfall patterns show clear seasonal trends. The former expands from a minimum of 2.01" (51mm) in January to a peak at 3.58" (91mm) in August. Rainfall days vary within the range of 9 days per month to over 17. The latter - snowfall - is primarily prevalent from January to March, with January and February experiencing approximately 2.6" (66mm) and 2.24" (57mm) of snow.

The best time to visit Mount Rainier

From a purely weather-centric perspective, the ideal time to visit Mount Rainier would be the middle of the year, from June to August. During these months, the area experiences the highest average temperatures, making them favourable for outdoor activities. Furthermore, June offers the longest duration of daylight, around 14.9 hours on average.

In addition, the region receives the most substantial amount of sunlight during this period, approximately 10.3 hours a day in June, further enhancing site-seeing possibilities. Notably, despite a slightly higher rainfall amount, the number of rainy days begins to decrease towards July, offering more chances of clear, sunny days.

The worst time to visit Mount Rainier

Residential visitors aim to avoid the colder months of the year in Mount Rainier, particularly from December to February. During this period, temperatures dip to their coldest, with average lows residing in the 27.7°F (-2.4°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C) range. Furthermore, daylight hours reach their annual lows, hindering any prolonged outdoor plans.

Simultaneously, higher humidity, above-average rainfall, and prevalent snowfall conditions enhance the severity of the winter. Snowfall peaks at 2.6" (66mm) in January, further worsening the overall weather conditions, although this could be an attraction for winter sports enthusiasts.

Spring weather in Mount Rainier

Weather in Mount Rainier undergoes a significant transition during the spring months, from cold, snowy conditions, to warmer, sunnier climates. In March, the average high temperature escalates to 52.3°F (11.3°C) whereas the average low jumps to 37.4°F (3°C), and these values steadily increase as the season progresses. Daylight hours also take a leap, extending up to 13.3 hours per day by the end of April.

Despite a small peak in relative humidity during April, the overall humidity remains stable around 71%. Rainfall starts to increase gradually, too; however, the number of rainy days is not extraordinarily high, enabling one to plan outdoor activities with relative ease.

Summer weather in Mount Rainier

The summer months in Mount Rainier are characterized by high temperatures, long daylight hours, and ample sunshine. Average high temperatures peak at 87.4°F (30.8°C) in July and slowly decline thereafter. The daylight hours maximise during June, providing up to 14.9 hours of light each day.

Factors such as consistent visibility and relatively low cloud coverage further enhance these conditions. While rainfall does increase in volume during this season, reaching a yearly high of 3.58" (91mm) in August, the number of rainy days remains on a downward trend. Thus, summer offers a blend of warm weather and sunny days, with occasional rainfall.

Autumn weather in Mount Rainier

Autumn brings a noticeable decrease in temperatures throughout Mount Rainier. September marks the onset of this transition, with average high and low temperatures falling from 78.1°F (25.6°C) and 62.2°F (16.8°C) to 54.1°F (12.3°C) and 40.1°F (4.5°C) respectively by November. Daylight hours follow a similar downward trend, reducing from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 hours in November.

Rainfall volume sees a downswing during autumn, with November experiencing a substantial drop to 2.17" (55mm) compared to 3.58" (91mm) in August. Although the number of rainy days fluctuates inconsistently, a small peak can be noticed in October.

Winter weather in Mount Rainier

Winter weather in Mount Rainier can be quite harsh, with low temperatures, short daylight hours, and the presence of snowfall. The average high temperature dips to 39.9°F (4.4°C) in January, and the average low temperature plummets to 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in the same month, marking the lowest values of the year. Daylight hours are also at their minimum, at 9.5 hours on average in December.

However, relative humidity remains quite stable, averaging around 76%, and rainfall sees a downward trend. Snowfall, however, indicates a drastic increase during the winter, especially in January. Despite these challenging weather conditions, the steady visibility and moderate wind speeds provide some relief.

Weather in January

During January, Mount Rainier experiences wintery conditions, characterized by snowfall and a low-lying cloud cover. January's temperatures peak at 39.9°F (4.4°C) but can fall as low as 27.7°F (-2.4°C), reinforcing the city's reputation for cold winters. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February’s weather in Mount Rainier adopts the distinct features of late winter, featuring a minimal increase in daylight hours and temperatures. The average temperatures range from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 44.2°F (6.8°C). The wind speed slightly increases in comparison to the previous month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March offers Mount Rainier a significant transition into spring, with distinct weather alterations observed. The snowfall drastically decreases from 2.24" (57mm) in February to 1.61" (41mm), marking a shift away from winter conditions. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, the weather in Mount Rainier is characterized by the full onset of spring and the disappearance of winter's last vestiges. Temperatures are relatively warm, fluctuating from 47.3°F (8.5°C) to 64.8°F (18.2°C). Importantly, April experiences a risen daylight duration, more sunshine duration and the substantial reduction in snowfall which becomes insignificant during this period. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The weather in Mount Rainier in May manifests as pleasant conditions and the typical signs of late spring. Characterized by a complete absence of snowfall and increasing warm temperatures, May's weather is distinctly different from April’s. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June introduces the first flush of summer in Mount Rainier, marked by an increase in maximum temperature to 81.9°F (27.7°C). The usual weather in June revolves around longer daylight hours and high amounts of sunshine. Unlike the heavier rainfall in May, June usually has drier conditions. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July embraces the height of summer with the highest temperatures experienced in Mount Rainier. The mercury scales up to a soaring 87.4°F (30.8°C) during this month, marking the warmest weather of the year. With the sun presenting longer and a drop in cloud coverage, July outshines the previous months. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, the weather in Mount Rainier is dominated by the extended summer, delivering comparatively warm temperatures and high humidity levels. While the maximum temperature slightly decreases to 85.1°F (29.5°C) from July's peak of 87.4°F (30.8°C), the overall weather remains steady and warm. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September's weather in Mount Rainier introduces the first hints of autumn, characterized by a decreasing number of daylight hours and lower temperatures. The obvious shift from the hot August months marks itself with a drop in the maximum temperature down to 78.1°F (25.6°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October welcomes the full onset of autumn in Mount Rainier, with conditions much cooler than those in the preceding month. Temperatures range from 51.8°F (11°C) to 66.2°F (19°C), marking a shift into colder weather. Comparatively, October has shorter daylight hours and increased rainfall, creating the predominance of overcast days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, Mount Rainier experiences a quick transition towards winter, with noticeable alterations in its climate. With a maximum temperature of 54.1°F (12.3°C), November is significantly colder compared to the preceding month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the official onset of winter in Mount Rainier, characterized by colder temperatures and increased precipitation compared to the preceding month. The city witnesses a dip in the temperature scale, ranging between 34.3°F (1.3°C) and 45.5°F (7.5°C). Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 4, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

The month of January sees the average lowest temperatures, reaching 39.9°F (4.4°C) at the peak and 27.7°F (-2.4°C) at the low.

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Mount Rainier. Rain falls for 9.3 days and accumulates 2.01" (51mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 157.9 rainfall days, and 31.14" (791mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through April and December are months with snowfall.

What is the snowiest month?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 4.1 days and accumulates 2.6" (66mm) of snow.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, in Mount Rainier, there are 13.5 snowfall days, and 7.2" (183mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 5h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the least humid month?

The months with the lowest humidity are April and July, with an average relative humidity of 71%.

What are the most humid months?

May, October and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%, are most humid months.

When it does not snow?

In Mount Rainier, snow does not fall in May through November.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Mount Rainier.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 14h and 54min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Mount Rainier.

What month is the hottest?

In Mount Rainier, July is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 87.4°F (30.8°C) and a low of 70°F (21.1°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Mount Rainier?

July has the most sunshine of the year in Mount Rainier, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.

What is the rainiest month?

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.8 days and accumulates 3.58" (91mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.
Today
Tomorrow
Long-term
YearJFMAMJJASOND

Average temperature
Mount Rainier, MD

Average temperature - Mount Rainier, MD

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (39.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (70°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.7°F).

Average pressure
Mount Rainier, MD

Average pressure - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed
Mount Rainier, MD

Average wind speed - Mount Rainier, MD

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (8.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.3mph).

Average humidity
Mount Rainier, MD

Average humidity - Mount Rainier, MD

The months with the highest relative humidity are May, October and December (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and July (71%).

Average rainfall
Mount Rainier, MD

Average rainfall - Mount Rainier, MD

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.58").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (2.01").

Average rainfall days
Mount Rainier, MD

Average rainfall days - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (9 days).

Average snowfall
Mount Rainier, MD

Average snowfall - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.6").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

Average snowfall days
Mount Rainier, MD

Average snowfall days - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (4.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Mount Rainier, MD

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Mount Rainier, MD

Average sunshine days - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11.8 days).

Average UV index
Mount Rainier, MD

Average UV index - Mount Rainier, MD

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Mount Rainier, MD

Average cloud cover - Mount Rainier, MD

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility
Mount Rainier, MD

Average visibility - Mount Rainier, MD

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Mount Rainier, Maryland, USA

Weather forecast for today
Weather forecast for tomorrow
10 days weather forecast
Climate data
1January
2February
3March
4April
5May
6June
7July
8August
9September
10October
11November
12December

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location