How often is Mt. Rainier visible from Seattle?

Mt. Rainier is visible approximately 83 days per year, about once every 4.4 days or 20-30% of the time. Summer months (June-September) offer the most frequent clear views, sometimes 15-20 days per month.

What does "the mountain is out" mean?

"The mountain is out" is a Seattle expression meaning Mt. Rainier is visible. Due to frequent cloud cover in the Pacific Northwest, clear views of the mountain are special enough to warrant their own phrase among locals.

Where is the best view of Mt. Rainier in Seattle?

Kerry Park in Queen Anne offers the most iconic view, combining the Seattle skyline with Mt. Rainier in the background. Other excellent viewpoints include the Space Needle, Alki Beach, Discovery Park, and the UW Drumheller Fountain.

When is Mount Rainier most visible?

Mount Rainier is most visible during late summer through early fall (July-October), with July through September being the optimal viewing period. These drier months offer the best chance of clear skies and stunning views. While occasional clear winter days can provide exceptional visibility with the mountain appearing crisp against blue skies, winter months (December-February) are typically the rainiest with the poorest visibility. Spring (March-May) also has frequent rain and cloud cover. For the best odds of seeing "the mountain out," plan your visit for late summer or early fall.

What time of day is best for viewing Mount Rainier?

Early morning between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM PT offers the clearest viewing conditions, before clouds build up around the mountain. "The mountain is out" is most likely to be true in early morning. Sunset is also an excellent time for viewing, as the light shines back on Mount Rainier from Seattle's northwestern position, often creating a dramatic pink glow on the glacial peak. Mid-day visibility often decreases as clouds and haze develop through the afternoon.

Why can't I see Mount Rainier today?

Mount Rainier is only visible from Seattle about 20% of the year - roughly one day out of every five. The main obstacles are low clouds, fog, and the marine layer that frequently covers the Puget Sound region. Even when it's sunny in Seattle, the mountain can be hidden behind clouds at its elevation. Summer months bring haze, while winter and spring feature persistent cloud cover. The saying "the mountain is out" exists precisely because clear views are special occasions worth noting!

What weather conditions affect Mount Rainier visibility?

Four main factors determine visibility: (1) Cloud cover - marine layer and low clouds are the primary obstacles in Seattle; (2) Humidity - high humidity creates haze that obscures distant views; (3) Precipitation - rain, drizzle, or snow significantly reduce visibility; (4) Air quality - smoke from wildfires (increasingly common in summer) can completely block mountain views. The best conditions combine clear skies, low humidity, clean air, and high pressure systems. Note that sunny weather in Seattle doesn't always mean the mountain is visible.

How accurate are the visibility forecasts?

Our forecasts are most accurate for the next 1-2 days, with reliability decreasing for dates further out. We use weather data from Kerry Park viewing area and calculate visibility scores based on cloud cover, humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric clarity. Pacific Northwest weather can change rapidly, so we recommend checking back closer to your visit for the most current forecast. The real-time score at the top of the page reflects current conditions.

How frequently is the weather data updated?

The forecast updates every 15 minutes, ensuring you always see fresh data. Simply refresh the page to get the latest conditions and visibility predictions for Mount Rainier.

What does the visibility score mean?

The score from 0-100 tells you how likely you are to see Mount Rainier clearly from Seattle. We calculate it based on visibility distance, cloud cover, precipitation probability, and humidity. Here's what the numbers mean: 90-100 = Excellent (perfect "mountain is out" conditions!), 70-89 = Good (you should see Rainier clearly), 50-69 = Fair (partial views, some haze), 0-49 = Poor (likely obscured, check back tomorrow).

Can Mount Rainier be seen at night?

Yes, but only on exceptionally clear nights. Mount Rainier appears as a massive silhouette against the night sky when visible. However, nighttime visibility follows similar patterns to daytime - the mountain is only visible about 20% of the time. Without daylight, it's much harder to distinguish the mountain from clouds. Full moon nights offer the best chance to see Rainier's outline. The saying "the mountain is out" typically refers to daytime viewing when you can see the mountain's snow-covered peak in full detail.

How far in advance can I check the forecast?

You can check the forecast up to 10 days ahead. The "10-Day Forecast" section shows daily conditions at a glance, while "Best Viewing Times" automatically identifies the top windows to see Mount Rainier across all forecast days. Weather forecasts become less reliable beyond 3-5 days, so check back closer to your planned viewing time for the most accurate prediction.

Is Mount Rainier visible from Seattle?

Yes! Mount Rainier can be seen from many locations throughout Seattle on clear days, despite being 60 miles (96 km) away. The mountain appears as a massive snow-covered peak dominating the southeastern skyline. However, it's only visible about 20% of the year (roughly 73 days annually) due to clouds, marine layer, and atmospheric haze. Best Seattle viewing spots include Kerry Park (Queen Anne), Columbia Center Sky View Observatory, Gas Works Park, Alki Beach, and the Space Needle observation deck. When locals say "the mountain is out," it means Rainier is visible - a special occasion worth celebrating!

Should I visit Mount Rainier National Park today?

Check two things: (1) The visibility score at the top of this page - 70+ means good viewing conditions from Seattle; (2) National Park Service alerts for road closures, especially in winter/spring when Paradise Road may be closed due to snow. Even if the score is high, verify park access before driving. If planning to visit the park itself (not just view from Seattle), check nps.gov/mora for current conditions, road status, and any timed entry requirements during peak season.

Where can I see Mount Rainier from?

Mount Rainier is visible from throughout the greater Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area on clear days. Best viewing locations include: Kerry Park (iconic Seattle viewpoint), Alki Beach (waterfront views), Columbia Center observation deck (Seattle's tallest building), Gas Works Park (north Seattle), Discovery Park, and various locations in Tacoma (closer to the mountain). The mountain can also be seen from parts of Bellevue, Everett, and even as far as the San Juan Islands on exceptionally clear days. Our visibility forecast focuses on typical Seattle viewing conditions.

How do I know if Mount Rainier will be visible?

Check three key indicators: (1) The real-time visibility score on this page - 70+ is good, 90+ is excellent; (2) Current weather conditions - look for low cloud cover (under 30%), low humidity, and no precipitation; (3) Local webcams if available. For future dates, review the 10-day forecast and target late summer/fall or winter months with morning viewing times (6-9 AM PT). Remember: even sunny weather in Seattle doesn't guarantee the mountain is visible. Check this page before making special trips, and follow local social media where Seattleites often post "the mountain is out" alerts!

Mt. Rainier Visibility | Is the Mountain Out Today? Seattle Forecast

Best Viewing Times

All times shown in Pacific Time (PT, UTC-8/-7)

Sun, Jan 18, 2026

2:00 PM

#1 Best Time

Temp10.7°C

Clouds0%

Visibility24.1 km

Visibility

EXCELLENT

Sun, Jan 18, 2026

4:00 PM

#2 Best Time

Temp9.0°C

Clouds0%

Visibility24.1 km

Visibility

EXCELLENT

Mon, Jan 19, 2026

2:00 PM

#3 Best Time

Temp10.6°C

Clouds0%

Visibility24.1 km

Visibility

EXCELLENT

10-Day Mount Rainier Visibility Forecast

Daily visibility outlook and weather conditions

Today

Jan 16

☀️

10° / 3°

Morning

6°

Afternoon

4°

Late Afternoon

3°

Sat

Jan 17

☀️

13° / 3°

Morning

4°

Afternoon

3°

Late Afternoon

3°

Sun

Jan 18

☀️

11° / 4°

Morning

6°

Afternoon

5°

Late Afternoon

4°

Mon

Jan 19

☀️

11° / 3°

Morning

4°

Afternoon

3°

Late Afternoon

3°

Tue

Jan 20

☀️

8° / 3°

Morning

4°

Afternoon

3°

Late Afternoon

3°

Wed

Jan 21

☀️

8° / 2°

Morning

4°

Afternoon

2°

Late Afternoon

2°

Thu

Jan 22

☀️

8° / 1°

Morning

3°

Afternoon

2°

Late Afternoon

2°

Fri

Jan 23

🌦️

5° / 2°

Morning

3°

Afternoon

2°

Late Afternoon

3°

Sat

Jan 24

🌦️

4° / 3°

Morning

4°

Afternoon

3°

Late Afternoon

3°

Sun

Jan 25

🌧️

6° / 3°

Morning

3°

Afternoon

3°

Late Afternoon

4°

Seattle Viewing Locations

Best spots to see Mount Rainier from Seattle - 14 locations including parks, observation decks, and waterfront viewpoints

Location Types

Parks & Free Views

Observation Decks

Waterfront

Live Mount Rainier Webcams

Real-time views from 6 cameras at Mount Rainier National Park

Mountain View

Paradise - Direct view of Mount Rainier

Loading live view...

Image courtesy of the National Park Service

Updates every 60 seconds · Last update: 5:47 PM PT

Understanding the Visibility Scale

90+

Excellent

90-100 score

70+

Good

70-89 score

50+

Fair

50-69 score

<50

Poor

0-49 score

Mt. Rainier Visibility Guide

Wondering if Mt. Rainier is visible today? Our real-time visibility forecast answers this question with a simple 0-100 score updated every 15 minutes. Whether you're asking "is Mt. Rainier visible today" or "is the mountain out today", check the live score at the top of this page for the most accurate Mt. Rainier visibility predictions available.

Understanding Mt. Rainier Visibility

Mt. Rainier stands 14,410 feet tall, making it the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States. Located approximately 60 miles southeast of Seattle, the mountain dominates the horizon on clear days. However, the Pacific Northwest's famously cloudy weather means Mt. Rainier visibility is surprisingly rare.

Studies show Mt. Rainier is only visible from Seattle approximately 83 days per year, roughly once every 4.4 days. This works out to about 20-30% of the year. Seattle's 150 annual rainy days combined with frequent cloud cover and atmospheric haze mean most days the mountain remains hidden. When locals ask "is the mountain out?" they're acknowledging how special clear views truly are.

Several factors affect whether you can see Mt. Rainier from Seattle: cloud cover at various altitudes, precipitation, humidity levels, and atmospheric visibility distance. Even on days that feel clear in the city, haze or high-altitude clouds can completely obscure the mountain. Our visibility score accounts for all these factors.

How Our Visibility Score Works

Our Mt. Rainier visibility score ranges from 0 to 100 and updates every 15 minutes. We analyze real-time weather data including cloud cover percentage, precipitation probability, humidity levels, and atmospheric visibility distance to calculate the likelihood of seeing the mountain.

A score of 90-100 indicates excellent visibility with crystal clear views expected. Scores of 70-89 mean good conditions where the mountain should be clearly visible. Fair visibility (50-69) suggests partially visible or hazy conditions. Scores below 50 indicate poor visibility where Mt. Rainier will likely be obscured. Unlike standard weather forecasts, our scoring focuses specifically on long-distance mountain viewing conditions.

Best Time to See Mt. Rainier

Seasonality plays a major role in Mt. Rainier visibility. Summer months from June through September offer the most frequent clear days, with the Pacific Northwest's dry season bringing extended periods of high pressure and clear skies. During peak summer, the mountain may be visible 15-20 days per month.

Season	Visibility	Notes
Summer (Jun-Sep)	Best	Dry season, clearest skies
Fall (Oct-Nov)	Good	Crisp air, occasional clear days
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Variable	Dramatic views after storms clear
Spring (Mar-May)	Fair	Improving toward summer

Time of day also matters significantly. Early morning between 6-9 AM PT typically offers the clearest conditions as overnight cooling reduces haze and humidity. Sunset provides the most dramatic views, with the western sun illuminating Mt. Rainier's glaciers in pink and orange alpenglow. For more details, read our complete guide on when to see Mt. Rainier from Seattle.

Best Seattle Viewing Locations

Kerry Park in Queen Anne remains Seattle's most iconic Mt. Rainier viewpoint, offering the classic postcard shot with the Space Needle and city skyline in the foreground. The Space Needle observation deck provides guaranteed unobstructed views on clear days. Alki Beach in West Seattle offers waterfront perspectives across Elliott Bay.

Discovery Park on Magnolia Bluff combines natural trails with coastal mountain views. The University of Washington's Drumheller Fountain features Rainier Vista, a designed sightline directly toward the peak. Puget Sound ferries to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton provide moving viewpoints during the crossing. Learn more in our complete Seattle viewing guide.

Planning Your Visit

Check our Mt. Rainier visibility forecast the morning of your planned viewing day. Seattle weather changes quickly, so forecasts more than 24-48 hours out have limited reliability. Use our 10-day forecast to identify potentially good days, then confirm conditions the morning of your visit.

Have backup plans ready since Mt. Rainier visibility can change within hours. If one viewpoint is crowded or conditions shift, knowing alternative locations helps salvage the day. For photographers, sunset offers the best light with warm alpenglow on the glaciers. Bring layers regardless of season since waterfront viewpoints can be considerably cooler than inland areas.

Also check visibility for Mt. Fuji in Japan and Denali in Alaska.

Mt. Rainier Visibility
Forecast

Best Viewing Times

10-Day Mount Rainier Visibility Forecast

Seattle Viewing Locations

Live Mount Rainier Webcams

Mountain View

Understanding the Visibility Scale

Frequently Asked Questions

Mt. Rainier Visibility Guide

Understanding Mt. Rainier Visibility

How Our Visibility Score Works

Best Time to See Mt. Rainier

Best Seattle Viewing Locations

Planning Your Visit

Mt. Rainier VisibilityForecast

Best Viewing Times

10-Day Mount Rainier Visibility Forecast

Seattle Viewing Locations

Live Mount Rainier Webcams

Mountain View

Understanding the Visibility Scale

Frequently Asked Questions

Mt. Rainier Visibility Guide

Understanding Mt. Rainier Visibility

How Our Visibility Score Works

Best Time to See Mt. Rainier

Best Seattle Viewing Locations

Planning Your Visit

Mt. Rainier Visibility
Forecast