Best climbing months on Rainier

[xman]

Generally speaking for a novice. Meaning weather, ice conditions up high, etc. etc. I climbed last Septmeber and the conditions got to icy up high for our team to get any higher than about 12,800. The guides turned us back. (which is fine, I trust their judgement). Thanks everyone.

[DPS]

I think early (but after the 4th)to mid July offers the best convergence of the good weather and favorable snow conditions.

[xman]

Thanks dps

[KaskadskyjKozak]

 

for the Emmons or DC, July to early August.

 

[xman]

for the Emmons or DC, July to early August.

 

 

I guess mid June is close to that huh?

[Dane]

Out of almost 4 dozen successful summits by various routes I can easily say the last 2 weeks of June and first 2 weeks of July have been the most successful trips for us.

[KaskadskyjKozak]

for the Emmons or DC, July to early August.

 

 

I guess mid June is close to that huh?

 

Weekends in June in the cascades often suck ass. I'd say you are lucky to get one decent weekend in June, especially on Rainier. Last year, I had two weekends set aside for Fuhrer Finger and both fell through due to weather. But, there was perfect weather up there one weekend at the end of May (memorial day weekend, I think).

 

If you can do midweek though, and run out with little notice, well your odds are better.

 

The weather does seem to stabilize the weekend *after* the 4th of July.

 

 

[catbirdseat]

We sometimes get some nice weather in early June, but late June through the 4th of July is consistently bad. You can count on it.

[xman]

Thanks for all the great replies guys. I will be climbing with a guide service again,(still a novice) and was just curious. I can now see why all of the climbs in July book first. lol My main concern is still returning safely, but would love to summit Rainier on this, my second attempt. At least I chose a time when the moon will be full. Don't know how many other's have planned a climb around the phases of the moon. Thanks again, This is a great site and as I'm new to climbing and moutaineering, I have been soaking up all the great replies on here. Cheers.

[billbob]

We thought that our trip last year mid-August would be successful, until three days of crap weather hanging at Muir convinced us to seek elsewhere. Good choice since the weather remained another three days. Just goes to show ya, the best laid plans...