Pacific Crest Trail Weather Planner

The Pacific Crest Trail spans over 2,650 miles through five distinct climate zones, from the Sonoran Desert scrub near the Mexican border to the volcanic peaks and temperate rainforests of the North Cascades and Olympic-adjacent terrain in Washington. No other National Scenic Trail presents such a wide range of weather challenges within a single thru-hike.

• Southern California (miles 0–702): Heat and water are the dominant concerns, particularly in the desert sections from Campo through the Mojave. Apparent temperatures exceeding 100 °F are common in May and June. Water sources can be 20+ miles apart in dry years. Early-season hikers starting in late March or April typically avoid the worst heat, but snowpack at higher elevations (San Jacinto, San Bernardino Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains) can make some sections impassable or dangerous in heavy snow years.
• Central California / Sierra Nevada (miles 702–1,092): The Sierra Nevada presents the most challenging weather on the entire trail. High passes (Forester Pass at 13,153 ft, Glen Pass at 11,978 ft, Pinchot Pass at 12,130 ft, Mather Pass at 12,100 ft, Muir Pass at 11,955 ft, and others) hold snow well into July in average years and through August in heavy snow years. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent from July onward. Night temperatures at elevation can drop below freezing any month of the year.
• Northern California (miles 1,092–1,702): More forested and moderate than the Sierra, but subject to late-season heat waves, drought, and increasingly frequent wildfire smoke events. The Hat Creek Rim stretch (near mile 1,360) is notorious for its 30-mile exposed waterless section in full sun. Volcanic terrain around Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen adds unique microclimate variability.
• Oregon (miles 1,702–2,147): Generally the most forgiving section weather-wise, with moderate summer temperatures and abundant water. The Crater Lake Rim and the high plateau between the Cascades peaks can see sudden afternoon storms. Snow lingers on North Sister and other high-elevation crossings early in the season.
• Washington (miles 2,147–2,653): The North Cascades demand respect. High passes such as Glacier Pass and Hart’s Pass can hold snow into August. Rain and cloud cover are the norm even in summer. Hikers finishing in late September or October face a real risk of early-season snowstorm closures at elevation. The Canadian border crossing via the Monument 78 terminus adds a remote final section requiring careful planning.

This site reports both actual temperatures and apparent temperatures (heat index and wind chill, calculated using the Steadman methodology). The apparent temperature reflects how conditions actually feel to the body accounting for humidity and wind, and is the basis for the thermal comfort tiers shown in the BestStart! output. Detailed explanations of how heat index, wind chill, and the thermal comfort scoring system work are provided on the Florida Trail, New England Trail, and Appalachian Trail pages, respectively.

Because the PCT crosses terrain with extreme elevation variation (from below 1,000 ft in desert canyons to over 13,000 ft at Sierra passes), the Open-Meteo weather grid cells used for historical planning averages may sit significantly above or below the actual trail location. This tool applies an elevation correction to apparent temperature estimates: approximately −3.5 °F per 1,000 ft when the trail is above the grid, and +3.5 °F per 1,000 ft when below, with a 300 ft minimum threshold before any correction fires. Actual temperatures are not adjusted; only the apparent (feels-like) temperature is corrected. These are discussed in greater detail on the Arizona Trail page, where the same elevation correction is applied.

The Pacific Crest Trail runs from the Mexican border at Campo, California, to the Canadian border at Manning Park, British Columbia, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. Trail centerline geometry is provided by the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and used here under their non-commercial data sharing terms. For authoritative navigation, always use PCTA maps or the FarOut app — this map is intended for weather planning purposes only.

• Trail miles: Displayed mileage is measured from Campo, CA (mile 0) northward to Manning Park, BC (mile 2,653). Mile markers correspond to PCTA official mileposts where possible, with minor interpolation due to the simplified trail geometry used for this planner.
• Permits: Multiple permit systems apply to the PCT, including a long-distance permit from the PCTA, a Mount Whitney Zone permit from Inyo National Forest (if summiting), and a Wilderness Permit for entry into Yosemite and other national parks. Washington and Oregon have additional Cascades Volcanoes pass requirements. Check the PCTA website for current requirements before your hike.

• Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA): The primary stewardship and permitting organization for the PCT. Includes permit applications, trail conditions, closures, water reports, resupply resources, and detailed section guides.
• PCTA GIS Data: Official PCT centerline data used for the trail map on this page.
• Wildlife of the PCT: Comprehensive guide to the diversity of animals you may encounter along the trail, a plentiful number given the diverse range of ecosystems the PCT traverses. Lists 50 species of amphibians, 315 species of birds, 175 species of mammals and 75 species of reptiles, as well as the approximate area hikers may encounter them.
• Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trail Weather: Provides 7-day weather forecasts at specific sites (e.g., shelters and campgrounds) along the Appalachain and Pacific Crest Trails. Includes sunrise and sunset hours for timing daylight hikes.