Washington Weather by Month
Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north. It became the 42nd state on November 11, 1889. Washington is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the coastal areas and temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the Cascade Mountain range and arid regions in the east. Major cities include Seattle (the largest city), Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue. Key landmarks include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, the Space Needle in Seattle, and the Columbia River Gorge. The state’s economy is driven by technology, aerospace, agriculture, and tourism.
Weather Overview:
Washington’s climate varies significantly between regions. The western part of the state, including Seattle, has a marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The eastern part experiences a more continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 39.4 | 5.20 |
| February | 42.4 | 3.50 |
| March | 46.1 | 4.00 |
| April | 50.3 | 2.71 |
| May | 56.0 | 1.97 |
| June | 61.3 | 1.57 |
| July | 65.8 | 0.79 |
| August | 66.5 | 1.02 |
| September | 61.1 | 1.50 |
| October | 52.8 | 3.48 |
| November | 45.4 | 5.57 |
| December | 40.3 | 5.43 |
January
January in Washington is typically cold and wet, especially in the western part of the state. Average temperatures range from the low 30s to the mid-40s°F (about 0 to 7°C) in most areas, with cooler temperatures in the mountainous regions and along the coast. Rain is common throughout the month, with occasional snowfall in higher elevations and inland areas. January is an excellent time to visit Washington’s ski resorts, such as Crystal Mountain and Mount Baker, which offer fresh powder and excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Additionally, Seattle and other urban areas host various cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, providing indoor entertainment options for visitors. While outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather, January is still a great time to experience Washington’s natural beauty, especially if you enjoy winter sports or exploring rainy landscapes.
February
February in Washington is similar to January, with cold temperatures and frequent precipitation, although snowfall tends to decrease as the month progresses. Average temperatures range from the mid-30s to the mid-40s°F (about 1 to 7°C) in most areas, with slightly milder conditions along the coast. Rainfall remains common throughout the state, especially in the western regions, while snowfall may occur in higher elevations and inland areas. February is still an excellent time for skiing and snowboarding, with ski resorts continuing to offer good snow conditions and fewer crowds compared to peak season. Additionally, indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and restaurants provide plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment and relaxation during the colder months. Overall, February is a quieter time to visit Washington, making it ideal for travelers who prefer less crowded destinations and enjoy the beauty of winter landscapes.
March
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Washington, with temperatures gradually warming and the arrival of blooming flowers and budding trees. Average temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-50s°F (about 7 to 13°C) in most areas, although higher elevations and inland regions may still experience cooler temperatures. Rainfall begins to decrease compared to the previous months, although occasional showers are still common, especially in the western part of the state. March is an excellent time to explore Washington’s natural beauty, with many hiking trails reopening after the winter season and wildflowers starting to bloom in the lowland areas. Popular destinations such as Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park offer stunning scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Additionally, March is a great time to visit urban areas like Seattle and Tacoma, where you can enjoy cultural events, culinary experiences, and scenic waterfronts without the summer crowds.
April
April brings warmer temperatures and increasing sunshine to Washington, marking the beginning of spring in earnest. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-60s°F (about 13 to 18°C) in most areas, with milder conditions along the coast and in the lowland regions. While rainfall is still common, especially in the western part of the state, April tends to be drier than the winter months, allowing for more outdoor activities and exploration. April is an excellent time to visit Washington’s national parks and scenic areas, as wildflowers are in full bloom, and wildlife becomes more active. Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park offer breathtaking vistas and a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, April is a popular time for cherry blossom festivals in urban areas like Seattle and Vancouver, WA, where you can experience the beauty of springtime blooms and cultural celebrations.
May
May is a beautiful time to visit Washington, with warmer temperatures, longer days, and abundant sunshine creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s°F (about 18 to 24°C) in most areas, although higher elevations and inland regions may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall decreases significantly compared to the previous months, especially in the western part of the state, although occasional showers are still possible. May is an excellent time to explore Washington’s natural wonders, from the coastal beaches to the alpine meadows. Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, May is a great time for whale watching along the coast, as gray whales migrate northward from their winter breeding grounds. Urban areas like Seattle and Spokane also host various events and festivals, including music concerts, food fairs, and art walks, providing cultural enrichment and entertainment options for travelers.
June
June is one of the best times to visit Washington, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and longer daylight hours providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. Average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s°F (about 24 to 29°C) in most areas, although coastal regions and higher elevations may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall is minimal, especially in the eastern part of the state, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor adventures. June is an excellent time to explore Washington’s national parks, forests, and scenic areas, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park offer stunning vistas, wildflower displays, and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Additionally, June is a popular time for outdoor festivals and events, including music festivals, beer tastings, and farmers markets, providing cultural enrichment and entertainment options for travelers.
July
July is the peak of summer in Washington, with warm temperatures, sunny skies, and dry conditions prevailing across the state. Average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s°F (about 24 to 29°C) in most areas, although coastal regions and higher elevations may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall is minimal, especially in the eastern part of the state, allowing for perfect outdoor conditions. July is an excellent time to explore Washington’s diverse landscapes and outdoor attractions, from the rugged coastline to the alpine meadows. Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, July is a popular time for outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, and kayaking in Washington’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Urban areas like Seattle and Spokane also host various events and festivals, including Fourth of July celebrations, music concerts, and food fairs, providing cultural enrichment and entertainment options for travelers.
August
August continues the warm and sunny conditions of summer in Washington, making it one of the best times to visit the state for outdoor activities and exploration. Average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s°F (about 24 to 29°C) in most areas, although coastal regions and higher elevations may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall remains minimal, especially in the eastern part of the state, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor adventures. August is an excellent time to explore Washington’s national parks, forests, and scenic areas, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park offer stunning vistas, wildflower displays, and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Additionally, August is a popular time for outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, and kayaking in Washington’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Urban areas like Seattle and Spokane also host various events and festivals, including music concerts, food fairs, and cultural celebrations, providing entertainment options for travelers.
September
September marks the transition from summer to fall in Washington, with temperatures gradually cooling and the arrival of fall foliage in some areas. Average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s°F (about 18 to 24°C) in most areas, although higher elevations and inland regions may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall increases compared to the summer months, especially in the western part of the state, although September tends to be drier than the winter and spring months. September is an excellent time to explore Washington’s national parks and scenic areas, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park offer stunning displays of fall foliage and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, September is a popular time for wine tasting in Washington’s wine country, where you can sample award-winning wines and enjoy scenic vineyard views. Urban areas like Seattle and Spokane also host various events and festivals, including music concerts, food fairs, and cultural celebrations, providing entertainment options for travelers.
October
October is one of the best times to visit Washington, with cooler temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant fall foliage creating stunning landscapes and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-60s°F (about 13 to 18°C) in most areas, although higher elevations and inland regions may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall increases compared to the summer months, especially in the western part of the state, although October tends to be drier than the winter and spring months. October is an excellent time to explore Washington’s national parks, forests, and scenic areas, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing amidst the colorful autumn leaves. Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park offer stunning displays of fall foliage and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, October is a popular time for harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes, providing seasonal entertainment and family-friendly fun. Urban areas like Seattle and Spokane also host various events and festivals, including Oktoberfest celebrations, food fairs, and cultural performances, providing entertainment options for travelers.
November
November marks the transition to winter in Washington, with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and occasional rainfall prevailing across the state. Average temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-50s°F (about 7 to 13°C) in most areas, although higher elevations and inland regions may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Rainfall increases compared to the previous months, especially in the western part of the state, although snowfall is still relatively rare in most areas. November is an excellent time to explore Washington’s urban areas and indoor attractions, including museums, galleries, and restaurants, providing cultural enrichment and relaxation during the colder months. Additionally, November is a great time for wine tasting in Washington’s wine country, where you can sample seasonal wines and enjoy cozy tasting room experiences. Overall, November offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to the summer months, making it ideal for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and enjoy the beauty of autumn landscapes.
December
December brings winter weather to Washington, with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the potential for occasional snowfall across the state. Average temperatures range from the low 30s to the mid-40s°F (about 0 to 7°C) in most areas, although higher elevations and inland regions may experience colder temperatures. Rainfall increases compared to the previous months, especially in the western part of the state, although snowfall is more common in the mountainous regions and inland areas. December is an excellent time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit Washington’s ski resorts, such as Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass, which offer fresh powder and excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Additionally, urban areas like Seattle and Spokane host various holiday events and festivities, including Christmas markets, tree lighting ceremonies, and ice skating rinks, providing seasonal entertainment and family-friendly fun. Overall, December offers a festive atmosphere and opportunities for outdoor and indoor activities, making it a magical time to visit Washington state.
