When I first came to the Pacific Northwest I had bags packed with raincoats, layers, and warm jackets. Little did I know, eastern Washington in the summer rivals Utah (my home state) for warm temperatures! I now know that Washington State is renowned for its diverse climate. From the rain-soaked coastal regions to the dry landscapes in the east. If you’re planning to visit or live in Washington, understanding the weather can help you make the most of your time here. In this guide, we’ll break down Washington weather month by month, including average temperatures, rainfall, sunny and overcast days, and popular destinations for each season.
January: Winter Chill and Snowy Escapes
- Average Temperature: 35-45°F (2-7°C)
- Rainfall: 6-10 inches (especially in western regions)
- Sunny Days: 5-7
- Overcast Days: 20-25
Weather: January is one of the coldest months in Washington, particularly in the mountains, where snow is abundant. The western part of the state, including Seattle, experiences rain and cloudy skies, while the eastern regions are drier but colder.
Popular Destinations: Mount Baker and Stevens Pass are excellent for skiing and snowboarding. Olympic National Park offers scenic, snow-covered landscapes, and if you’re in the mood for city exploration, Seattle’s indoor attractions like museums and coffee shops provide warmth and culture.
February: Snow and Slight Thaw
- Average Temperature: 37-47°F (3-8°C)
- Rainfall: 5-8 inches
- Sunny Days: 6-8
- Overcast Days: 18-22
Weather: February sees continued cold, especially in higher elevations, but the days start getting longer. Rain continues on the western side, with snow lingering in the mountains.
Popular Destinations: Snow sports remain a top activity, but this is also a great time for a cozy getaway to Leavenworth or exploring Spokane’s winter events. For a quieter experience, visit Whidbey Island or Bainbridge Island.
March: Spring on the Horizon
- Average Temperature: 40-52°F (4-11°C)
- Rainfall: 4-7 inches
- Sunny Days: 8-10
- Overcast Days: 16-20
Weather: As winter transitions to spring, March brings milder temperatures and less rain. Snow melts in lower elevations, and the eastern part of Washington starts to thaw.
Popular Destinations: Skagit Valley begins to bloom in late March, signaling the start of tulip season. Washington’s wine country, especially in the Yakima Valley, is also emerging from winter.
April: Spring Blooms
- Average Temperature: 45-58°F (7-14°C)
- Rainfall: 3-5 inches
- Sunny Days: 10-12
- Overcast Days: 15-18
Weather: April is the true start of spring, with more frequent sunny days. Rain tapers off, especially in eastern Washington.
Popular Destinations: The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is in full swing, while the Columbia River Gorge offers stunning views with wildflower blooms. For city lovers, Seattle’s parks start to come alive with cherry blossoms.
May: Mild and Green
- Average Temperature: 50-65°F (10-18°C)
- Rainfall: 2-4 inches
- Sunny Days: 12-15
- Overcast Days: 12-15
Weather: May in Washington brings pleasant weather across the state. The rain decreases, and temperatures rise, particularly in the inland regions.
Popular Destinations: Olympic National Park is perfect for spring hiking, and the San Juan Islands begin to draw visitors for whale watching. Seattle’s outdoor markets and waterfront areas are bustling in the mild weather.
June: The Start of Summer
- Average Temperature: 55-70°F (13-21°C)
- Rainfall: 1-3 inches
- Sunny Days: 15-18
- Overcast Days: 10-12
Weather: June marks the beginning of summer, with warmer, sunnier days and less rainfall, particularly in the east.
Popular Destinations: Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks are accessible and lush with greenery. The Puget Sound region is ideal for boating, while the drier eastern Washington offers wineries and hiking opportunities in places like Walla Walla.
July: Summer Sun
- Average Temperature: 60-80°F (16-27°C)
- Rainfall: 0.5-2 inches
- Sunny Days: 20-25
- Overcast Days: 5-8
Weather: July in Washington is one of the warmest and driest months, with sunny skies across most of the state. Coastal areas remain cooler, while the interior can get quite hot.
Popular Destinations: The San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula offer perfect weather for outdoor activities. Eastern Washington sees prime conditions for hiking in places like the Palouse, and beachgoers flock to the Pacific Coast.
August: Peak Summer
- Average Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
- Rainfall: 0.5-2 inches
- Sunny Days: 22-26
- Overcast Days: 4-6
Weather: Washington in August continues the warm and dry trend, with plenty of sunshine and little rain across the state.
Popular Destinations: Lake Chelan is a hot spot for boating and swimming, while Mount Rainier’s wildflower meadows are in full bloom. Washington’s beaches, especially around Westport and Long Beach, are popular escapes from the inland heat.
September: Cooling Down
- Average Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Rainfall: 1-3 inches
- Sunny Days: 18-22
- Overcast Days: 6-8
Weather: September in Washington offers a blend of summer warmth and fall coolness. Rain begins to return in western Washington, but sunny days still dominate.
Popular Destinations: September is harvest time in Washington’s wine country. The Cascade Loop scenic drive offers stunning views of changing foliage, while Leavenworth begins gearing up for Oktoberfest.
October: Crisp Autumn Air
- Average Temperature: 50-65°F (10-18°C)
- Rainfall: 3-6 inches
- Sunny Days: 10-14
- Overcast Days: 15-18
Weather: October in Washington sees cooler temperatures, more rain, and the return of overcast skies, especially in western Washington. Fall colors peak across the state.
Popular Destinations: Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is in full swing, and the fall foliage in North Cascades National Park is stunning. Pumpkin patches around Seattle and in the Skagit Valley draw crowds.
November: Rainy and Cold
- Average Temperature: 45-55°F (7-13°C)
- Rainfall: 5-9 inches
- Sunny Days: 5-8
- Overcast Days: 18-22
Weather: November in Washington is one of the rainiest months in western Washington, with cooler, wetter conditions taking over the state.
Popular Destinations: Seattle’s indoor attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Pike Place Market are great for rainy days. The Olympic Peninsula offers moody coastal hikes, while early-season skiing begins at Crystal Mountain.
December: Snowy and Festive
- Average Temperature: 35-45°F (2-7°C)
- Rainfall: 5-8 inches
- Sunny Days: 5-7
- Overcast Days: 20-24
Weather: December in Washington brings snow to the mountains and frequent rain in the west, with cold, overcast days dominating.
Popular Destinations: Leavenworth transforms into a winter wonderland with its Christmas festival. Plus, traveling to Leavenworth is easy with their many hotel options. Snow sports at Mount Baker, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain are in full swing. Seattle’s winter events, including holiday markets and ice skating rinks, also draw visitors.
oh gosh, Washington looks to be amazing no matter what month! We’d especially be interested to visit in May, September and October. Love the cooler weather and the colors that come with those months.
We leaved in Vancouver for over 30 years and I am familiar with your weather, but a beautiful place to visit anytime.
We’ve never had a chance to visit in snowy conditions. That would be such a fun change of pace from our summer visits.
It looks like Washington State gets a wide range of weather over the year. And I guess the range varies from spot to spot. I thought of Washington more like most of British Columbia but it seems to have more winter conditions. Good to know for visits.
Love this! I was in Seattle a few years ago in late September and it was beautiful! I would love to see other parts of Washington, and after reading your post thing July-September would be the best months for me. Thank you for the helpful info.
Five years ago, I flew from West Texas to Seattle. High temp at home was 117 degrees. Landed in Seattle at 65 degrees. Pure heaven and the place to be for Summer.
I would love to visit Washington for the beautiful flowers in Spring!
This is a cool post idea. I love fall and the fall weather. It looks so pretty with all the snow and naked trees.