Understanding the Rain in Seattle: How Bad Is It Really?

Seattle, known for its iconic Space Needle and vibrant coffee culture, is also famously associated with rain. The city’s reputation for incessant drizzle often leaves visitors and residents alike wondering just how much it actually rains. I personally was surprised by the rain during my first winter in Seattle. Quite honestly, I thought it was going to be worse than it ended up being! I even heard from a few locals over the course of that first year that the rain in Seattle is purposely over exaggerated to keep tourists away. That made me wonder, how much does it really rain in Seattle? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the rainfall data for the past five years, explore the average temperatures during the rainy months, and see if Seattle’s rainy reputation holds up to the numbers.

Rainfall in Seattle Over the Past 5 Years

To start to understand Seattle’s rainfall patterns, let’s look at the annual precipitation data from 2019 to 2023:

• 2019: Seattle received approximately 38.1 inches of rain. This year was slightly above the city’s annual average of around 37 inches.
• 2020: The city saw about 36.2 inches of rain. This was a relatively average year, with rainfall close to the long-term norm.
• 2021: With 43.3 inches of rain, 2021 was a notably wetter year, driven by several intense storms and a particularly wet fall season.
• 2022: Rainfall measured around 39.7 inches, once again slightly above average but not significantly unusual.
• 2023: The year ended with about 35.8 inches of rain, aligning closely with the typical annual average.

These figures reveal that while Seattle does experience a fair amount of rain, it generally falls within a predictable range. The variability from year to year is not extreme, reflecting a consistent but moderate rainfall pattern. The winter months in many places in the USA bring on cold climates, while Seattle stays fairly warm. The moderate temperatures mixed with the consistent rainfall creates a beautiful green environment. Anytime i’m feeling annoyed about the rain I try to remember that we wouldn’t have the greenery we currently have without some wet months.

Monthly Rainfall Patterns

Seattle’s rainy season typically spans from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between November and January. Here’s a closer look at the average monthly rainfall during these months over the past five years:

• October: Averages between 3-4 inches.
• November: Averages between 5-6 inches, often the wettest month.
• December: Averages around 5 inches.
• January: Averages around 4-5 inches.
• February: Averages between 3-4 inches.
• March: Averages around 3-4 inches.
• April: Averages around 2-3 inches.

These numbers highlight that while the rainy season is persistent, the rain is spread out over many days with lighter showers rather than heavy downpours. Over my few years living in Seattle i’ve noticed that it’s uncommon to have downpours until the spring months. Most of the winter is marked by light drizzling or misting rather than a heavy rain.

Average Temperatures During Rainy Months

Along with rainfall, temperatures play a significant role in defining Seattle’s winter experience. Here’s an overview of the average temperatures during the rainy months over the past five years:

• October: Average highs around 60°F, lows around 48°F.
• November: Average highs around 52°F, lows around 42°F.
• December: Average highs around 46°F, lows around 37°F.
• January: Average highs around 46°F, lows around 37°F.
• February: Average highs around 49°F, lows around 39°F.
• March: Average highs around 54°F, lows around 41°F.
• April: Average highs around 58°F, lows around 44°F.

Seattle’s temperatures during the rainy months are relatively mild, rarely dipping below freezing. This moderate climate, combined with the persistent drizzle, defines the typical Seattle winter.

Sources for Data

The data for this analysis has been sourced from reputable meteorological websites and local weather stations:

1. National Weather Service (NWS) – Seattle Office
2. Weather Underground – Historical Weather Data for Seattle
3. Climate Data Online (CDO) – NOAA

These sources provide comprehensive and reliable data on Seattle’s weather patterns.

Conclusion

Seattle’s reputation for rain is well-founded but often misunderstood. The city experiences a steady but moderate amount of rainfall, with most of it occurring during the cooler months. The temperatures remain relatively mild, making the rainy season more about persistent dampness than severe weather. Understanding these patterns can help residents and visitors appreciate the unique climate that shapes Seattle’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether you’re braving the drizzle or enjoying a cozy coffee shop, Seattle’s rain is just another facet of its charm. Pack your raincoat and head to Seattle during the winter months for a less crowded adventure!