Weather and climate in Washington: Mild, humid climate. Rainiest months: November to January. Snowfall common in higher elevations. July and August driest months. Ocean influences moderate temperatures. Storms prevalent along coast. Microclimates due to terrain variations. Average winter temperatures: 35-45degF. Summer temperatures range: 70-85degF. Mountain weather unpredictable, rapid changes.
Mild, humid climate.
Western Washington is characterized by a mild, humid climate, heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean, with mild temperatures year-round, significant rainfall, and lush greenery, making it a comfortable and verdant region to live in. For more detailed insights into the Diverse Weather Patterns of Washington State, the region truly embodies a lush and temperate environment.
Rainiest months: November to January.
November is typically the wettest month in Western Washington, with average rainfall in November exceeding 6.5 inches at Sea-Tac Airport, making it a period prone to river flooding due to the lack of mountain snowpack to absorb the rain. The months of December and January are also among the wettest, with December averaging around 5.3 inches of precipitation. More detailed insights on this can be found in the article highlighting that November Is The Wettest Month Of Them All, underscoring the significant climatic impact during this time of the year.
Snowfall common in higher elevations.
In Washington State, snowfall is particularly common and abundant in higher elevations, with resorts like Mt. Baker, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain receiving significant snowfall. These resorts often see totals exceeding 400 inches per year, thanks to their high base and top elevations, coupled with favorable exposures that help preserve the snow.
July and August driest months.
In Washington State, July and August are not typically the driest months; instead, the state experiences a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. The driest month on record was July 1960, which was an exceptional case, but generally, summers in Washington are relatively dry compared to the wet winters.
Ocean influences moderate temperatures.
The Pacific Ocean significantly moderates temperatures in Washington, keeping the state relatively mild by being warmer in winter and cooler in summer than the adjoining land, and influencing the climate through its stable temperature range and moisture distribution. For more insights on how the ocean impacts the state's climate, you can visit the Western Regional Climate Center's Narrative on Washington which offers detailed information. This climatic moderation makes Washington distinct in its seasonal variations compared to neighboring regions.
Storms prevalent along coast.
Along the Washington Coast, storms are prevalent due to low-pressure systems that bring rain, wind, and high tides, often resulting in storm surges, gales, and challenging beach conditions. These weather phenomena are especially noticeable during the king tides in November, December, and January. For those fascinated by the power of nature, the region provides some of the most captivating storm-watching destinations, where the awe-inspiring force of the coastal storms can be both humbling and exhilarating.
Microclimates due to terrain variations.
Washington's diverse terrain, encompassing the Cascade Mountains, Pacific Ocean, and varying elevations, results in numerous microclimates throughout the state. This distinct geography divides Washington into two main regions: Western Washington and Eastern Washington. Western Washington is known for its cooler, wetter conditions, featuring temperate rainforests and ocean beaches. In contrast, Eastern Washington is characterized by an arid high desert climate, experiencing hot summers and cold winters. These regions demonstrate significant variations in both precipitation and temperature, highlighting the state's climatic diversity. For more detailed insights into these climatic conditions and to plan your trip accordingly, visit the State of Washington Tourism website.
Average winter temperatures: 35-45°F.
In Washington, average winter temperatures range from just above freezing, with January, the coldest month, having an average temperature of about 3°C (37.4°F). Daytime temperatures typically exceed freezing by a few degrees, while nighttime temperatures are around or slightly below freezing. This period, from December to February, is characterized by unstable weather with sunny days followed by cold air outbreaks and occasional snowfalls. For more detailed information about the Climate of Washington, visit the Climate to Travel website.
Summer temperatures range: 70-85°F.
In Washington, summer temperatures in July typically range from 70°F to 85°F, with average highs varying by region. Western Washington sees highs around 72°F to 79°F, while Eastern Washington can reach highs of 84°F to 91°F. For detailed temperature ranges and historical weather patterns, you can visit the Current Results website, which provides comprehensive climate data for the area.
Mountain weather unpredictable, rapid changes.
Mount Washington is renowned for its highly unpredictable and extreme mountain weather, characterized by rapid changes due to its prominence, exposure, and location at the confluence of three major storm tracks. This unique positioning leads to severe winds, high precipitation, and dramatic temperature fluctuations. For more information on why it's often referred to as having the World's Worst Weather, visit the official website. Here, you'll discover the fascinating and challenging conditions that make Mount Washington a significant subject of meteorological interest.