Washington State, located in the Pacific Northwest corner of the United States, is a land of dramatic contrasts — from the rain-soaked temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic peaks of the Cascades and the arid shrub-steppe of the east. Home to Seattle, one of America's most dynamic cities, the state blends state-of-the-art technology culture with stunning wilderness, world-class food and coffee scenes, and some of the continent's most diverse outdoor adventure.
Washington State has two very distinct climates divided by the Cascade Mountains. Western Washington (including Seattle) has a temperate oceanic climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers — making it one of the most temperate climates in North America. Eastern Washington has a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters, hot dry summers, and much lower annual precipitation. The Olympic Peninsula is among the wettest places in the continental US, while parts of eastern Washington receive less than 8 inches of rain per year.
Best time to visit
Best: June–September
Best Reason: Long daylight hours (up to 16 hours), warm and mostly dry weather in western Washington, stable conditions for hiking and outdoor activities, all attractions and lodges are open
Peak Season: July–August
Avoid: November–February
Avoid Reason: Western Washington sees heavy rainfall and gray skies; mountain roads and passes can close; some national park facilities are shuttered; shorter daylight hours limit sightseeing time
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
4°C/39°F (Seattle); -3°C/27°F (Spokane)
Seattle's coldest and rainiest stretch; Cascade ski resorts in peak condition; Spokane often sees significant snowfall; daylight limited to 9 hours
February
5°C/41°F (Seattle); 0°C/32°F (Spokane)
Still rainy and gray in western Washington; ski resorts excellent; whale grey migration off the Olympic coast; days slowly getting longer
March
8°C/46°F (Seattle); 5°C/41°F (Spokane)
Spring begins — longer days, cherry blossoms at UW Quad, increasing sunshine. Still significant rain. National parks still have limited services.
April
11°C/52°F (Seattle); 10°C/50°F (Spokane)
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival peak bloom; rhododendrons flower throughout western Washington; spring sunshine increases. A beautiful month to visit.
May
15°C/59°F (Seattle); 15°C/59°F (Spokane)
National park facilities open; mountain passes clear; hiking season begins in lower elevations; excellent conditions with fewer crowds than summer
June
19°C/66°F (Seattle); 21°C/70°F (Spokane)
Long days begin (16+ hours); outdoor season in full swing; San Juan Islands whale watching excellent; Cascade wildflowers begin
July
23°C/73°F (Seattle); 29°C/84°F (Spokane)
Peak summer — sunny, warm, and busy. Mount Rainier wildflowers peak. San Juan Islands busiest period. Eastern Washington very hot. Book everything well ahead.
August
23°C/73°F (Seattle); 30°C/86°F (Spokane)
Washington's warmest month — ideal beach and mountain conditions. Crowds at their highest. Wildfire smoke can affect air quality in eastern Washington. Orca watching still excellent.
September
19°C/66°F (Seattle); 22°C/72°F (Spokane)
Often the best month to visit — warm, dry, and significantly fewer crowds. Wine harvest season in Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. Fall colors begin in the Cascades.
October
13°C/55°F (Seattle); 13°C/55°F (Spokane)
Spectacular fall foliage especially in Leavenworth and the Cascades. Oktoberfest in Leavenworth. Mushroom season peaks. Increasing rain in western Washington.
November
8°C/46°F (Seattle); 3°C/37°F (Spokane)
Rainy season returns in earnest to western Washington; ski season begins at higher elevations; tourism significantly quieter; best hotel deals of the year
December
5°C/41°F (Seattle); -2°C/28°F (Spokane)
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival is magical; Seattle's Pike Place Market at its cozy best; ski season peaks; holiday markets in cities. Short daylight hours.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Gradual warming and stunning wildflower displays; Skagit Valley tulip fields bloom in April; cherry blossoms appear in Seattle and the UW campus. Expect rain and some sunshine — pack layers. National parks begin opening facilities in May.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Washington's finest season — long sunny days, warm temperatures, and access to all outdoor attractions. Paradise at Mount Rainier blooms with wildflowers July-August. San Juan Islands orca watching peaks. Coastal temperatures stay mild. Eastern Washington gets very hot (90-100°F).
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Shoulder season with beautiful fall colors, smaller crowds, and excellent hiking conditions in September-October before winter rains arrive. Wine harvest season in eastern Washington. Leavenworth hosts its famous Oktoberfest. Mushroom foraging peaks in October.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Western Washington is mild, wet, and rarely snowy at sea level — perfect for cozy urban exploration and dramatic stormy beach walks. Cascade ski resorts (Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, Mt. Baker) receive enormous snowfall. Leavenworth is magical during Christmas celebrations.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- July-August (peak summer)
- Shoulder Season
- April-May, September-October
- Low Season
- November-March (except ski areas)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Millions of tulips bloom across Skagit County farms — one of the most spectacular spring events in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Pride Festival
Major LGBTQ+ pride celebration drawing hundreds of thousands to Capitol Hill and the Seattle Center area
Fourth of July Celebrations
Major fireworks over Lake Union, plus celebrations throughout the state
Seafair
Seattle's premiere summer festival featuring hydroplane racing on Lake Washington, Blue Angels airshow, and waterfront activities
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebration in Leavenworth's village, one of Washington's most popular fall events
Yakima Valley Catch the Crush
Wine harvest festival across 100+ wineries in the Yakima Valley wine region
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival
Enchanting Christmas lights illuminate the Bavarian village; multiple weekends of magical winter celebration