subject: What To Expect From Seattle Weather [print this page] The common stereotype for Pacific Northwestern weather is wet and constantly rainy. This isn't far from the truth most of the time but it isn't always dull in the skies over Seattle. Sure, you'll never see highs like Arizona and Texas threaten but Seattle air conditioning is a must have item for most residents. Though wintertime weather is usually mild, it isn't unusual to get larger storms so people usually have shovels and the like on hand, too.
All the rain you hear about falling in Washington primarily falls between the months of November and May. That's half the year and the other six months are sunnier. Though spring and fall can be rainy, there is usually at least one good month of perfect summer weather. Don't be surprised if it dips over 100 degrees Fahrenheit the next time you're in Seattle on a summer day.
Big cities are notorious for being hot, too, because they rely on so much concrete construction. This material holds onto to sunlight and this combined with a lack of natural shade can cause cities to be much hotter than outlying areas. In Seattle, at least, winds from the shore help cool the city streets.
Winters are usually made up of rainy days for long stretches of time. Snow comes sometimes but isn't very common for the area. However, people living towards the direction of the Cascade mountains will definitely see more snow each year. Seattle hills are notoriously steep with snow and ice just making it worse. Luckily the weather usually sticks with rain instead.
The Cascade mountain range runs from the north of Washington straight through to the south. The environments on either side of the mountain vary quite a bit from each other. Eastern Washington is a very different experience and ecosystem than what can be found on the west side of the mountains.
The eastern part of Washington is not as populated as the west side. Agriculture is widespread and droughts are not unheard of. Industry and, more recently, tourism also constitute the economy of eastern Washington.
In the heart of Seattle there are fun ways to get out of the heat. Several lakes plus lots of fountains make water easy to get to. Your hotel will have air conditioning, too, which provides greater relief. The weather in Seattle is sometimes unpredictable but rarely severe.
Contrary to common belief, the Pacific Northwest does have distinct seasons. It isn't just all rain all the time. The summers are beautiful on both sides of the mountains. Though the east side is hotter than the west side, Seattle air conditioning is still something almost everyone has just in case the weather takes a turn to the warmer. The same precautions can be taken for unexpected winter weather, too.
