Washington, United States

Washington experiences a continental climate, where average temperatures vary from a low of 6°C / 43°F in January to a high of 31°C / 88°F in July.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, averaging 96 mm / 3.8 inches monthly, peaking in July (120 mm / 4.7 inches) and reaching its lowest in February (76 mm / 3 inches).

UV peaks in June (index 8) and drops to its lowest in December (index 3); strong sun protection is essential during summer months.

The longest days occur in June with around 14.8 hours of daylight, while December has the shortest days at about 9.5 hours.

Each season in Washington brings unique weather patterns, allowing visitors to choose the experience that suits them best.

Today's forecast

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Washington.

Typical range

High / low

Average highs up to 30.9°C and lows down to -2.4°C.

Rain pattern

Wettest month

July averages 120 mm.

UV

Typical peak band

Typical peak UV is High.

Daylight

Seasonal range

Roughly 9 hrs to 15 hrs.

Wind

Typical strength

Average around 10 km/h, peaking in March.

Humidity

Typical range

Generally 65 % to 72 %.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Washington, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Washington compares

See how it ranks against the rest of United States for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in United States
#13 / 20
COOLEST (AVG)
in United States
#7 / 20
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in United States
#10 / 20
WINDIEST (AVG)
in United States
#11 / 20
HIGHEST UV
in United States
#15 / 20
MOST HUMID
in United States
#15 / 20

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Washington, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

How does the weather in Washington feel over the year?

On a typical year, you can expect highs around 19°C (66°F) and lows near 9°C (48°F). Conditions usually feel mild in the daytime and cool once the sun goes down. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.

When is the best time to visit Washington for dry weather?

The driest month is usually February, with around 76 mm (3.0 in) of rain. In contrast, July is the wettest month, so that’s when you’re most likely to need a raincoat or umbrella.

When is sun exposure strongest in Washington?

UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 8), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is Washington a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 10 km/h (6 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 61 km/h (38 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.

How much daylight does Washington get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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