Weather and Climate | The Olympic Peninsula, WA

Weather

Olympic Peninsula weather, like the landscape itself, is diverse and sometimes surprising—no matter the season. But the generally moderate climate is one more reason people are drawn to the region year round.

Prime conditions for watersport enthusiasts. You can pretty much count on pleasant weather in Port Townsend, which makes it a favorite spot for boating and sailing buffs.

A sunny spot in the rain shadow. Sequim sits in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, and that means very little rainfall—just an average of 17 inches each year. Sequim offers the perfect climate for outdoor sports, and a bounty fresh from the farm.

A typical marine climate. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Port Angeles experiences a typical marine climate. Expect cool summers, mild and cloudy winters, lots of moisture in the air and consistent daily temperatures.

rain forest on the Olympic Peninsula, WA

It’s called a rain forest for a reason. The rain forest valleys of Forks and Quinault see an average of 120 inches of rain each year. That makes for 12 months of waterworks, but the heavy stuff usually falls October through March.

Unpredictable Olympic National Park. No matter the time of year, weather conditions in Olympic National Park are variable and unpredictable—adding to the excitement! In other words, be prepared for a cornucopia of conditions and always check ahead before you venture out.

 

 

When to Go— Timing Your Trip by Season

Spring. The color show in spring is spectacular. Wet, mild and windy pretty much sums up spring weather on the peninsula. Spring showers bring a big payoff. The Olympic Peninsula has the perfect climate for growing flowers.

Summer. Aaaah. It’s what we wait for in the Pacific Northwest. Generally, you can plan on fair and warm weather. Afternoon temps average 65 to 70 degrees. If the gauge hits 85, expect semi-stunned locals to start fanning themselves. Afternoon summer breezes are typical, and things cool off considerably in the evenings. Late summer often brings ocean fog and clouds that move inland and usually hang around until midday. Rainfall during summer months is typically light, but you just never know.

Fall. Cool and wet is the forecast for fall, with typical temperatures ranging from 35 to 65 degrees. Early snow storms are possible in the mountains, and expect those foggy mornings to continue through early fall (pairs well with a cup of coffee).

Winter. From valleys to coast to mountain peaks, winter weather can vary greatly. In general, expect afternoon temperatures in the 40s, dropping into the 20s or 30s at night. Wind storms aren’t unusual. Lower-elevation snow is possible, but you likely won’t see more than 6 to 10 inches at most. The heavy accumulation is higher up. Hurricane Ridge averages a whopping 400 inches of snowfall each year.

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