Climate Information

Heavy rainfall may characterize the late fall and winter months, but beautiful blue skies dominate during the summer months. In fact, on a nice summer day, except for the lush vegetation, it is hard to imagine that it rains in the Olympics.

The climate on the Olympic Peninsula is primarily influenced by wind direction, ocean surface temperatures, terrain, and intensity of high and low pressure centers over the North Pacific Ocean. These conditions produce a marine climate. Heaviest precipitation begins in the fall, reaching a peak in December and decreasing in the spring. Summers are relatively dry; however, weather at anytime of the year is extremely unpredictable in the Olympics.

The annual precipitation on the Peninsula varies greatly upon location. The southwest portion of the Peninsula (Quinault, Queets, Hoh) is the wettest with an average rainfall of over 140 inches in the lowlands and over 200 inches in the higher mountain elevations. The driest area on the Peninsula is in the northeast corner (Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Quilcene, Sequim). In portions of this area, the annual precipitation is as low as 15 inches. The Wynoochee River Valley in the SW portion of the Peninsula holds the annual rainfall record at over 180 inches. The western side of the Olympic Peninsula is known for its temperate rain forests, an ecosystem consisting of high rainfall; dense understory of lush vegetation including ferns, flowers and moss; and an overhead canopy of towering evergreen conifer trees.

Seasons

Winter -- Temperatures during the day are generally in the 40's and nighttime readings usually range from upper 20's to upper 30's. During the winter months, snowfall is rare in the lower elevations and when it does snow, it usually doesn't last for long.

Spring – Temperatures usually range from 35 to 60 degrees. This time of year is generally mild, wet and sometimes windy.

Summer – Daytime temperatures average between 65 to 80 degrees while nighttime temperatures are in the low 50's. NOTE: Rainstorms can move across the Olympic Peninsula even during the summer months so it is best to always have rain gear handy.

Fall – Temperatures generally range from 35 to 65 degrees. The weather is usually cool and wet with occasional winds. Frequently, during the latter half of summer and early fall, fog banks and low clouds form over the ocean and move inland at night. This usually burns off by midday.

Current Weather

For the latest weather information go to http://www.weather.com.

Check below for the zip code for the area you want to check weather for:

Town, WA	Zip Code
Aberdeen	98520
Forks	98331
Hoodsport	98548
Neah Bay	98357
Olympia	98501
Port Angeles	98362
Port Townsend	98368
Quilcene	98376
Quinault	98575
Sequim	98382
Shelton	98584