A Tale of Two Climates: Exploring the Diverse Weather Patterns of Washington State
The state of Washington is renowned for its diverse weather patterns that vary greatly depending on the area. In fact, you could divide the state into two distinct regions: the wet western region and the dry eastern region. This unique geographical position has a significant influence not only on the lifestyle of Washington’s residents but also on the industries built in the state. If you’re considering relocating to one of these regions in Washington, our team at Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is ready to take on the challenge. But before that, don’t forget to get informed about the diverse weather patterns of Washington State in order to choose your destination perfectly. We will gladly help you with the research. In our article, we’ll explore the differences in the climate between the western and the eastern side of Washington and how they shape communities in their cities.
Western Washington: The Wet and Mild Climate
When exploring weather patterns of Washington State, note that Western Washington is known for its damp and mild climate, which is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean. This region receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The average location in Eastern Washington only receives an average of 18.45 inches of precipitation per year, whereas the average place in Western Washington receives 66.03 inches. The average city in Western Washington gets 168 days of precipitation annually.

Cities like Kirkland, Renton, Redmon, Lynnwood, and Seattle all lie within this wet region. The damp weather conditions in these cities have a significant effect on the lifestyle of the people who live there. For example, outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping can be compromised due to unexpected weather conditions. Despite the weather limitations, the western part of the state is known for its natural beauty. This area is home to vast forests, scenic waterfalls, and stunning mountain ranges.
Kirkland: Suburban Heaven
Kirkland is located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington and has a mild, maritime climate. The city experiences relatively mild temperatures year-round, with an average high of around 70 degrees in the summer and 45 degrees in the winter. While the city does experience rainfall, it’s generally less rainy than some of the other cities in Western Washington. Kirkland’s climate is ideal for those who enjoy mild temperatures and don’t mind a bit of rain. If you think Kirkland’s climate suits your need, be sure to check out some of the moving companies Kirkland residents recommend.
They can do the heavy lifting in the rain or in the sun while you explore Kirkland’s outdoor activities. Kirkland is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating, which are popular with residents and visitors alike. This is because Kirkland benefits from the moderating effect of Lake Washington, which helps to regulate temperatures and keep the city cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Redmond: Mild Climate Hub
Redmond is located just east of Kirkland and has a similar climate, although it tends to be slightly warmer and drier. The city is in a rain shadow created by the Olympic Mountains, which means that it receives less rainfall than some of the other cities in Western Washington. So, if you want to live in western Washinton, but want to experience a drier climate and plenty of sunshine, Redmond is the place for you! With the help of professional movers Redmond WA can be your home in no time!
In the summers, temperatures in Redmond can reach into the high 70s and low 80s, which makes it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. On the other hand, in the winter, temperatures can drop into the 30s and 40s, but there is usually little to no snowfall in the city.

Renton: Mild and Rainy Haven
Renton is located just south of Seattle and has a similar climate to Kirkland and Redmond. The city experiences mild temperatures year-round, with an average high of around 70 degrees in the summer and 45 degrees in the winter. While Renton does experience more rainfall than some of the other cities in western Washington, it still has a relatively mild climate.
Like Kirkland and Redmond, Renton benefits from the moderating effects of Puget Sound, which helps to regulate temperatures and keep the city cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the weather will not stop you in Renton. Be sure to explore everything Renton offers. For example, hiking, biking, and kayaking, are some of the most popular outdoor activities among the residents. Additionally, there are plenty of parks and trails in the area to explore. If you think you will suit Renton’s incredible climate and the proximity to Seattle, there are many moving companies Renton WA , which will make your relocation a piece of cake.
Why Western Washington’s Mild Climate Draws People In
The climate of Western Washington is often described as mild and temperate, with relatively mild winters and warm summers. This unique climate, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, attracts many to the region. There are many people who prefer this unique western Washington’s climate to the one in the eastern parts of the state. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Mild Temperatures: Western Washington’s climate is characterized by relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. Summers are generally warm but not too hot, while winters are cool but not extremely cold. This makes it a comfortable place to live year-round, without experiencing the extreme temperatures swings that other regions might see.
- Lush Greenery: Western Washington is known for its lush greenery and abundance of trees, thanks in part to its frequent rainfall. This makes for a beautiful and verdant landscape that many people find appealing.
- Outdoor Recreation: Western Washington’s moderate climate allows for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. Residents and visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities often within easy reach of major urban areas.
- Seattle: Seattle is the largest city in Western Washington and is a major draw for many people. What makes moving services Seattle so busy is the vibrant culture, great food, and stunning view of the Puget Sound that Seattle has.

Eastern Washington: The Dry and Arid Climate
Unlike the wet and mild weather patterns of Washington State’s western part, eastern Washington has a dry and arid climate. As previously mentioned, this area receives less than 20 inches of precipitation annually, with the majority of said precipitation being snow during the winter months. The area experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, making it the perfect four-season region.
Some of the cities in this dry region are Spokane, Pasco, and Yakima. Similar to the climate in the western parts of the state, the hot eastern climate has a significant effect of the lives of the residents of these cities. The regions hot and dry summers make it difficult to spend time outdoors during the day, while the cold and snowy winters make it difficult to access many of the outdoor recreational areas.
Spokane: Eastern Continental Climate
Spokane is located in the northeastern part of Washington State and has a semi-arid climate. This means that the city experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach into the 90s and sometimes even the 100s, making it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. In the winter, the temperatures can drop into the single digits, and the city receives a significant amount of snowfall. This city is great for people who want to experience the best of both worlds.

Despite the harsh conditions, Spokane has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike. the city is home to numerous parks and hiking trails, and there are plenty of winter sports to enjoy, including skiing and snowboarding.
Pasco: Semi-Arid Oasis
Pasco is located in the southeastern part of Washington State and has a desert climate. This means that the city experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. In the summer, you can expect temperatures to reach into the 90s and even the 100s, making it a great place for people who enjoy the sunshine. You can spend more than 190 days enjoying the eastern Washington climate.
Don’t be fooled by Pasco’s small size, it has everything a family, a young professional or a retiree needs. From amazing schools to various job opportunities, Pasco has everything you need and desire. However, if you cannot find an appropriate moving company for your relocation you could always hire one from a different city. Despite the distance, movers and storage units Lynnwood offers are available for your needs even in Pasco. Therefore, you won’t need to worry about anything, just give them a call and they’ll arrange everything.
Yakima: Four Seasons in Central Washington
Yakima is located in the central part of Washington State and has a semi-arid climate. Like Spokane, the city experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach the 90s, whereas the temperatures in winter can drop into the single digits, and the city receives a significant amount of snowfall. Yakima is another great example of the diverse weather patterns of Washington State.

Similarly, Yakima also has many great outdoor activities such as Spokane and Pasco. You can spend your free time enjoying Yakima’s numerous parks and beautiful trails. On the other hand, there are many popular winter and summer sports in the area you might be willing to take part in.
The Appeal of Eastern Washington’s Hot and Dry Climate
Western Washington’s cold and often wet temperatures are not everyone’s cup of tea. Many West Washington residents decide to move away from the cold showers to the sunshine part of the state. Here are some of the reasons why eastern Washington’s climate might be right for you:
- Sunshine: Eastern Washington boasts abundant sunshine, with an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year. This makes it an ideal location for those who prefer a sunnier climate and enjoy spending time outdoors.
- Dry Summers: Unlike Western Washington, which has a maritime climate that can be quite damp, Eastern Washington has a dry, continental climate. This means that summers are typically hot and dry, with low humidity and clear blue skies.
- Four Seasons: While Eastern Washington has hot, dry summers, it also experiences all four seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, with opportunities for skiing and other winter sports.
- Outdoor Recreation: Eastern Washinton is a great place for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for biking, hiking, golfing, hunting, and more. The region is home to a number of state and national parks, including Mount Spokane State Park, Lake Chelan State Park, and the Columbia River Gorge.

Get familiar with the Various Weather Patterns of Washington State and get the best of it!
To sum everything up, Washington State is a fascinating and diverse region when it comes to climate. The differences between the western and the eastern region are striking, with both regions offering its own unique benefits and challenges. Whether you prefer the mild, damp climate of Western WA or the hot dry summers of Eastern Washington, the manifold weather patterns of Washington State will not disappoint you.
We’ve covered the benefits and drawbacks each region’s climate has on the lifestyle of its residents and how each city’s weather conditions offer different things. Be sure to do additional research before picking a new spot to call home, however, you can rest assured Evergreen State has something for everyone. Hopefully, our article has helped you with your research, just know you won’t regret making this beautiful state your home.
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History
Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism
We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value
Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.