Thanksgiving in Washington usually means cool, damp days, but severe weather doesn’t show up very often. Daytime highs west of the Cascades tend to hang out in the mid to upper 40s, while east of the mountains, the air feels colder and drier.
Rain falls pretty often in the lowlands, and higher passes may get snow depending on elevation and when storms roll through.
If you’re traveling, the weather can change a lot depending on your route. Seattle and the Puget Sound region often deal with gray skies and light rain.
Spokane and other inland spots get colder, with more fog or frost. Mountain passes like Snoqualmie or Stevens? They’re unpredictable, flipping from wet pavement to snow in no time.
Knowing these patterns helps you plan for gatherings, road trips, or just a walk after dinner. If you want to dodge traffic, prep for ferry waits, or enjoy a little peace outside, understanding the average Thanksgiving weather across Washington really helps.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Washington
Thanksgiving in Washington brings cool days and mild afternoons, with a mix of clouds and sun. Rain pops up a lot in the west, while eastern areas tend to stay drier and colder.
Average Temperatures in Late November
Chilly mornings and cool afternoons are the norm across Washington in late November. In western cities like Seattle, morning lows usually land in the upper 30s °F (3–4 °C).
Afternoon highs often reach the upper 40s to mid-50s °F (8–13 °C).
In eastern Washington, like Spokane, you’ll find colder numbers. Lows often drop into the 20s °F (-6 to -2 °C), and highs usually stick to the upper 30s °F (3–4 °C).
The Cascade Mountains block moisture and keep eastern areas colder and drier. If you’re heading outdoors, layering up is smart since mornings feel much colder than the afternoons.
| Location | Morning Low | Afternoon High |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 38–40 °F (3–4 °C) | 50–55 °F (10–13 °C) |
| Spokane | 22–28 °F (-6 to -2 °C) | 36–40 °F (2–4 °C) |
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain shows up a lot in western Washington around Thanksgiving. Seattle gets about 5–6 inches (125–150 mm) of rain in November, making it one of the wettest months.
Showers happen frequently, but they’re usually light to moderate instead of heavy downpours.
Snow doesn’t show up often in Seattle during late November, but it happens in colder years. Spokane and eastern Washington have a higher chance of snow.
By late November, eastern Washington often sees the first measurable snow of the season, though totals change every year.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that mountain passes can get snowy and icy. The Cascades usually pick up significant snow by this time, which makes driving between east and west tricky.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Late November skies in Washington are usually gray, especially west of the Cascades. In Seattle, clouds rule most days, with just a couple hours of sunshine breaking through.
On average, you might see 2–3 hours of sun per day in western areas.
Eastern Washington gives you a bit more blue sky than the coast. Spokane typically sees more breaks in the clouds and slightly longer sunshine, though days are still short and sunsets come early.
If you’re visiting, expect limited daylight. By Thanksgiving, the sun sets before 5 p.m., so outdoor time gets cut short.
Planning morning or early afternoon outings gives you the best shot at some natural light.
Weather Variations Across Washington
Thanksgiving weather in Washington really depends on where you are. The Pacific Ocean shapes the west side, while the Cascade Range leaves the east drier and colder.
Western Washington Conditions
In western Washington, you’ll often get mild but wet weather around late November. Temperatures usually land between the low 40s and low 50s °F.
Nights stay cool but rarely dip below freezing near sea level.
Rain is a regular guest, with light showers or steady drizzle most days. Heavy downpours do happen, especially in coastal spots like Aberdeen or the Olympic Peninsula.
Snow is rare in the lowlands but can show up in the Cascades or Olympic foothills.
Clouds stick around, so don’t expect much sunshine. If you’re traveling, wet roads and low visibility are your main worries.
Mountain passes like Snoqualmie often get snow by now, so you might need chains or traction tires.
Key points for western Washington:
- Temperature: 40–50 °F daytime
- Precipitation: Frequent rain, sometimes heavy
- Travel impact: Wet roads, possible mountain snow
Eastern Washington Weather Differences
Eastern Washington stays much drier in late November. Daytime temperatures usually fall in the 30s and 40s °F, and nights drop below freezing.
Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities see more frost and sometimes early snow.
Skies are clearer than the west side, but cold air can get stuck in valleys, creating fog. That fog sometimes makes morning driving tough.
Snow is more likely here than west of the Cascades, but totals jump around each year.
Travelers should prep for icy roads and colder conditions. Rain doesn’t pop up as much, but when storms reach the region, they can bring snow or freezing rain.
Key points for eastern Washington:
- Temperature: 30–40 °F daytime, colder nights
- Precipitation: Lighter overall, more snow risk
- Travel impact: Icy roads, valley fog, winter driving hazards
Seattle’s Thanksgiving Climate
Seattle’s Thanksgiving weather comes from its cool, wet maritime climate. You’ll usually see mild highs, frequent rain, and only the occasional surprise like snow or strong winds.
Historical Weather Trends
Thanksgiving in Seattle has a long, damp history. Over the last 50 years, rain has fallen on more than half the holidays.
Completely dry Thanksgivings? They’re rare—just a handful.
Highs usually stick between 45°F and 54°F, making this the “typical” Thanksgiving day in the city.
The coldest one happened in 1985, when the high hit only 27°F and leftover snow stuck around. The warmest was in 1983, with a high of 59°F.
A few events stand out. The 1983 “Turkey Day Storm” hit with wind gusts over 60 mph, knocking out power for many.
In 1990, heavy rain caused flooding across western Washington during the holiday weekend. These moments show that while the climate usually stays steady, extreme weather can still happen.
Recent Thanksgiving Weather in Seattle
Recent Thanksgivings keep following Seattle’s pattern of cool, wet days. Cloudy skies and highs in the upper 40s to low 50s show up most years.
Lows dip into the upper 30s or low 40s, so evenings feel chilly but not freezing.
Rain keeps showing up. November is one of Seattle’s wettest months, so showers during Thanksgiving are more likely than a dry day.
When rain falls, it usually lasts for much of the day—not just a quick burst.
Snow doesn’t happen often, but it’s not impossible. If it does, it’s usually because a cold front moves in right before or during the holiday.
Most years, though, you’ll get cool temps, gray skies, and light to moderate rain as your Thanksgiving backdrop.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Late November in Washington brings wet roads, mountain snow, and colder nights. These conditions can affect both long trips and short drives, so a little extra prep goes a long way.
Driving Conditions and Mountain Passes
If you’re crossing the Cascades, prepare for winter weather on the passes. Snow falls pretty often at elevations above 3,000–4,000 feet, and storms can suddenly lower snow levels.
Chains are often required, and state patrol officers may check for them during active snowfall.
Holiday traffic clogs up the roads, especially on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass and US-2 over Stevens Pass. Delays are common, so give yourself extra time.
Check the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website for live updates, cameras, and pass reports before heading out.
Pack winter gear in your car. Here’s a basic list:
- Tire chains and a full tank of gas
- Warm layers and blankets
- Food, water, and a flashlight
- A phone charger and jumper cables
Even if the forecast looks clear, mountain weather can flip fast. Prepping for delays or sudden snow keeps your trip safer and less stressful.
Fog, Frost, and Potential Hazards
Away from the mountains, you’ll still find seasonal hazards. Morning fog often settles in valleys and lowlands, especially near Puget Sound and in eastern Washington.
Dense fog can cut visibility to less than a quarter mile, so keep headlights on low beam and add extra space between cars.
Frost is another thing to watch for. Overnight lows often slide near or below freezing, which can create slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads.
Black ice is nearly invisible until you’re on top of it. Drive slowly in the early morning, and try to avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
Rain is frequent in western Washington. Wet pavement means longer stopping distances, and standing water can cause hydroplaning.
Check your wipers, brakes, and tires before you hit the road.
If you stay alert to fog, frost, and wet roads, you lower your risk of accidents during this busy travel week.
Holiday Activities and Outdoor Planning
Thanksgiving in Washington brings cool, damp weather, but you can still find windows of dry weather. With a little planning, you can enjoy seasonal events, outdoor gatherings, and short trips without getting caught off guard.
Best Times for Outdoor Events
Late November in western Washington, including Seattle, usually means cloudy skies and temps in the 40s. Rain is common early in the week, but dry spells often show up around the holiday itself.
Those breaks are your best bet for outdoor walks, parades, or shopping trips.
If you’re heading into the Cascades, expect colder weather. Snow levels usually stay above 4,000 feet, so mountain passes might be wet instead of snowy.
That makes scenic drives and hikes at lower elevations more doable than skiing or snowshoeing.
Coastal or island trips are popular too, and ferry rides can get crowded. Westbound sailings before Thanksgiving and eastbound returns after the holiday draw the heaviest traffic.
Planning early morning or late evening departures cuts down your wait time and helps you dodge long lines.
Weather-Appropriate Attire and Packing Tips
Plan for damp air, chilly mornings, and cooler evenings. A waterproof jacket is a must, especially in Seattle where drizzle can last all day.
Layering works best—start with a thermal base, add a sweater or fleece, and finish with a rain shell.
Footwear matters. Waterproof shoes or boots keep your feet dry if sidewalks or trails are wet. Carrying an umbrella is handy in the city, though wind along the waterfront can make a hooded jacket easier to deal with.
If you’re traveling east of the Cascades, pack for colder nights. Temperatures often dip into the 30s, so gloves and a warm hat help.
For day trips, bring a bag with extra socks, a refillable water bottle, and some snacks to stay ready for changing weather.
Long-Term Outlook and Climate Trends
Thanksgiving weather in Washington has shifted over the decades. Temperatures have warmed a bit, and precipitation patterns have become less predictable.
These changes affect how you prep for travel, outdoor gatherings, and seasonal plans.
Changes in Thanksgiving Weather Over Time
If you look back at historical records, you’ll notice late November in Washington has actually warmed up since the 1970s. These days, average highs in a lot of western cities hit the low to mid-50s °F, which feels noticeably warmer than what folks used to expect.
That shift has made snow at lower elevations a rarer sight. Mountain passes, though, can still get hammered with heavy snow around Thanksgiving.
Rainfall hasn’t gone anywhere, but it shows up in less predictable ways now. Sometimes, you’ll get days of light, steady rain. Other years, the storms drop in with a lot more force.
If you’re over in eastern Washington, you’ll still run into those chilly nights. Even so, the daytime temperatures have nudged upward a bit.
Here’s a quick look at the changes:
| Region | Past Avg High (°F) | Recent Avg High (°F) | Snow Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Lowlands | 48–50 | 51–54 | Low |
| Eastern Lowlands | 42–45 | 45–48 | Moderate |
| Mountain Passes | 30s–40s | 30s–40s | High |
So, you’ll probably get milder Thanksgivings down low, but travelers still have to watch out for rough conditions up in the mountains.
Forecasting Uncertainties and Planning Ahead
The Climate Prediction Center usually shares seasonal outlooks that hint at broad trends, like warmer or wetter-than-average conditions. Still, they can’t really tell you what the weather will be for Thanksgiving week. You’re better off expecting a mix of possibilities instead of banking on one outcome.
Big climate patterns, like El Niño and La Niña, shape November weather in their own ways. La Niña years usually mean cooler, wetter weather in Washington. On the other hand, El Niño years lean toward drier and a bit warmer days. Neutral years? Honestly, they add a whole lot of uncertainty.
With so many variables, you’ll want to keep your plans flexible. If you’re heading over the mountain passes, get ready for snow, even if things look calm in the forecast. Planning an outdoor gathering? It’s smart to have an indoor backup in case rain or wind shows up.
Check reliable sources like the National Weather Service about a week ahead so you can tweak your plans if needed. Sure, long-range projections help set the scene, but short-term updates are way more accurate when it comes to your trip or holiday activities.