Valentine’s Day in Washington usually brings cool, damp weather, but honestly, it’s never quite the same from year to year. Most of the time, you’ll see daytime highs in the upper 40s, nighttime lows in the upper 30s, and a pretty good shot at rain. Snow doesn’t happen much, but every now and then, it makes a surprise appearance—sometimes enough to cover the ground.
If you’re picturing Seattle, think gray skies and drizzle. Eastern Washington? Colder and often drier. Some years, it rains all day. Other times, you get a little sunshine or even a dusting of snow. These swings make planning Valentine’s Day—whether you want a city walk, a trip to the mountains, or just dinner out—a bit of a gamble unless you know the patterns.
When you check out both the typical conditions and the wilder weather outliers, you get a better idea of what to expect. That helps you plan for the kind of weather that can shape everything from travel to outdoor adventures all over Washington.
Typical Valentine’s Day Weather in Washington
Washington’s weather on February 14 usually means cool temps, frequent rain, and cloudy skies. The details change depending on whether you’re west or east of the mountains.
You’ll notice differences in temperature, how much it rains, and your odds of seeing the sun, all depending on where you spend the day.
Average Temperatures on February 14
In western Washington—Seattle and nearby spots—daytime highs usually reach the upper 40s °F (8–9 °C). Nighttime lows hover in the upper 30s °F (2–3 °C). These numbers come from years of climate records.
Eastern Washington, like Spokane, feels colder. Highs often top out in the upper 30s °F (3–4 °C), and nighttime lows can drop well below freezing.
History shows some wild swings. Seattle once hit 65 °F (18 °C) on February 14 back in 1991. The coldest Valentine’s Day there only made it to 32 °F (0 °C) in 1923.
So, you’ll want to dress for chilly weather. Bring an extra layer if you’re headed outside.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Rain falls often on February 14, especially west of the Cascades. In Seattle, records show measurable rain nearly every year, usually light to moderate. You’ll see about 0.13 inches (3 mm) on average.
Snow is rare, but it does happen. Seattle has seen at least a trace of snow on Valentine’s Day about nine times since the late 1800s. In 1923, it got 11 inches. In 2021, there was 1.3 inches.
Eastern Washington gets less rain but more chance for snow. Spokane often sees light snow showers around mid-February, though totals stay pretty modest.
If you’re traveling, expect wet weather in the west and a higher chance of frozen stuff in the east.
Frequency of Clear Skies
Clear skies? Not so much in western Washington on Valentine’s Day. Most years, clouds win out and sunshine is limited. Seattle has had cloudy or rainy conditions almost every February 14 for over a decade.
Still, every once in a while, the clouds break. Some years bring dry weather and a peek of sun, but that’s more the exception.
Eastern Washington does a little better for clear skies thanks to its drier climate. Still, mid-February often brings overcast days, especially if a cold front moves in.
If you’re hoping for brighter skies, your best odds are east of the Cascades. Even then, you can’t really count on full sunshine.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Weather
During the day, western Washington feels mild but damp. Jackets and umbrellas come in handy. Afternoon highs feel cool, not icy.
At night, things change fast. Seattle drops into the upper 30s °F, while Spokane and other inland spots often see temps in the 20s °F (around –4 °C).
Moisture at night can make roads slick, especially if temps dip near freezing. Eastern Washington has a higher risk of snow or ice.
For evening plans, dress warm and give yourself extra travel time in case the weather turns messy.
Historical Weather Trends for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day weather in Washington has ranged from mild, pleasant afternoons to cold snaps with snow and ice. February is one of the coldest months, but the day itself can swing wildly thanks to unpredictable mid-Atlantic weather.
Notable Weather Extremes
When you look back, you’ll see all kinds of Valentine’s Day weather in Washington. Some years, highs have reached the 70s. Other years, lows have dipped into the single digits.
Snow doesn’t happen every year, but it’s not unheard of. Some Valentine’s Days have seen a few inches of snow, while others stayed dry and mild. Rain is a little more common, with showers or drizzle every few years.
Examples of extremes:
- Warmest highs: around 70°F in the early 20th century
- Coldest lows: near 0°F in the early 1900s
- Snowiest events: measurable snowfalls of 4–6 inches in select years
These swings make Valentine’s Day feel like spring some years and the middle of winter in others.
Comparison to Coldest Februarys
February ranks as the third coldest month in Washington, with average temps in the mid-30s. In the coldest Februarys—like 1979 and 2015—Arctic air dominated, and Valentine’s Day stayed well below freezing.
When February locks into a cold pattern, Valentine’s Day almost always follows. You’ll see highs in the 20s or low 30s and maybe snow sticking around from earlier storms.
In milder years, though, the day can reach into the 40s or 50s. The weather on the 14th really just mirrors whatever’s going on that February.
Year-to-Year Variability
Valentine’s Day weather changes a lot from year to year. Sometimes you get bright sunshine and an easy walk outside. Other years, you’re dodging icy sidewalks and bracing against the wind.
Washington sits between northern cold and southern warmth, so a small shift in storm tracks or the jet stream can flip the script. One year, you’re bundled up. The next, you’re not.
Looking at past records, measurable rain falls about once every three or four years. Snow is less frequent, but it still pops up enough to make things interesting. The mix of warm spells, cold snaps, and surprise storms means you can’t really predict it—no two Valentine’s Days are quite the same.
U.S. Climate Conditions in February
February weather across the U.S. swings wildly depending on where you are. Some places stay mild with highs in the 60s or 70s. Others deal with freezing temps and heavy snow.
These differences shape travel plans, outdoor fun, and even your daily routine.
Regional Climate Differences
The southern states usually stay the warmest. Cities in Florida, Texas, and southern California often see highs in the 60s and 70s °F. You’ll get mild evenings and almost no snow risk down there.
Meanwhile, the Midwest and Northeast often deal with freezing temps. Snow is common in places like Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. Travel delays and icy roads are just part of the deal.
The western states are all over the map. Coastal California stays cool but not cold, while the Rockies get much colder and see heavy snow. Ski resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Montana usually hit their winter peak in February.
The Pacific Northwest is mostly damp and chilly. Rain dominates in Washington and Oregon, and higher elevations pick up snow. It’s not the easiest region for outdoor travel this time of year.
National Temperature Patterns
Average February temps in the Lower 48 range from the 70s in the far south to the teens or 20s in the north. Daily highs in the Southeast can be 40–50 degrees warmer than the northern Plains.
Nighttime lows really show the difference. Up north, lows often drop below zero. Down south, they might stay near 50 °F. It’s wild how much the air masses mix things up.
Moisture patterns also jump around. The Gulf Coast gets wetter, while the interior West stays drier. Snow falls most often in the Great Lakes, northern Plains, and the mountains.
So, you really need to match your plans to the local climate. A February trip to Arizona is nothing like one to Vermont, even if it’s technically the same season.
Weather Impacts on Valentine’s Day Activities
Cold air, rain, or a bit of snow can totally change your plans. February’s wild weather often affects outdoor gatherings and how you get around town.
Outdoor Event Considerations
If you’re heading outside, expect temps from the mid-30s to mid-40s °F. Nights can drop below freezing, so if you’re walking the National Mall or hitting outdoor memorials, warm layers are a must.
Rain is pretty common in February, and wet ground can make parks and open spaces less appealing. Waterproof shoes and an umbrella make life easier.
Snow is less likely in Washington than in other Northeast cities, but it happens. Even a light dusting can shut down skating rinks or block trails.
Tips for outdoor plans:
- Check the forecast a day ahead.
- Keep indoor backup options, like museums or restaurants, in mind.
- Use public spaces with covered areas if rain looks likely.
Travel and Transportation Effects
Weather can mess with your travel plans, too. Light snow or icy rain isn’t super common, but when it hits, you’ll see flight delays at Reagan National or Dulles and slower Amtrak trains.
On the roads, wet or icy patches can cause traffic jams, especially in the evening when everyone’s out for dinner. Metro trains usually keep running, but outdoor stations can get slick.
If you’re driving, give yourself extra time and maybe park in a garage to avoid a long, cold walk. Visitors who book hotels near Metro lines can skip some winter driving hassles.
Key points for travel:
- Commutes slow down when it’s wet or icy.
- Flights and trains might run late.
- Use public transit when you can to avoid road hazards.
Long-Term Changes and Climate Trends
Valentine’s Day weather in Washington reflects both short-term swings and long-term climate shifts. You can see changes in average February temps, snowfall, and rainfall. That affects not just the day-to-day, but also water supplies and wildfire risk.
Warming Patterns in February
February in Washington has warmed up since the early 1900s. Statewide, average temps have climbed nearly 2°F. The west gets fewer freezing days, and the east sees fewer really cold nights since the 1990s.
This warming trend shows up in the snowpack, too. More precipitation falls as rain instead of snow, especially at lower elevations in the Cascades. That shift changes spring runoff and the timing of water for farms and hydropower.
You might notice extreme cold snaps are less common now. Data shows western Washington has had fewer freezing days for over thirty years. At the same time, warmer nights are popping up more, especially in Seattle, which didn’t used to have many warm winter nights.
Recent Shifts in Weather Normals
The official U.S. Climate Normals use 30-year averages, and the latest set really shows how much February has changed. In western Washington, average highs feel milder than they did decades ago.
Meanwhile, eastern Washington sees a bigger gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows. That’s a detail you might not notice unless you’re living there.
Snowfall just isn’t as dependable anymore, especially at lower elevations where February once meant steady snow on the ground. Some years, like 2015, mountain snowpack dropped off a cliff—those low levels still stand out.
Precipitation keeps bouncing around, but honestly, you’ll probably see more winter rain than heavy snow in a lot of places now. These changes really affect Valentine’s Day travel—road conditions can flip from soggy lowlands to icy mountain passes in no time.
Tips for Planning Around Valentine’s Day Weather
Washington’s February weather bounces between chilly rain, damp air, and those surprise cold snaps. You’ll have a better holiday if you prep for whatever comes and check the forecast from a source you trust.
How to Dress for the Weather
Expect cool to cold temperatures in mid-February, with average highs hanging out in the 40s °F and lows that flirt with freezing. Rain shows up a lot, so waterproof layers matter more than just heavy coats.
Grab a water-resistant jacket, and wear something warm but not too bulky underneath. A fleece or a light sweater does the trick, especially if you’re ducking in and out of buildings.
If you’re walking outside, waterproof shoes or boots save you from soggy socks.
Little things help too. A small umbrella fits in your bag for surprise showers, and gloves with a scarf make chilly evenings a lot more comfortable. Layering makes it easy to go from damp sidewalks to toasty restaurants or theaters without overheating.
Staying Informed with Forecasts
Weather in Washington during February? It can flip on you fast, so you really need to check the forecasts. I usually start by looking at the National Weather Service or a local source a few days before making plans. Honestly, those tend to have the most reliable updates.
On the actual day, I grab my phone and check a mobile app for hour-by-hour forecasts. That way, I know if I should toss some extra rain gear in my bag or just hope for dry skies.
Don’t just glance at the temperature—watch for precipitation chances and wind, too. A 40°F day with a steady drizzle feels way colder than the same temp without rain, doesn’t it? Keeping an eye on the latest info lets you adjust your plans, maybe book something indoors if needed or sneak outside between showers.