If you’re planning a trip to Washington for New Year’s, get ready for cool temperatures, short days, and a decent chance of wet weather.
Most years, average highs land in the upper 30s to upper 40s, depending on where you are. Lows often dip into the 20s and 30s.
This combo brings a crisp, wintry vibe that feels seasonal, but honestly, it’s not as harsh as you’ll find in some northern states.
Rain falls often west of the Cascades, especially around Seattle. Meanwhile, snow shows up more in eastern spots like Spokane.
The state’s geography really mixes things up—coastal cities get rainy, while inland areas might look like a snow globe. You’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you decide how to spend your New Year’s.
Maybe you’re thinking of checking out Seattle’s events, heading up to the mountains for some skiing, or just wandering through smaller towns. Either way, knowing the typical weather helps you plan better.
If you set the right expectations, you’ll pick activities that fit the season and actually enjoy Washington’s unique start to the year.
Typical Temperatures Around New Year’s in Washington
Washington kicks off the year with cold weather, and the state’s geography shapes it in a big way.
Near the coast, you’ll get mild but damp conditions. Inland and higher up, it’s colder and usually snowier.
Average Highs and Lows
In western Washington, including Seattle, average highs around New Year’s reach about 8–9°C (46–48°F). Lows drop to about 3°C (37°F).
Frost can happen, but long freezes don’t stick around much.
Eastern Washington, like Spokane, gets colder averages. Highs hover near 1–2°C (34–36°F), and lows often fall to -5°C (23°F) or even lower.
Snow is more common here, especially in valleys and foothills.
Most lowland spots see daytime temps just above freezing, and nights often slip below it.
You might get some light snow or freezing rain, but rain is still more likely on the west side of the Cascades.
Regional Differences: Western vs. Eastern Washington
Western Washington stays more moderate thanks to the Pacific Ocean.
The marine air keeps extreme cold at bay, but you’ll want to be ready for damp air, lots of clouds, and a chilly breeze.
Snow barely shows up along the coast, though the occasional storm can drop a quick layer.
Eastern Washington doesn’t get that ocean buffer. Clearer skies mean colder nights, and snow is a regular thing.
Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities often have snow on the ground into early January, and daytime highs struggle to climb above freezing.
The Cascade Range splits the state in two. Towns along the passes, like Snoqualmie or Stevens, usually see highs below freezing with frequent snow. Getting around can get tricky.
Temperature Extremes and Variability
Averages are helpful, but the weather can flip in a hurry.
In western lowlands, sometimes you’ll get a warm Pacific system that bumps temps into the 10–12°C (50s°F). These spells melt snow fast but dump a lot of rain.
Eastern valleys can get hit by sudden cold snaps. Arctic air sometimes sweeps down, dropping lows below -15°C (5°F).
It doesn’t happen every year, but it’s not rare either. You’ll want to pack for the possibility.
Mountains are just cold, all the time. Ski resorts in the Cascades and Olympics usually stay below freezing with steady snow.
That’s great for winter sports, but it’s a headache for driving.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Early January brings plenty of wet weather to much of Washington.
Western areas get more rain, while the east deals with colder, snowier days.
Moisture from the Pacific and cold inland air combine to create mixed precipitation. This can mess with both your daily plans and travel.
Likelihood of Rain and Snow
Rain falls often in western Washington during early January.
Seattle usually gets about 15 days with measurable precipitation in the month, and most of it is rain.
Average rainfall hits around 6 inches, so it’s definitely one of the soggier times of year.
Spokane, on the other hand, averages closer to 9 days of precipitation in January.
Since it’s colder, most of that comes down as snow instead of rain. You really notice the climate divide between coast and inland.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, expect damp weather in the west and a higher chance of snow in the east.
Even after the sky clears, wet ground or icy patches tend to stick around.
Snowfall Amounts and Frequency
Seattle doesn’t see much snow. On average, the city gets around 1 inch of snow in January, and it rarely sticks around because temps are mild.
Snow events here are usually short and sometimes mixed with rain.
Spokane, though, averages over 4 inches of snow in January. Snow falls more often and can pile up over several days.
Cold nights let the snow stick, and it hangs around for a while.
Mountain passes like Snoqualmie get much heavier snowfall. These higher spots regularly see feet of snow in January.
It makes for tough driving, but it’s great for ski resorts.
Impact of Precipitation on Travel
Rain in western Washington can make roads slick and cut down visibility, especially during heavier showers.
Flooding doesn’t happen much in January, but standing water and hydroplaning can still be issues after a long rain.
In eastern Washington, snow and ice cause the main problems.
Spokane drivers often deal with compact snow on roads, and freezing temps mean de-icing is a must.
Mountain passes sometimes close during storms, so check conditions before heading out.
For flights, both rain and snow can cause delays. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport handles rain well but can get disrupted by rare snow.
Spokane International Airport deals with more snow and icy runways.
Seattle Weather During New Year’s
Seattle steps into the New Year with cool temps, steady rain, and not much daylight.
You’ll see cloudy skies, damp conditions, and only a slim shot at snow compared to other parts of Washington.
Temperature Ranges in Seattle
In late December and early January, Seattle days usually run from the mid-30s °F to the upper 40s °F.
Average lows hover near 36–38°F (2–3°C), and highs reach about 45–47°F (7–8°C).
Nights feel colder because of the damp air and cloud cover. Temps rarely drop below the upper 20s °F, so you won’t see much extreme cold.
Still, dress in layers—the damp chill can feel colder than the actual number.
Seattle’s mild oceanic climate keeps winter temps pretty steady.
Unlike the east side, you won’t get big swings from day to night. It’s predictable, though not always pleasant.
Rainfall and Snowfall in Seattle
Rain is the main story in Seattle around New Year’s.
In January, the city usually sees 16–18 days of rain, but it’s mostly light to moderate showers.
You’ll run into drizzle or steady rain more than heavy downpours.
Snow is rare, but it can happen. Most years, Seattle only gets a few inches total, and it melts in a hurry.
A snow event during New Year’s doesn’t happen much, but when it does, travel slows down since the city isn’t built for snow.
If you’re planning to be outside, waterproof clothing and shoes beat snow gear. An umbrella helps, but honestly, most locals just go with water-resistant jackets.
Typical Daylight and Sunshine
Daylight is in short supply this time of year.
Around New Year’s, Seattle gets about 8.5 hours of daylight per day. Sunrise is close to 8:00 a.m., and sunset comes around 4:30 p.m.
Clouds hang around a lot, so sunshine is rare. You might only catch a few hours of partial sun all week.
Many days are just gray from morning to night.
This lack of light can change how you plan things. Indoor spots, early starts, and being flexible help you make the most of the short days.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity stays high in Seattle during winter.
Relative humidity usually runs between 75% and 85%, making the air feel even damper.
Even if it’s not raining, the air feels moist.
Winds are usually gentle, averaging 5 to 10 mph, mostly from the south or southwest.
Strong winds don’t happen often in the city, but they can show up with a passing Pacific storm.
The mix of humidity, clouds, and light wind makes for a cool, damp scene.
You’ll want warm, water-resistant clothes more than a heavy winter coat.
Weather Conditions Across Washington State
Around New Year’s, Washington’s weather really depends on where you are.
Coastal spots stay damp and cool. Mountain passes get heavy snow. The east side is colder and a bit clearer.
These differences matter if you’re traveling, skiing, or just hanging out outside.
Coastal Areas
On the coast, including Seattle and Olympia, you’ll get mild but wet conditions.
Average highs reach the upper 40s °F, and lows stick to the upper 30s °F.
Snow is rare, but rain falls often—about 15 rainy days in December and totals over 6 inches.
Clouds are everywhere, with clear skies less than a third of the time.
Winds stay moderate, around 5 mph, which just adds to the chill.
Daylight is short, hovering near 8.5 to 9 hours, so evenings come fast.
If you’re visiting, waterproof gear is more helpful than heavy coats.
Roads almost never ice up at sea level, but wet pavement and low visibility can slow you down.
Cascade Mountains
The Cascades get some of the snowiest weather in the state for New Year’s.
Mountain passes like Snoqualmie or Stevens often see feet of snow in December.
Temps range from the mid-20s °F at night to the low 30s °F during the day.
Travel here means you need chains or traction tires. Storms can close roads fast.
Snowfall averages several inches per day during active systems.
Higher up, strong winds whip around, blowing snow and cutting visibility.
For skiers and snowboarders, this is the best time. Resorts get deep snowpack.
Backcountry spots require avalanche awareness.
You should get ready for rapidly changing conditions and always bring solid winter gear if you’re heading into the mountains.
Eastern Washington
East of the Cascades, places like Spokane and the Columbia Basin turn much colder and drier.
Average highs are in the mid-30s °F, with lows usually in the 20s °F.
Snow falls more often than on the coast, averaging 4–5 inches in December around Spokane.
Precipitation is lighter, with fewer than 10 wet days in the month.
Skies clear up a bit more, but fog can stick around in valleys, especially in the mornings.
Winds blow a bit stronger here, often around 6–7 mph.
Expect icy roads and occasional snowpack, especially outside the cities.
Cold air settles in low spots, keeping temps below freezing for days.
Warm layers and prepping for winter driving are a must.
Climate Influences and Weather Normals
Washington’s winter weather comes from a mix of ocean influence, mountain barriers, and long-term climate trends.
Depending on where you are, you’ll see everything from wet coastal days to cold, snowy mountain weather.
Understanding Climate Normals
Climate normals represent 30-year averages for temperature, precipitation, and snowfall. They give you a sense of what “typical” weather looks like for a place and time of year.
In Washington, these averages come from data collected at many observation stations across the state. For late December and early January, western Washington usually sees highs around 40–45°F (4–7°C) and lows near 30–35°F (-1–2°C).
Eastern Washington feels colder, with highs closer to 30–35°F (-1–2°C) and lows dipping into the 20s°F (-6 to -2°C). Precipitation falls often, especially in the west.
Along the coast, rainfall averages between 4–6 inches (100–150 mm) in December. Inland and at higher elevations, snowfall becomes more likely.
These normals set a reliable baseline when you’re planning winter activities.
Long-Term Weather Patterns
Washington’s climate varies a lot by region. The Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures milder and wetter in the west.
The Cascades block a lot of this moisture, so eastern Washington ends up drier and colder. Over the past few decades, precipitation patterns have shifted.
Summers seem drier now, while winters carry most of the annual rainfall and mountain snow. New Year’s trips are more likely to bring wet or snowy weather than dry spells.
Snowpack in the Cascades matters a lot. Each winter, mountain snowfall can exceed 150–200 inches (380–500 cm), which feeds rivers and ski resorts.
At lower elevations, snow doesn’t show up as reliably, but cold snaps can still bring a quick dusting.
Factors Affecting New Year’s Weather
Several things shape the weather you’ll get around New Year’s. The Pacific Ocean sends steady moisture, bringing rain to the lowlands and snow to the mountains.
The Cascade Range acts like a wall, making things wetter to the west and leaving the east colder and drier. Storm systems roll through late December, bringing quick changes—sometimes rain turns to snow when temperatures drop.
Coastal areas might get windy, stormy days. Valleys east of the Cascades often sit under calm but frigid nights.
Elevation changes everything. At sea level, expect rain mixed with occasional snow.
Higher up, snow falls more consistently, so mountain passes and ski areas usually get real winter weather during the holidays.
Tips for Visiting Washington Around New Year’s
Cold rain, mountain snow, and short daylight hours set the scene for Washington travel at the start of the year. You’ll want to prepare for wet weather in the west, icy roads in the mountains, and chilly, drier air in the east.
Planning ahead helps you stay comfortable and safe. You’ll get more out of winter activities if you’re ready for the elements.
What to Pack for the Weather
Expect temperatures in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F (2–7°C) in western Washington, with colder weather in the mountains and eastern regions. Rain falls often near the coast, while heavy snow hits higher elevations.
Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, and a hat. Insulated boots with good traction really help if you plan to walk in snow or slush.
Pack wool or synthetic clothing instead of cotton. These materials dry faster and keep you warmer when wet.
If you’re heading into the mountains, toss in snow gear like waterproof pants and gaiters.
A small umbrella can work in Seattle or Tacoma, but wind and sideways rain usually make a hooded jacket more practical.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Skiing and snowboarding draw crowds to Mount Baker, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain in early January, since snowpack is usually reliable.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also great in the Cascades and Olympic Mountains. If you prefer something milder, western Washington cities put on holiday light displays that often last into early January.
Leavenworth, with its Bavarian vibe, keeps festive decorations up through winter. Coastal spots like the Olympic Peninsula show off dramatic winter scenery, and you can storm watch along the Pacific beaches.
In eastern Washington, skies are often clearer, so you might enjoy outdoor walks or winery visits without much rain.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Driving conditions change fast out here. Mountain passes like Snoqualmie and Stevens sometimes need tire chains, and storms can close them without much warning. Always check the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) updates before you hit the road.
Flights into Seattle or Spokane might get delayed because of fog, snow, or just plain rain. If you’ve got a connection, it’s smart to give yourself some wiggle room.
Keep a winter travel kit in your car—think blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight, just in case. If you’re hanging out in the cities, expect wet sidewalks and not much daylight, since sunset creeps in before 5 p.m. most days.
Seattle’s public transportation usually runs pretty well, but rural bus routes might get cut back during winter. If you’re counting on buses or ferries, plan ahead.