The climate of Washington
Looking at the annual climate observations, it becomes clear that
Washington,
Pennsylvania, USA, falls into the Köppen climate classification of Cfa. This humidity-dominant categorization tells of an area baring a humid subtropical climate with no defined dry season. Located in the northeastern segment of the United States, Washington experiences an array of varied weather throughout the year.
Each of the multiple climate parameters paints a vivid picture of Washington's weather scene. Observations uncover close alignment with the categorization as a Cfa climate zone. The highs and lows of temperature, the frequency of rainfall, and the duration of daylight among other factors collectively shape the state of the weather. Starting from a low of 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in the winter months, the temperature ascends to peak at an average high of 83.3°F (28.5°C) in the height of summer. The rainfall, without a straightforward pattern, ranges from a minimum of 0.94" (24mm) to a maximum of 1.65" (42mm), with varying numbers of rainy days spread across the year.
Further insight reveals unique weather peculiarities.
July, a summer month, stands out with the highest average temperature of 83.3°F (28.5°C) balanced with the maximum number of daylight hours at 15 units. Interestingly,
May records the highest average rainfall in millimeters, despite being a transitional month between spring and summer. Conversely,
December and
January go for long stretches without rainfall, rounded up with impressive snowfall reaching up to 1.06" (27mm) in December.
The best time to visit Washington
Factoring in all climatic variables, late spring to early fall emerges as the ideal period to visit
Washington. Notably, the months from
May to
September offer a range of pleasant temperatures starting at 61.3°F (16.3°C) to 82°F (27.8°C), paired with a consistent daylight duration of between 13.3 hours and 15 hours. This period also features a relative decline in rainfall with drops as low as 1.57" (40mm), forming perfect conditions for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and overall exploration of the city.
The worst time to visit Washington
Transversely, the period encompassing late fall into the heart of winter appears to be the least favorable for tourism. In these months, spanning from
November through
March, temperatures can dip down to a chilly 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in
February, and maximum average temperatures not exceeding 48.6°F (9.2°C). Additionally, the daylight hours dramatically decrease ranging from 9.7 to 12 hours, limiting the time for outdoor sightseeing. The presence of snow in some of these months, with snowfall reaching 1.26" (32mm) in February, might be a deterrent for some visitors.
Spring weather in Washington
Springtime in
Washington ushers in a mild and moderately wet climate. Running from
March to
May, the temperatures show a rising trend from an average low of 31.5°F (-0.3°C) in March to an inviting high of 72.1°F (22.3°C) in May. Rainfall during this period stays above 1 inch with the number of rainy days peaking at 17.2 days in May. Notably, March records an admirable average of 12 hours of daylight, progressing to a generous 14.4 hours by May.
Summer weather in Washington
Summer in
Washington is decidedly warm with average minimum and maximum temperatures varying between 57.7°F (14.3°C) and 83.3°F (28.5°C). This time from
June to
August experiences less overall rainfall than the preceding months, with amounts dwindling down to 1.57" (40mm) in June and August. The longest days of the year occur in summer, offering as much as 15 hours of daylight in June and
July.
Autumn weather in Washington
The transition to Autumn from
September to
November brings about decreasing temperatures and daylight hours. The temperatures shift from an average high of 75.7°F (24.3°C) in September to a cooler average high of 49.5°F (9.7°C) in November. Concurrently, daylight hours recede from 12.4 hours in September to just 10 hours in November. Rainfall in this period remain relatively low, hovering around 1 inch per month.
Winter weather in Washington
Winter in
Washington records the lowest temperatures and shortest days. In the period from
December to
February, average temperatures hover between a chill of 20.8°F (-6.2°C) and a high of 38.3°F (3.5°C). Noticeably, the daylight hours drop to 9.4 hours in December and
January. Snowfall characteristic of this season reaches 1.06" (27mm) in December while rainfall remains fairly constant near 1 inch monthly.
Weather in January
January in
Washington,
Pennsylvania, brings with it a chilly embrace, as the winter season shows its true form. The low temperatures, which can drop to 20.8°F (-6.2°C), are complemented by an influx of snow, peaking at 1.06" (27mm).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Winds blow a little less brisk in
February but the temperatures do not rise much either. Even though the highest temperature can go up to 38.3°F (3.5°C), that is still considered relatively low. The prevalence of snowfall continues to fade, resulting in a modest decrease in precipitation amounts.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is a chilly month in
Washington,
Pennsylvania, with temperature in the range of an average low of 31.5°F (-0.3°C) and an average high of 48.6°F (9.2°C). The shift into March is characterized by a rise in the average high-temperature, transitioning from
February's icy 38.3°F (3.5°C) to a frosty 48.6°F (9.2°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April serenades
Washington with the full arrival of spring. Despite the disappearance of the winter ice with only 0.12" (3mm) of snow recorded, some might find the rainfall of 1.57" (40mm) accompanying the increased humidity a bit overwhelming.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May takes a leap forward into the warmer season, shaking off the remnants of the springtime dampness. Despite showing a mere difference of 0.04" (1mm) of rain from
April, the most significant change is the near absence of snowfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As
June rolls in,
Washington experiences full-blown summer with temperatures that reach to 78.8°F (26°C). The city brightens under the summer sun, which shines the longest in a year at 15 daylight hours. Citizens swap their raincoats for sun hats, and the green landscapes boom alongside the clear blue skies.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak summer month in
Washington, with temperatures escalating to a maximum of 83.3°F (28.5°C). Despite the fact that this is the warmest period across the year with the highest UV index, the likelihood of rainfall also increases to show 1.65" (42mm).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August shares
July's fervor but with a somewhat cooler ambience. Despite a slight decline in temperature levels, a maximum of 82°F (27.8°C) can still be reached, symbolizing the sun's persistent grip. Unlike the previous month, precipitation experiences a decrease to 1.26" (32mm), reinforcing the dominance of dry, hot weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September introduces the beginning of the fall season in
Washington, with temperatures cooling down to a maximum of 75.7°F (24.3°C). Weather patterns present a decline in both rainfall and daylight hours, indicating the year's transition into its more temperate phase.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Falling firmly in the territory of autumn,
October in
Washington presents noteworthy changes in weather conditions. Mild temperatures prevail, confirmed by the mercury, which drops to a maximum of 62.4°F (16.9°C). The city experiences a beautiful transformation as the landscape dons shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings a significant chill to the air in
Washington as the city teeters on the edge of the winter season. Temperatures hardly touching 49.5°F (9.7°C), the city bears the characteristic bite of the oncoming cold. With a cool wind brewing and the reintroduction of snowfall trends, Washington's weather morphs, preparing the city's canvas for winter's artwork.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December announces the return of winter in
Washington, with average temperatures dropping to a wintery 40.1°F (4.5°C). Amid the festive cheer, the weather gets frostier, with the reappearance of substantial snowfall at 0.83" (21mm).
Weather in December »