Weather in January
January stands out as one of the coldest months in
Washington, particularly in eastern regions where the chill is more pronounced. In western Washington, average low temperatures drop to 23°F (-5°C). Eastern Washington experiences more extreme cold, with nighttime temperatures commonly ranging from -10°F (-23.3°C) to -20°F (-28.9°C). The city of Winthrop in the Methow Valley of eastern Washington is known for its cold winter temperatures and recorded one of the lowest temperatures in the state's history. In contrast, the western region, particularly cities like Seattle and Olympia, experiences milder but wetter conditions.
January is characterized by mostly cloudy skies, long-lasting drizzly rain in the west, and snowfall in the east. The snowfall in January is notably substantial, especially in the highlands and eastern Washington. In eastern regions, snowfall can reach up to 75" (1905mm), while areas like Puget Sound in the west see lesser amounts, around 10" (254mm). The state also experiences strong winds during this month, with speeds reaching up to 40 to 50mph (80.5km/h) (64.37 to 50mph (80.5km/h)).
When compared to
December, January generally sees a slight decrease in temperatures but an increase in precipitation.
February usually offers a slight respite with marginally warmer temperatures but retains a similar precipitation pattern. Overall, January remains a month best suited for winter sports, with various mountain resorts attracting tourists for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
- Seattle - January »
In Seattle, during January, the rain falls for 8.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Seattle, Washington. - Spokane - January »
The month with the most snowfall in Spokane is January, when snow falls for 14.9 days and typically aggregates up to 10.39" (264mm) of snow. The most humid month in Spokane is January, with an average relative humidity of 89%. - Tacoma - January »
The months with the lowest UV index in Tacoma are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. In Tacoma, during January, snow falls for 1.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.26" (32mm) of snow. - Vancouver - January »
In Vancouver, Washington, during January, snow falls for 1.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.63" (16mm) of snow. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Vancouver. - Bellevue - January »
In Bellevue, in January, snow falls for 1.3 days, with typically accumulated 0.67" (17mm) of snow. In Bellevue, in January, during 11.8 rainfall days, 1.54" (39mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. - Kent - January »
The months with the highest humidity in Kent are January, February and December, with an average relative humidity of 85%. The months with the lowest UV index in Kent are January, February, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. - Everett - January »
January and December, with an average of 4.2h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Everett, Washington. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Everett. - Renton - January »
January and December, with an average relative humidity of 85%, are most humid months in Renton. The months with the lowest UV index in Renton are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. - Federal Way - January »
In Federal Way during January, snow falls for 2.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.61" (41mm) of snow. Months with snowfall in Federal Way are January through April, November and December. - Yakima - January »
The month with the most rainfall in Yakima is January, when the rain falls for 10.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation. The month with the most rainfall in Yakima is January, when the rain falls for 10.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation. - Kirkland - January »
In Kirkland during January, snow falls for 2.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.22" (31mm) of snow. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Kirkland, Washington. - Bellingham - January »
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Bellingham, Washington. Wrapping up the old year and welcoming the new, January in Bellingham, Washington is dominated by moderate temperatures, frequent rain, snowfall, and predominant cloud cover.