The climate of Federal Way
Situated in
Washington, USA,
Federal Way boasts a climate classified as Mediterranean, warm summer (Csb) according to the Köppen climate classification. This categorization derives from its long, dry summers and moderate, wet winters. A deep dive into the numerical climatic data reveals more details about Federal Way's unique climate throughout the year.
An observant reader of Federal Way's annual weather parameters will see modest temperature fluctuations. High temperatures rise from a comfortable 44.4°F (6.9°C) in
January to a peak of 77.5°F (25.3°C) by
August, while lows hover between a chilly 34.2°F (1.2°C) in
December to a warm 52.9°F (11.6°C) in the same peak month of August. The humidity keeps within a narrow band as well, showing minor variation from 68% to 86% throughout the year. Interestingly, the wind speed retains a similarly steadied sway, with an annual fluctuation between 3.5mph (5.6km/h) to 5.1mph (8.2km/h) only.
Federal Way experiences its maximum rainfall of 4.72" (120mm) in December, while the driest month,
July, sees an insignificant 0.43" (11mm). A remarkable characteristic of the locations climate is the snowfall, which primarily occurs only in the first and last quarter of the year, with
February witnessing the highest snowfall of 3.27" (83mm). The daylight hours show a marked difference between winter and summer, with the city basking under the sun for an extravagant 15.9 hours in
June, contrasting sharply with the shortest daylight spell of 8.6 hours that December brings.
The best time to visit Federal Way
Taking into consideration the temperature, humidity, rainfall, and daylight hours,
July and
August prove to be the most favorable months for visiting
Federal Way. The temperatures climb to a comfortable range between 76.8°F (24.9°C) and 77.5°F (25.3°C), coupled with the relative humidity falling to a comfortable 68% to 69%. The rainfall is also at its minimum during these months, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Also, with daylight reaching maximum length from 15.5 hours to 14.2 hours, these months offer ample time to explore the city.
The worst time to visit Federal Way
On the other hand, the least desirable time to visit
Federal Way would be from
November through
January. These months show the lowest average temperature, dropping to between 42.6°F (5.9°C) and 44.4°F (6.9°C). Additionally, the relatively high rainfall reaching up to 4.72" (120mm) in
December accompanied by high relative humidity of 85% to 86%, can make for quite uncomfortable outdoor activities. Moreover, the shortest daylight span of 8.6 hours to 9 hours adds to the unfavorable conditions during this period.
Spring weather in Federal Way
Spring in
Federal Way, lasting from
March to
May, experiences a gentle warming trend with high temperatures gradually increasing from 50.5°F (10.3°C) in March to 64.9°F (18.3°C) in May. Lows during this period follow suit, rising from 36.3°F (2.4°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C). Rainfall tends to decrease progressively from 3.27" (83mm) in March to 1.65" (42mm) in May. There is minimal to no snowfall during these months contributing to making spring a pleasant time in Federal Way.
Summer weather in Federal Way
Widely regarded as the best season, Summer in
Federal Way, from
June to
August, is mild and dry. High temperatures fluctuate modestly between 69.4°F (20.8°C) and 77.5°F (25.3°C) and the lows remaining between 46.9°F (8.3°C) and 52.9°F (11.6°C). The city experiences minimal rainfall from 0.43" (11mm) in
July to 0.63" (16mm) in August. With daylight reaching its peak and humidity at its lowest, summer provides the most enjoyable climate.
Autumn weather in Federal Way
In
Federal Way, autumn sets in around
September and lasts until
November. The weather begins to cool, and rainfall increases, giving the city a fresh appeal. High temperatures decrease from 70°F (21.1°C) in September to 48.4°F (9.1°C) by November. While the lows move down from 49.1°F (9.5°C) to 38.7°F (3.7°C). Rainfall begins to increase significantly from 1.61" (41mm) in September to 3.78" (96mm) by November.
Winter weather in Federal Way
The winter months in
Federal Way, from
December to
February, see the coldest temperatures and the highest rainfall. High temperatures range from 42.6°F (5.9°C) in December to 46°F (7.8°C) in February, with the lows ranging between 34.2°F (1.2°C) and 35.1°F (1.7°C). The city receives its highest rainfall of 4.72" (120mm) in December, and snowfall returns reaching its peak of 3.27" (83mm) in February, contributing to the city's beautiful wintry landscape.
Weather in January
The opening chapter of the yearly climatological narrative in
Federal Way,
Washington ascribes to the heart of winter living out its frosty tales.
January conveys the demeanor of a quintessential winter month draped in cool breezes and frequent rainfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Perpetuating the chilly saga from
January,
February sustains the embrace of wintry conditions. A marginal hike in the temperature extends an inkling of Spring, though remaining at bay under the winter's supremacy. Snow adorns the cityscapes sparingly with an average snowfall of 3.27" (83mm), making February the month with the highest snowfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in the early spring, shedding off the winter layers while treading cautiously towards milder climes. Rainfall is frequent, though less voluminous as compared to preceding months. To underline, the average rainfall stands at 3.27" (83mm), distributed over 20 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the arrival of
April,
Federal Way experiences a palpable transition to a friendlier climate regime. The city witnesses a longer play of daylight stretching about 13.7 hours, paving the way for more sunlit hours. The average maximum wind speed subsides further to around 5.1mph (8.2km/h), signaling the calmness of the spring air.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Graciously embracing the heart of spring,
May elucidates a warm and lively symphony of weather elements in
Federal Way,
Washington. The city observes a commanding plunge in average rainfall to merely 1.65" (42mm), embracing the drier air of mid-year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June seals the spring and gently unwraps the onset of pleasant early summer conditions.
Federal Way sees a marked uptick in average high temperatures, inviting a warm air that lightens up the mood of city dwellers. A noteworthy element of June's weather is the lower number of average rainfall days, dwindling to a year-low of just 7.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Following the gentle prequel of
June,
July bursts into a robust summer display, making it the warmest month in
Federal Way. With sweltering average highs nearing 76.8°F (24.9°C), July owns the climax of summer. rainfall transitions to a mere drizzle with less than half an inch of precipitation falling throughout the month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The curtain of
August descends keeping up with the warm template of summer set in
July. Warm breezes mingle around
Federal Way, preserving the heartiness of the Summer season. August carries the flame of cloudless skies with the least cloud cover of 25% throughout the month providing ample sunshine.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Marking the transition from glowing summer to mellow fall, the city adorns itself under the
September sky. September sees a dip in average highs to around 70°F (21.1°C), hinting at the incoming autumn chill. The rainfall attends daily routines more frequently, with a noticeable rise in intensity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sways to the rhythms of fall, intruding on the warmth with a steady drop in temperatures. The weather elements appear more active than
September, infusing cooler threads into the federal way's canvas. Above all, rainfall becomes voluminous again, amounting to an average of about 3.43" (87mm).
Weather in October » Weather in November
Living out the last tales of Fall,
November experiences a stark transition to colder conditions. The dip in temperatures and escalating rainfall threads together the late autumn narrative. A relatively high relative humidity of 85% corroborates the rise in moisture levels and cooler temperature.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Taking cues from
November,
December indulges in the frigid tenderness of winter, closing the annual climatic cycle in
Federal Way. This month sees an uptick in rainfall, with the maximum volume of 4.72" (120mm), marking the wettest time of the year.
Weather in December »