Climate and monthly weather forecast
Port Townsend, WA

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Victorian design houses from an old age along the beach on a hilly spot overlooking the sea, in Port Townsend, Washington
Victorian design houses from an old age along the beach on a hilly spot overlooking the sea, in Port Townsend, Washington

The climate of Port Townsend

Sitting on the east coast of the United States, Port Townsend, Washington leans towards the moderate end of the climate spectrum, bearing a Csb or Mediterranean climate categorization, as per the Köppen climate classification. This translates to a temperate weather pattern marked with reasonably rainy winters, dry summers, cooler temperatures and predominantly overcast skies throughout the year.

A notable feature in the annual climate profile of Port Townsend is the variation in temperature, which oscillates between 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 67.8°F (19.9°C). The highest temperatures are typically recorded from July to August, peaking at 67.5°F (19.7°C) to 67.8°F (19.9°C), while the chilliest months are December and January, with temperatures hovering around 37.6°F (3.1°C). Conversely, humidity levels exhibit less drastic fluctuations, ranging within a narrow band of 75% to 83% year-round.

Rainfall distribution also shows an uneven pattern, with the wettest month being November at 2.91" (74mm), closely trailed by December and October, each averaging more than 2.5" (64mm) of precipitation. The driest period falls from July to September with rainfall tapering off to 0.43" (11mm) in July and rising moderately to 1.5" (38mm) by September. Snowfall is a rare sight in Port Townsend, most scant from February to November, only creeping slightly to 1.02" (26mm) and 0.28" (7mm) in January and December consecutively.

The best time to visit Port Townsend

The ideal time to visit Port Townsend poses proximity with the mid-year months, specifically from May to September. These months record lower rainfall, warmer temperatures, and higher sunshine hours, thus affording the best conditions for the abundant recreational activities the town is known for. With temperatures ranging between 52.3°F (11.3°C) to 67.8°F (19.9°C) and daylight hours extending from 13.7 to 16 hours, visitors are likely to have a longer, more pleasant daytime.

The worst time to visit Port Townsend

Unfavorable weather conditions in Port Townsend occur mainly between November and January, characterized by the highest levels of rainfall and the lowest temperatures. November and December are particularly dreary with precipitation spiking to an average of 2.91" (74mm) and 2.52" (64mm) respectively. These months also usher in the coldest temperatures of the year, with the thermometer frequently dangling within the 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 43°F (6.1°C) bracket.

Spring weather in Port Townsend

Spring in Port Townsend, which spans from March to May, ushers in a gradual warm-up from the chilly winter season, with temperatures averaging between 39.6°F (4.2°C) to 58.8°F (14.9°C), accentuated by moderate to low rainfall levels from 1.73" (44mm) to 2.2" (56mm). This period also records a longer daylight duration ranging from 11.9 hours to 15.2 hours abetted by 6.8 to 9.8 hours of sunshine.

Summer weather in Port Townsend

June to August denotes the summer season in Port Townsend, flaunting the warmest temperatures that scale from 62.8°F (17.1°C) to 67.8°F (19.9°C). This is the driest period with rainfall dwindling to a mere 0.43" (11mm) in July following a marginal increase in August. Daylight hours are longest during this season, stretching to 16 hours while sunshine duration peaks at 10.5 to 10.9 hours.

Autumn weather in Port Townsend

From September to November, autumn takes hold of Port Townsend, ushering in cooler temperatures between 48°F (8.9°C) to 63.1°F (17.3°C). An increase in precipitation marks this season with September's 1.5" (38mm) rain surging to 2.91" (74mm) by November. Sunshine hours begin to recede, dropping from 9.9 hours in September to 5.1 hours by November.

Winter weather in Port Townsend

Winter in Port Townsend, from December to February, brings in the coldest temperatures between 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 44.2°F (6.8°C). Rainfall is at its highest during this season with November and December leading at over 2.5" (64mm). Daylight becomes scarce, plummeting to as low as 8.4hours in December and January, with feeble sunshine hours barely averaging at 4.9 hours across these months.

Weather in January

January in Port Townsend, Washington, sees winter's chilly grip in full effect. The average high temperatures hover around 43.9°F (6.6°C), with the lowest a brisk 37.6°F (3.1°C). There's an unmistakable chill in the air that persuades many locals to cosy up indoors. Weather in January »

Weather in February

With February, there's a slight but noticeable shift towards higher temperatures with an average increase of less than a degree from the previous month. Even though the transition isn't drastic, the season's change has begun, making itself known in the fewer rainfall days, albeit subtly. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March hails the arrival of spring with temperatures taking a more considerable leap from February and tending towards a 47.8°F (8.8°C) high. The intensity of rainfall and snow lessens, marking a welcome reprieve and hinting at the warmer months ahead. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April sees a bigger leap in temperatures, heralding the full onset of spring with average highs of 52.3°F (11.3°C). The landscape of Port Townsend transforms with blossoming trees and blooming flowers, as the city embraces the milder weather. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is where the city sees a substantial jump in temperature, with the average high soaring to a comfortable 58.8°F (14.9°C). The warmer weather and increase in daily sunshine hours coax residents to enjoy outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the decrease in rainfall promotes an atmosphere of vibrant dryness. Weather in May »

Weather in June

With the advent of summer in June, temperatures in Port Townsend continue their upward trajectory, averaging a high of 62.8°F (17.1°C). The relative humidity dips, maintaining a comfortable balance between heat and moisture. Celebrations of the summer solstice are in full swing, with locals and tourists alike partake in outdoor festivities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July comes as the peak of summer as temperatures max out at an average high of 67.5°F (19.7°C). It's a time when residents fully enjoy the sun-soaked scenery of Port Townsend. With the least rainfall amounting to only 0.43" (11mm), the city basks in its driest month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August maintains the summer heat with average highs mirroring July at 67.8°F (19.9°C). Despite being the tail end of summer, the weather continues to be favourably warm. Rainfall increases modestly from July, observed as a gentle nudge towards autumn. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Port Townsend comes with cooler temperatures, a treat for those seeking a respite from the summer's warmth. Despite the mercury dropping to an average high of 63.1°F (17.3°C), the month remains inviting. The arrival of autumn paints the city in warm hues with less crowd, adding a quiet charm to it. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings in the full sweep of autumn with a marked decrease in temperature to 55.2°F (12.9°C) highs. Rainfall levels begin their climb, preparing the city for the imminent winter. The colourful foliage of Port Townsend offers a picturesque backdrop to Halloween festivities and harvest celebrations. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November's weather grows colder, with temperatures averaging between 48°F (8.9°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C). It's a wet month with rainfall clocking in at 2.91" (74mm), marking the beginning of the rainy season. As winter coats and warm beverages become the preferred choice, the weather reminds locals of the impending winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Port Townsend sees the return of winter, with the lowest average temperatures for the year at 37.6°F (3.1°C). It brings with it the festive cheer of Christmas and New Year. The increased rainfall, an expected 2.52" (64mm), blankets the city in a cool dampness. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 83%.

How much does it rain?

In Port Townsend, during the entire year, the rain falls for 180.3 days and collects up to 21.85" (555mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 7.8 snowfall days, and 4.84" (123mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the ocean coldest?

January, February and April, with an average ocean temperature of 45.1°F (7.3°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 4.8h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

When does it snow the most?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 2.8 days and accumulates 2.87" (73mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

When it does not snow?

May through October are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Port Townsend?

With an average of 16h and 0min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What is the least humid month in Port Townsend?

With an average relative humidity of 75%, July is the least humid month.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 8.3 days and typically collects 0.43" (11mm) of precipitation.

When is the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What part of the year is the hottest?

The temperatures reach their highest averages in August, with highs of 67.8°F (19.9°C) and lows of 55.4°F (13°C).

What are the months with the warmest ocean?

August and September, with an average ocean temperature of 53.1°F (11.7°C), are months with the warmest seawater.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 11h of sunshine.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is November, when the rain falls for 19.1 days and typically aggregates up to 2.91" (74mm) of precipitation.

What time of the year is the coldest?

The coldest temperatures occur during December, when averages reach a peak of 43°F (6.1°C) and a low of 37.6°F (3.1°C).

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight.

Average temperature
Port Townsend, WA

Average temperature - Port Townsend, WA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (67.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (43°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (55.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (37.4°F).

Average pressure
Port Townsend, WA

Average pressure - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.08"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are March and September (30.01"Hg).

Average wind speed
Port Townsend, WA

Average wind speed - Port Townsend, WA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (7.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4mph).

Average humidity
Port Townsend, WA

Average humidity - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (83%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (75%).

Average rainfall
Port Townsend, WA

Average rainfall - Port Townsend, WA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (2.91").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.43").

Average rainfall days
Port Townsend, WA

Average rainfall days - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (20.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (6.6 days).

Average snowfall
Port Townsend, WA

Average snowfall - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.87").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Port Townsend, WA

Average snowfall days - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Port Townsend, WA

Average sea temperature - Port Townsend, WA

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (53°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (45°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Port Townsend, WA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Port Townsend, WA

Average sunshine days - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the most sunshine days is August (22.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (8.2 days).

Average UV index
Port Townsend, WA

Average UV index - Port Townsend, WA

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Port Townsend, WA

Average cloud cover - Port Townsend, WA

The months with the most cloud cover are January, February and December (Cloud cover 50).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 21).

Average visibility
Port Townsend, WA

Average visibility - Port Townsend, WA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Port Townsend, Washington, USA

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