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 »