Climate and monthly weather forecast
Tacoma, WA

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The city of Tacoma, Washington lit perfectly in the night
The city of Tacoma, Washington lit perfectly in the night

The climate of Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington, settles within the Mediterranean Csb predominant climate zone, according to the Köppen climate classification. The city boasts a blend of climatic conditions due to its geographical positioning on the Puget Sound, set against the backdrop of Mount Rainier. The Mediterranean climate indicates warm, reasonably dry summers and mild, wet winters - a pattern aptly reflected in Tacoma's monthly weather metrics.

Tacoma's weather parameters exhibit significant fluctuations across the year. Notably, the average high temperature climbs from 45.5°F (7.5°C) in January to a peak of 78.1°F (25.6°C) in August, while average minimum temperatures track a similar trend, ranging from 34.3°F (1.3°C) in February to 52.7°F (11.5°C) also in August. Relatively high humidity levels punctuate Tacoma's weather, averaging 87% at the year's bookends, and merely dipping to 68% in July.

Rainfall in Tacoma is typically abundant, with the highest precipitations recorded in December, registering at 4.69" (119mm) spread over 18.4 days. On the contrary, July remains the driest month, with a sparse 0.39" (10mm) of rain spanning 6.3 days. Along with discernible rain patterns, the city also experiences slight snowfall, albeit rarely, with January and February bearing witness to minor snow events measuring 1.26" (32mm) and 2.28" (58mm) respectively.

The best time to visit Tacoma

The period from late spring through early fall, specifically May through September, emerges as optimal for making a visit to Tacoma. This timeframe encapsulates comfortable temperatures, spanning from 57.2°F (14°C) to 78.1°F (25.6°C), and minimal rainfall, with precipitation ranging between 1.14" (29mm) to 1.57" (40mm) during these months. Additionally, the city enjoys prolonged sunshine hours, with daylight stretching from 13.7 hours in April to a lofty 15.9 hours in June, coinciding with enhanced visibility of six miles, making outdoor activities particularly appealing.

The worst time to visit Tacoma

Tourists might find the wintry months, particularly December and January, less favorable for a visit, as these months brim with heavy rainfall, amounting to 4.69" (119mm) and 4.53" (115mm) respectively. These conditions are further compounded by relatively low temperatures, sinking to average lows of 34.3°F (1.3°C) in December. Additionally, the days are much shorter with limited sunlight, offering a scanty 4 hours of sunshine against daylight barely exceeding 9 hours.

Spring weather in Tacoma

Spring in Tacoma ushers a steady respite from winter's chill, with temperatures gradually rising from 46.6°F (8.1°C) in February to 57.2°F (14°C) in April. Concurrently, average minimum temperatures also rise steadily from 34.3°F (1.3°C) in February to 39.4°F (4.1°C) in April. The volume of rainfall arguably begins to diminish during this period, from 2.83" (72mm) in February down to 2.44" (62mm) in April over 17.9 days. Furthermore, daylight hours lengthen from 10.3 hours in February to 13.7 hours in April, accompanied by an incremental rise in sunshine hours, growing from 4.3 hours in February to 7.8 hours in April.

Summer weather in Tacoma

Summer in Tacoma provides ideal conditions with high temperatures touching an agreeable 77.9°F (25.5°C) in July, and comfortably warm lows of 51.4°F (10.8°C) in the same month. Rainfall is minimal during summer months, with July witnessing the least rainfall with just 0.39" (10mm) over 6.3 days. Substantially longer days complement the warmth, with daylight peaking at 15.9 hours in June, accompanied by ample sunshine, at a maximum of 10.6 hours in August.

Autumn weather in Tacoma

Autumn brings a moderate dip in Tacoma's temperatures with high temperatures waning from 70.9°F (21.6°C) in September to 49.6°F (9.8°C) in November. Correspondingly, lows oscillate from 49.5°F (9.7°C) in September to 38.7°F (3.7°C) in November. Precipitation escalates dramatically, climbing from 1.54" (39mm) in September to 3.86" (98mm) in November. Daylight hours contract markedly in parallel, dropping from 12.5 hours in September to 9.3 hours in November, whilst sunshine hours diminish in tandem too.

Winter weather in Tacoma

Winter ushers in colder temperatures to Tacoma, with highs fluctuating between 49.6°F (9.8°C) in November to 43.7°F (6.5°C) in December. Lows manifest a similar trajectory, stooping from 38.7°F (3.7°C) in November to 34.3°F (1.3°C) in December. Coupled with the chill, December brings forth the highest rainfall of the year at 4.69" (119mm), straddling 18.4 days. Daylight hours are curtailed to a mere 8.6 hours at the year's end, with sparse sunshine hours of just four hours a day in December.

Weather in January

Snow blankets Tacoma, Washington in January making it the city's primary season for snowfall. The temperatures hover between lows of 35.2°F (1.8°C) and highs reaching 45.5°F (7.5°C), indicating a chilly start to the year. The snowfall is complemented by notable rainfall reaching 4.53" (115mm), rendering the cityscape a wonderland of white and grey. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the cold streak experienced in January but with a slightly higher temperature range. The city experiences a noteworthy increase in snowfall, totaling 2.28" (58mm), making it the month with the maximum snowfall for the year. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, Tacoma begins a noticeable shift towards spring. Temperatures gradually rise, with the highest temperature scaling to 51.8°F (11°C). The rainfall levels increase slightly from February to 3.07" (78mm) due to airy Pacific fronts sweeping over the city. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As spring advances in April, a definitive change in vibe is felt in Tacoma. The weather becomes friendlier with temperatures meandering around a high of 57.2°F (14°C). Outdoor activities gain momentum corresponding to the lengthened daylight hours and the rain levels shrinking to 2.44" (62mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May ushers in a desirable tempest of balmy weather as Tacoma, Washington fully embraces spring. With the mercury hitting a high of 65.8°F (18.8°C), the city sheds away any lingering signs of the past winter. The drastically reduced rainfall to 1.57" (40mm) and longer sunshine durations mark a transformation of sorts. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Tacoma marks the advent of summer with temperatures peaking at 70.3°F (21.3°C). The rainfall, having dwindled down to an annual low of 1.14" (29mm), pairs with the warm weather to draw residents outdoors. The increased sunshine and daylight hours transform the city into a hub of activity. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July takes center stage as the hottest month in Tacoma, Washington with the mercury climbing to 77.9°F (25.5°C). It denotes the peak of summer and the city basks under the warm glow of the sun. The lowest rainfall of the year recorded at 0.39" (10mm) is an invitation to embrace the outdoors. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, the sizzling summer in Tacoma continues to reign with temperatures mounting to 78.1°F (25.6°C). The slight rise in rainfall from July to 0.55" (14mm) offers some respite from the summer heat. The city exhibits a lively summer tableau as daylight hours dwindle and lead towards autumn. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September rolls in, a perceptible shift in Tacoma's weather indicates the onset of fall. Temperatures begin to scale back, with highs at about 70.9°F (21.6°C). The rainfall rashly jumps up to 1.54" (39mm), washing over the city to reveal bright autumn hues. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Tacoma ushers in a noticeable dip in temperatures as fall takes hold. The higher end of Tacoma's temperatures scales back to 59.2°F (15.1°C). The 3.46" (88mm) of rainfall is a sign of the impending winter and sculpts a picturesque autumn scenery. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Tacoma in November marks the prelude to winter with a pronounced drop in temperatures as the season changes. Much cooler temperatures set it, reaching highs of just 49.6°F (9.8°C). The upward swing in rainfall to 3.86" (98mm) further strengthens the city's transition towards winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Tacoma, Washington steers the city into winter, underlining the year with a return to a colder climate. The temperature drops further as the highest temperatures only reach 43.7°F (6.5°C). The 4.69" (119mm) of rainfall ties as the highest level recorded in a month indicating plenty of wet days. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 1, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?

January and December, with an average relative humidity of 87%, are most humid months.

How much does it rain in Tacoma?

Throughout the year, there are 172.9 rainfall days, and 30.08" (764mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through March, November and December are months with snowfall.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 8.9 snowfall days, and 5.04" (128mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index?

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

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 3.2 days and typically aggregates up to 2.28" (58mm) of snow.

When is the ocean coldest in Tacoma?

February and April, with an average ocean temperature of 45.9°F (7.7°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Tacoma?

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?

April through October are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 54min of daylight.

What is the least humid month?

July is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 68%.

What is the driest month?

July is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 6.3 days and accumulates 0.39" (10mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What is the hottest time of year?

In Tacoma, August is known for its average highest temperatures, reaching a high of 78.1°F (25.6°C) and a low of 52.7°F (11.5°C).

What month is the ocean warmest?

August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 53.8°F (12.1°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 10.6h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the coldest month in Tacoma?

December is Tacoma's coldest month, registering average high temperatures of 43.7°F (6.5°C) and lows of 34.3°F (1.3°C).

What is the wettest month?

December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 18.4 days and accumulates 4.69" (119mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 8h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine in Tacoma is December, with an average of 4h of sunshine.
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Average temperature
Tacoma, WA

Average temperature - Tacoma, WA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (78.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (43.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (52.7°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are February and December (34.3°F).

Average pressure
Tacoma, WA

Average pressure - Tacoma, WA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.09"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are March, August and September (30.01"Hg).

Average wind speed
Tacoma, WA

Average wind speed - Tacoma, WA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (5.2mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.7mph).

Average humidity
Tacoma, WA

Average humidity - Tacoma, WA

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and December (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (68%).

Average rainfall
Tacoma, WA

Average rainfall - Tacoma, WA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (4.69").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.39").

Average rainfall days
Tacoma, WA

Average rainfall days - Tacoma, WA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (20.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (5 days).

Average snowfall
Tacoma, WA

Average snowfall - Tacoma, WA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.28").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Tacoma, WA

Average snowfall days - Tacoma, WA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (3.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Tacoma, WA

Average sea temperature - Tacoma, WA

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (53.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (45.8°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Tacoma, WA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Tacoma, WA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 4h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Tacoma, WA

Average sunshine days - Tacoma, WA

The month with the most sunshine days is August (23.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (9 days).

Average UV index
Tacoma, WA

Average UV index - Tacoma, WA

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Tacoma, WA

Average cloud cover - Tacoma, WA

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 59).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility
Tacoma, WA

Average visibility - Tacoma, WA

The months with the highest visibility are June, July and August (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (5mi).

Tacoma, Washington, USA

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