The climate of Yakima
Yakima,
Washington, situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest in the United States, predominantly features a Mediterranean, warm summer climate, a condition classified by the Köppen climate classification as Csb. A comprehensive year-round weather assessment of Yakima reveals variations in rainfall, daylight hours, humidity, and even snowfall, all of which contribute to its seasonal weather patterns.
A broader view of the general weather throughout the year shows monthly average high temperatures ranging from 37.6°F (3.1°C) in
January to a warm 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
August. Correspondingly, minimum temperatures drop to as low as 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in
December and rise to 60.3°F (15.7°C) in August. This range of temperatures is experienced along with recurrent shifts in humidity, sweeping from a monthly average of 81% in January and dropping to 39% in
July and August before climbing back up towards the end of the year.
Rainfall patterns in Yakima exhibit similar cyclic fluctuations through the twelve months. Peaks occur in January, with an average rainfall of 0.87" (22mm), while its dip to nearly a third of that, at 0.08" (2mm), is seen in July. The city also experiences snowfall primarily in the winter months, seeing its highest snowfall in December at 2.76" (70mm).
The best time to visit Yakima
The opportune time to venture to
Yakima largely depends on the preferred weather conditions. For those seeking warmer weather and lower humidity, the months from
June to
August offer an average high temperature ranging from 74.8°F (23.8°C) to 86.5°F (30.3°C) alongside the lowest humidity levels of the year, around 39%. These summer months also carry the perk of longer daylight hours, presenting an average of 15 hours per day. During this time, Yakima enjoys consistently high visibility of six miles, along with relatively low wind speeds, averaging between 6.5mph (10.5km/h) to 7.1mph (11.4km/h).
The worst time to visit Yakima
For those sensitive to cold weather, the months of
December,
January, and
February may not be the preferable choice for a visit. With average high temperatures of 36.9°F (2.7°C), 37.6°F (3.1°C), and 41.5°F (5.3°C) respectively, and lows from 25.5°F (-3.6°C) to 28.9°F (-1.7°C), these winter months stand as the coldest period of the year. Additionally,
Yakima experiences the highest snowfall, with 2.76" (70mm) in December and 2.05" (52mm) in January.
Spring weather in Yakima
Spring months in
Yakima, involving
March,
April, and
May, bring with them rising temperatures and reducing humidity. Average temperatures in March lie between 49.5°F (9.7°C) and 34.7°F (1.5°C), escalating to between 69.3°F (20.7°C) to 47.5°F (8.6°C) by May. This period also experiences a corresponding decline in relative humidity, from 67% to 51%, establishing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Average rainfall is also lower during Spring compared to other seasons with values falling from 0.63" (16mm) in March to 0.63" (16mm) again in May. These months feature longer daylight hours and increasing sun exposure, a conducive climate for outdoor enthusiasts.
Summer weather in Yakima
From
June to
August,
Yakima basks in the warmest temperatures of the year. High temperatures range from 74.8°F (23.8°C) to 86.5°F (30.3°C), while lows vary from 52.3°F (11.3°C) in June to 60.3°F (15.7°C) in August. Humidity levels also gravitate towards their lowest, falling to 39% in
July and August. The regions also bear witness to maximum sun exposure during these months, with sunshine hours stretching to a yearly high of 12.1 hours in July and August.
Autumn weather in Yakima
Moving into the months of
September,
October, and
November, which consist of Autumn in
Yakima, temperatures begin to decline, with highs ranging from 74.8°F (23.8°C) in September to 46.8°F (8.2°C) in November. Low temperatures dovetail this trend, from 53.4°F (11.9°C) in September to 32.7°F (0.4°C) in November. This fall in temperatures is accompanied by a rise in humidity, from 48% to 71%. Rainfall also sees an increase during this period, culminating in November with an average of 0.43" (11mm).
Winter weather in Yakima
The winter months from
December to
February confront
Yakima with the colder temperatures of the year. High temperatures typically range from 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 41.5°F (5.3°C), while average low temperatures reside between 25.5°F (-3.6°C) to 28.9°F (-1.7°C). This period also experiences the highest relative humidity levels, peaking at 81% in
January. Additionally, Yakima records the highest snowfall during these months, with December witnessing an average snowfall of 2.76" (70mm).
Weather in January
Yakima,
Washington, greets in the New Year with chilly temperatures and relatively high humidity. The lowest temperatures of the year are in
January, hitting lows of 26.6°F (-3°C) and highs of 37.6°F (3.1°C). This chill is accompanied by a poise and serenity in the surrounding nature.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February approaches,
Yakima sees subtle changes in its weather patterns. Primarily, the temperatures rise slightly along with a small decrease in humidity at 76%. The biting winds of
January soften to a crisp breeze, making outdoor walks less arduous.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, the first month of the spring in
Yakima, is a frosty month, with an average temperature varying between 49.5°F (9.7°C) and 34.7°F (1.5°C). As Yakima transitions into March, the average high-temperature is observed to slightly rise from a cold 41.5°F (5.3°C) in
February to a chilly 49.5°F (9.7°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a refreshing spring month in
Yakima,
Washington, with an average temperature varying between 40.1°F (4.5°C) and 59.2°F (15.1°C). The arrival of April sees a shift in the average high-temperature, moving from a chilly 49.5°F (9.7°C) in
March to a refreshing 59.2°F (15.1°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, the last month of the spring in
Yakima, is an agreeable month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 47.5°F (8.6°C) and an average high of 69.3°F (20.7°C). Yakima's weather shows a temperature rise with the arrival of May, moving from a mild 59.2°F (15.1°C) in
April to a pleasant 69.3°F (20.7°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
Yakima's weather evolves into its summer phase by
June. With an average high of 76.5°F (24.7°C), the summer heat sweeps in, characterized by abundant sunshine and lengthy daylight hours of 15.8 hours. The high UV index of 6 calls for adequate sun protection while heading outdoors.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, being the heart of summer in
Yakima, notches the highest temperatures of the year, reaching up to 86.2°F (30.1°C). Alongside, the najgrornity dwindle, creating a dry and hot weather equation significant of Yakima's July. This heatwave, combined with 15.4 hours of daylight, sets the perfect stage for numerous summer festivities celebrated in the city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the high-temperature trend from
July, with similar highs of 86.5°F (30.3°C). This period marks the transition from the scorching summer sun towards the mild weather of fall. As the month advances, slight intraday temperature fluctuations start to occur, hinting at the approaching Autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With
September comes the first whispers of fall in
Yakima's weather. Temperatures cool down from the highs of summer, but the conditions remain pleasant and inviting. Despite the fresher temperatures, the sunshine hours still remain high at 11.1 hours, allowing outdoor activities to continue in full swing.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries
Yakima weather further into autumn. Bright yellows and warm oranges replace the lush greens of summer on city trees, displaying a spectacle of colors. October recedes from the intense heat and brightness of summer.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the onset of winter in
Yakima with an increase in both relative humidity at 71% and cloud cover at 28%. The environment noticeably cools down, with numerous wintry days refreshing the city after months of heat. Outdoors exude a sense of tranquility, with the majority preferring the warmth of indoors.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Yakima showcases the full force of winter. With the lowest average daylight hours of 8.6 hours, the short, cold days and lengthy chilly nights pronounce that winter is in the air. The cold envelopes the city, transforming it into a winter wonderland dusted with snow.
Weather in December »