Climate and monthly weather forecast
Yakima, WA

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The sweetly illuminated city of Yakima, Washington
The sweetly illuminated city of Yakima, Washington

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 »
Updated: Jun 15, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 81%, January is the most humid month.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 10.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain?

In Yakima, Washington, during the entire year, the rain falls for 82.2 days and collects up to 5.43" (138mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through March, September, November and December.

How much does it snow?

In Yakima, during the entire year, snow falls for 18.5 days and aggregates up to 7.8" (198mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 5.6h of sunshine.

What are the months 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 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?

In Yakima, snow does not fall in April through August and October.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What is the least humid month?

The months with the lowest humidity are July and August, with an average relative humidity of 39%.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall in Yakima is July, when the rain falls for 2.1 days and typically collects 0.08" (2mm) of precipitation.

What are the months with the most sunshine?

The months with the most sunshine are July and August, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 7, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What is the hottest time of year?

August is the month that records the highest temperatures, with averages ranging from a high of 86.5°F (30.3°C) to a low of 60.3°F (15.7°C).

What part of the year is the coldest?

December, on average, is the coldest month, registering a high temperature of 36.9°F (2.7°C) and a low of 25.5°F (-3.6°C).

When does it snow the most?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 5.4 days and accumulates 2.76" (70mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

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

Average temperature
Yakima, WA

Average temperature - Yakima, WA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (86.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (36.9°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (60.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (25.5°F).

Average pressure
Yakima, WA

Average pressure - Yakima, WA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is August (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
Yakima, WA

Average wind speed - Yakima, WA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (7.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is December (4.4mph).

Average humidity
Yakima, WA

Average humidity - Yakima, WA

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (81%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (39%).

Average rainfall
Yakima, WA

Average rainfall - Yakima, WA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (0.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.08").

Average rainfall days
Yakima, WA

Average rainfall days - Yakima, WA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (10.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (2 days).

Average snowfall
Yakima, WA

Average snowfall - Yakima, WA

The month with the highest snowfall is December (2.76").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Yakima, WA

Average snowfall days - Yakima, WA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (5.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Yakima, WA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Yakima, WA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 5h and 36min).

Average sunshine days
Yakima, WA

Average sunshine days - Yakima, WA

The month with the most sunshine days is July (27.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (15.8 days).

Average UV index
Yakima, WA

Average UV index - Yakima, WA

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Yakima, WA

Average visibility - Yakima, WA

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

Yakima, Washington, USA

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