Climate & Weather in Yakima
Yakima carries a genuine Eastern Washington cold semi-arid continental climate -- a stark 37.6°F average January high against an 86.5°F average August high, only about 11 inches of annual precipitation, and 18 inches of annual snowfall -- a materially different pattern from Olympia's and Bellingham's Western Washington marine climate built alongside this record.
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Learn moreA genuine cold semi-arid continental climate
Yakima's climate is classified as cold semi-arid (Köppen BSk): hot, dry summers and short, very cold, snowy winters. August, the warmest month, averages an 86.5°F high; January, the coldest, averages only 37.6°F -- a real, stark seasonal swing distinct from Western Washington's mild, marine pattern.
Genuinely dry -- even drier than Spokane
Yakima receives only about 11 inches of precipitation per year -- genuinely drier than Spokane's own documented 19 inches, and dramatically drier than Olympia's 56 inches or Bellingham's 37-42 inches.
Real winter snow and cold
Yakima averages 18 inches of snow per year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 99°F -- a real, genuine four-season climate with meaningful winter cold, not a mild year-round pattern.
Roughly 199 sunny days per year
Yakima sees roughly 199 sunny days per year -- a real, genuine contrast to Western Washington's gray winters, a draw for movers specifically seeking more sunshine and four-season variety over marine-climate gray.
Key takeaways
- Yakima's cold semi-arid climate brings a stark seasonal swing: 37.6°F average January high vs. 86.5°F average August high.
- Genuinely dry -- only about 11 inches of annual precipitation, drier than Spokane's own 19 inches.
- Real winter snow (18 inches/year) and genuine seasonal cold, not a mild year-round pattern.
- Roughly 199 sunny days per year -- a real contrast to Western Washington's gray, wet winters.
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