Does it Snow in Washington State? (By a Local)

I grew up in Washington State and have experienced everything from powder days in the mountains to soggy city slush. Does it snow in Washington State? Absolutely!

If you’re planning a winter adventure or just curious about what to expect, here’s a deep dive into Washington’s snowy side.

To answer the question of does it snow in Washington, this is a beautiful photo of a hike in the winter in Washington. Showcasing that it fact!

Does it Snow in Washington State?

Yes! Snow season in Washington kicks off as early as November and often stretches into April—sometimes even May in the higher elevations.

Early Winter (November to December): Lower elevations see sporadic snow, but mountain areas like the Cascades get blanketed.
Mid-Winter (January to February): Prime snow season. Expect consistent snowfall in the mountains and occasional dustings in cities like Spokane or Bellingham.
Spring Snow (March to April): While cities transition to rain, higher elevations like Mount Baker and Crystal Mountain still see fresh powder. (This is my favorite time to snowboard in the PNW)

A woman walking around Washington during the winter.

What Are Washington Winters Like?

Winters here are beautifully diverse. On the western side of the state, there are mild temperatures (low 30s to 40s °F) with plenty of rain and sometimes a snowstorm.

On the other hand, eastern Washington gets colder and drier, with snow sticking around much longer. Don’t forget to bring your hand warmers!

A Loca’ls Note: Washington winters can feel gray. Cloudy skies dominate most days, but when the sun breaks through and sparkles off the snow-covered mountains, it’s pure magic.

A woman with her dog in Leavenworth, WA during the winter.

What Part of Washington State Gets Snow?

🌲 Western Washington: Snow is less frequent, but when it hits, it makes an impact. Areas like the Olympic Peninsula and foothill towns such as North Bend or Snoqualmie often see snow during the winter.

🌲 Eastern Washington: A winter wonderland! Cities like Spokane and Leavenworth get regular snowfall, perfect for skiing, sledding, or cozying up in a Bavarian-style lodge.

Tip: This is the perfect time to bring a Kindle and snuggle up with a cup of hot coffee after a day in the snow.

🌲 The Cascades and Olympics: These mountain ranges are snow magnets. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hikes.

Does Seattle Get Snow?

Seattle and snow have a complicated relationship. It doesn’t snow here every winter, but when it does, the city pauses. Even a couple of inches can cause chaos with hilly streets and limited snow-clearing resources.

During the winter of 2023, the hills of Seattle basically had to close down because of how bad the ice was.

On average, Seattle gets around 5-7 inches of snow per year. Typically it melts quickly, leaving wet ground, and often slick walkways.

Seattle, WA during the winter showing that it does snow in the winter in Washington State. The photo shows how grey Seattle winters are.

That said, it’s enchanting if you’re lucky enough to be in the city during a snowfall.

What Type of Snow Does Washington State Get?

Washington’s snow varies depending on where you are. In the mountains, it’s light, fluffy powder—ideal for skiing. Lower elevations often see wetter, heavier snow, aka “Cascade Concrete.”

A typical winter day in Washington varies by region:

Western Washington: Expect gray skies, light rain, and temps around 40°F. If it snows, it’s often mixed with rain and melts fast. However, The ski resorts in western Washington do get fluffy powder.
Eastern Washington: Clear, cold days with temps in the 20s-30s°F, and snow that sticks for weeks.

A woman snowshoeing on Mount Baker in Washington State. The snow is fluffy powder making the perfect conditions.

Best Things to Do in Washington Winters:

Winter in Washington isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders! Here are a few unique ways to embrace the season:

Hike to Franklin Falls: A short trail near Snoqualmie Pass that leads to a stunning frozen waterfall.
- Pro Tip: Wear microspikes, it can sometimes be impossible to finish a hike without them due to the slick terrain.
Snowshoe at Paradise (Mount Rainier): Trek through snowy meadows with epic views of the mountain. Rentals are available nearby if you don’t have gear, REI is a great rental option.
Skiing / Snowboarding: Check out the best mountains to ski near Seattle.

A snowboarder excited about the fluffy snow and a bluebird day while snowboarding at Stevens Pass in Washington.

Leavenworth’s Winter Wonderland: Explore this Bavarian-style village lit up with thousands of holiday lights. Don’t forget to try the bratwurst and mulled wine.

Sledding at Hurricane Ridge: Perfect for families or anyone wanting a low-key snow day.
Explore Methow Valley Trails: Home to some of the best cross-country skiing in the country.

Concluded: Does it Snow in Washington State

So, does it snow in Washington State? Absolutely! From the powder-covered peaks of the Cascades to the rare but magical snow days in Seattle, winter here offers a little something for everyone.

If you love the outdoors, visiting Washington during the winter is perfect for those who love to snowshoe for a hike or shred at local ski resorts.

For those who prefer to enjoy the beauty from indoors, grab a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa in a cozy mountain town.

Washington’s winter season is full of adventure and charm. Don’t forget to pack your layers!

Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels