Wondering how likely it is that we’ll get snow in Seattle this winter?
We have good news or bad news, depending on how you feel about snow in Seattle! Some of us love how the lightest snowfall shuts down the city for the day, while others could do without the inconvenience. This is expected to be a La Niña winter, which means that Seattle can expect a colder than average winter with more precipitation and snowfall than usual this year. Let the celebrating—or groaning—commence.
Read on for more info about this winter’s potential snowfall in Seattle!
According to the Farmer’s Almanac’s 2024-2025 winter forecast, “precipitation and snowfall will be above average” in the Pacific Northwest. The coldest periods will occur in January and early March, while snowfall is most likely to happen in late December, early January, and early February.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains that, “La Niña conditions are expected to develop later this fall and typically lead to a more northerly storm track during the winter months, leaving the southern tier of the country warmer and drier.” That means that we can expect “wetter-than-average conditions for the entire northern tier of the continental U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region.”
Wondering when we might see the first snowfall in Seattle this winter? The National Weather Service 30-year average data for snowfall in Seattle shows that on average the first snowfall in Seattle occurs by December 26. The earliest first snowfall in Seattle was recorded on October 27, 1971.
The data also finds that Seattle gets an average of 5.6 inches of snow every winter. The most common month for snowfall in Seattle is February.
Even if this winter turns out to be a weak La Niña, there is still a good chance of snowfall in Seattle. As The Seattle Times explains, “Weak La Niñas have produced cold winters with lowland snow in Western Washington.” They cited 13 La Niña winters between 1991 and 2000, during which Seattle received three more inches of snow than usual each time.
Unfortunately, Seattle may be more likely to get freezing rain than snow. If we do see any snow or freezing rain in Seattle this winter, you may want to think twice before driving in it. Our steep streets and lack of experience with winter weather make for a dangerous combination. See the videos of the 2022 Seattle ice storm for reference!
We will keep this post updated as Seattle’s winter forecast develops!