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The Climate
No doubt you’ve heard that it rains all the time in the Northwest. Not really, but the coastal mountains are in what geologists describe as a temperate rain forest. That means we get frequent periods of mist, drizzle, or rain. We don’t mind too much—moisture is what makes the Northwest green. And where else will you hear meteorologists refer to “sun breaks” instead of “partly cloudy?”
Winters here are chilly and wet, often windy, with temperatures usually in the 40s, and only rarely bitterly cold. Snow is rare (about once every third year), but possible. We are far enough north that winter days have about eight hours of sunlight – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the shortest days.
Summer days tend to be moderate, with temperatures in the 60s or 70s. Evenings are almost always cool, with temperatures dipping into the 40s or 50s. Bring a warm sweater. Occasional spells of warmer weather are possible. Our northern latitude gives us long summer days. Dawn comes before 5:00 a.m. and twilight lasts until 10:00 p.m.