Yakima, located in central Washington, features a semi-arid continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, crisp winters. The region experiences dramatic seasonal temperature swings, low annual rainfall, and abundant sunshine, making it ideal for agriculture, outdoor adventures, and scenic drives through the Yakima Valley’s vineyards, orchards, and shrub-steppe landscapes.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Yakima’s climate is defined by its position in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, resulting in four distinct seasons and low annual precipitation. Summers (June–August) are hot, dry, and sunny, with average highs of 29–32°C and nighttime lows of 11–13°C. July is typically the hottest and driest month, with highs reaching 30–32°C, humidity dropping below 40%, and rainfall averaging just 5 mm. Sunshine is abundant, with up to 11 hours per day, and UV levels are high. Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h, but can be gustier during summer storms.
Winters (December–February) are cold and partly cloudy, with average highs of 3–7°C and lows of –6 to –2°C. Snow is possible, with Yakima averaging 18 inches (about 46 cm) of snow per year, but it tends to melt quickly. January is the coldest month, with highs near 2–4°C and lows around –6°C. Winter precipitation is slightly higher than in summer, but overall rainfall remains low (30–40 mm per month). Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, featuring mild to warm days (12–24°C), cool nights, and colourful wildflowers or foliage. Rainfall is moderate, and sunshine hours increase rapidly in spring, peaking in late May and June. Yakima enjoys about 2,350 hours of sunshine annually, supporting a vibrant agricultural landscape and a long growing season.
The region’s climate is ideal for vineyards, orchards, and outdoor activities. Visitors can expect clear skies, wide temperature swings, and plenty of sun, especially from late spring through early autumn. The dry air and low humidity make even the hottest days feel comfortable, but travellers should be prepared for chilly nights and occasional windy spells.
| Average climate data for Yakima, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 24 | 16 | 8 | 3 | 30 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -3 | -2 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 0 | -4 | -4 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 22 | 15 | 16 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 21 | 139 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 10 | 8 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 82 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 52 | 51 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 69 | 196 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 19 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 82 | 77 | 67 | 57 | 52 | 47 | 40 | 38 | 47 | 60 | 70 | 81 | 60 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 40 | 34 | 30 | 27 | 22 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 13 | 22 | 27 | 37 | 24 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The best time to visit Yakima is in late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September), when temperatures are warm but not extreme, rainfall is low, and the valley is alive with blooming orchards or harvest festivals. These months offer ideal conditions for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring the region’s scenic landscapes.
The least favourable time to visit Yakima is in the depths of winter (December–February), when cold temperatures, occasional snow, and shorter days can limit outdoor activities. However, winter is quiet and peaceful, offering opportunities for cosy wine tastings and local events.
Yakima has a semi-arid continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, crisp winters. Temperatures range from –6°C in winter to 32°C in summer. Rainfall is low, and sunshine is abundant throughout the year.
The best time to visit Yakima is in late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September), when the weather is warm, rainfall is minimal, and the valley is at its most scenic with blooming orchards or harvest activities.
Yes, Yakima averages about 18 inches (46 cm) of snow per year, mostly in winter. Snowfall is usually light and melts quickly, but occasional cold spells can bring icy conditions.
Summers in Yakima are hot and dry, with average highs of 29–32°C in July and August. Nights are cooler, and humidity is low, making the heat more comfortable than in more humid regions.
Yakima receives about 205 mm of rain annually, with the wettest months in winter and spring. Summer months are very dry, with only 5 mm of rain in July and August.
Pack light, breathable clothing and sun protection for summer, and warm layers for winter. In spring and autumn, bring layers for cool mornings and evenings. Always carry water and a hat for outdoor activities.
Yakima is great for outdoor activities from spring through autumn, with sunny, dry weather and comfortable temperatures. Winter can be cold and icy, but offers a peaceful atmosphere for wine tastings and local events.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (30.4 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (2.7 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 15.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (15.7 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is December (-3.6 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 5.6 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is January (22.2 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (2 mm). Over the whole year there are 138.6 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (10.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (2.1 days). Over the whole year there are 82.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is December (69.1 mm). The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August and October (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 196.2 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is December (5.5 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are April, May, June and July (0 days). Over the whole year there are 18.9 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (82 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (37.9 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 59.8 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is June (11.4 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is December (7.1 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 9.4 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is January (40.4 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (7.8 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 23.8 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 12.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 8.8 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is July (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.8.
