how many days of sunshine does seattle get

How Many Days of Sunshine Does Seattle Really Get?

Seattle, often nicknamed the “Emerald City,” has a reputation for rain, but how many days of sunshine does it *actually* get? On average, Seattle experiences around 152 sunny days per year. While this is less than the national average, the city enjoys a fair amount of partly sunny days, and the summers are typically warm and dry.

Annual Sunshine: Debunking the Myths

The common perception of Seattle as perpetually gloomy often overshadows the reality. While the city receives significant rainfall, especially during the fall and winter months, this doesn’t necessarily equate to complete lack of sunshine. Many days feature broken clouds and periods of sunlight. The official sunshine data, focusing on days with significant sunshine, places the average around 152 days.

Seasonal Variations in Seattle Sunshine

The distribution of sunshine is highly seasonal. The summer months, particularly July and August, are the sunniest, with long days and minimal rainfall. In contrast, the winter months, especially December and January, see the least amount of sunshine, characterized by shorter days and frequent overcast skies. Spring and fall are transitional periods, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

Factors Influencing Seattle’s Weather

Seattle’s location in the Pacific Northwest, nestled between the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains, significantly influences its weather patterns. The mountains create a rain shadow effect, which contributes to the city’s frequent rainfall, particularly during the colder months. Marine air masses from the Pacific Ocean also play a role, leading to mild temperatures and moisture.

Comparing Seattle’s Sunshine to Other Cities

Compared to other cities in the United States, Seattle receives less sunshine than sunnier locations like Phoenix, Arizona, or Miami, Florida. However, it receives a comparable amount of sunshine to other cities in the Pacific Northwest, such as Portland, Oregon. The overall climate, including temperature and humidity, also plays a role in how people perceive the weather, even with similar sunshine statistics.

More Details On Seattle Weather

For more detailed information you can check out Wikipedia’s article on Seattle’s climate. This provides an in depth look at the factors that affect the city’s unique weather patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle always rainy?

No, Seattle is not always rainy. While it does receive significant rainfall, particularly during the fall and winter, the summers are typically dry and sunny.

What are the sunniest months in Seattle?

The sunniest months in Seattle are typically July and August.

Does Seattle have more cloudy days than sunny days?

Yes, Seattle typically has more cloudy days than sunny days, especially when considering partly cloudy days as cloudy.

How does Seattle’s rainfall compare to other US cities?

Seattle receives more rainfall than many US cities, but less than some cities on the East Coast and in the South.

Does the lack of sunshine affect people’s moods in Seattle?

Some people in Seattle may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to the lack of sunshine during the winter months.

In Summary

Seattle averages around 152 sunny days per year, with most of the sunshine concentrated in the summer months. Despite its reputation for rain, Seattle experiences a mix of weather conditions, with varying amounts of sunshine depending on the season.