February Weather in Seattle (Snohomish: best, area, clothing)

[Doedan]

Can someone please enlighten me on what the typical mid-february weather is like in the Seattle area I will be coming for a classand would like to know how to pack!

[Hemlock140]

Minor chance of snow, but typically 35-50F, 95% chance overcast, and if not cold enough to snow, probably better than 70% chance of rain. Trying to remember over the last 20 years but I think it's snowed in February about 10-12 of those years. Generally not a lot, 1" in Seattle, 2-3 on the eastside hills and melted away within 1-2 days.

[Doedan]

So nothing to extreme such as blizzards or so on I will be coming from Florida so my winter clothing is minimal!

[Hemlock140]

A blizzard is rare, we have only 1 year with 24" over a week, but of course, anything is possible. I can manage a mile walk at about 10 degrees with a good stout coat, but with you being used to Florida I would suggest at the minimum some long sleeved shirts and lined coat. A windbreaker won't do it.

[SirLancelot911]

In February, Goretex and Polar Fleece are your friends. Snow can happen and sometimes does, but if there is a guarantee of anything, count on significant precipitation of some sort. Most likely rain, accompanied by 35-40 degree weather and heavy gray clouds. It's miserable. Remembering that July/August are only 4-5 months away is the only thing that keeps me going during PNW winters.

[tobester]

There's usually a stretch of sunny weather in February (a few days or so) - maybe you'll get luck and be here then. I've seen 60 degree weather in February.

[Ira500]

Typical mid February weather in Seattle is drizzle/cloudy, with highs in the upper 40's, low 50's. Slightly less typical is harder rain. Slightly less typical is sunshine. Even less typical is snow. But it can all happen. Even on the same day.

[jhdavis3]

Everyone who's posted is absolutely correct. Also, pack wool socks. I can't tell you how handy they were when I first moved up here. Good luck in your coursework!

[Botev1912]

I think February is the best winter month. It gets brighter and there are more sunny and warm days than Jan, Dec and Nov. It's more like October, but colder at night.

[analogkid84]

Originally Posted by tobester

There's usually a stretch of sunny weather in February (a few days or so) - maybe you'll get luck and be here then. I've seen 60 degree weather in February.

Yep. I used to put on a trail race outside of Snohomish and would always schedule it for the first weekend in February. Quite frequently, in the first week or two of the month there is a stretch of sunny, benign weather, where the overnight temps will dip down into the upper 20s/low 30s, but the highs can reach at, or around, 60 deg F.