What the Weather Is Really Like in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is located pretty much halfway between Seattle Wa, to the South, and Vancouver, BC, to the North. Both cities are approximately 90 minutes away in either direction. Bellingham is a Pacific Northwest Gem with a population just over 100k and around 250,000 in Whatcom County. The Bellingham area offers a diverse range of living styles ranging from city life, country living on a farm, or ocean views overlooking the San Juan Islands to the West. But one question often asked is "Does it really rain a lot in Bellingham? So this blog post addresses all 4 seasons and what you'd expect if you lived in Bellingham, WA.
Winter: Mild Temperatures and Rain (December to February)
You might be surprised to find out that Western Washington, and Bellingham for that matter, don't get nearly as much rain as some other parts of the country.
Temperatures typically range from the mid 30's to the mid 40's. According to relocate to Bellingham, Bellingham gets about 39 inches of rain per year with the majority of that in Winter and Spring. Meaning places like Chicago, New York, and Houston all get more rain than we do.
We typically have 1-2 snow events per year, and those can range from no snow sticking to a few inches for a couple of days or more. It's rare to have major snow events but it isn't entirely out of the realm of possibility.
The grey overcast skies can seem relentless, but when we do get ridges of high pressure causing clear cool days, it brings out the natural beauty of our area.
Spring: Rain and Green Everywhere (March to May)
Living in an area with so many evergreen trees, it pretty much feels green year round, but when the new growth comes in, and a combination of Spring rainfall, it transforms the Bellingham area into a beautiful Spring wonderland. Rhododendrons are very common and by Mother's Day are in full bloom, as well as a large variety of other natural and yard-kept growth.
Temperatures slowly start to climb, ranging from the low 30's to the 60's on a warm Spring day. The active community starts coming out of hibernation, enjoying the local parks and trails, visiting the nearby Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and enjoying all that nature provides our area. If you're exploring nearby areas, homes for sale in Lynden, WA offer a charming, small-town atmosphere within easy reach of Bellingham.
Summer: Warming up and Sometimes Hot (June to August)
For the most part, Summer time in the Bellingham area tends to hover in the mid 70's. A perfect summertime temperature with a nice breeze from Puget Sound.
The best part of living in Bellingham is the summer. It's stunning. Our rainfall numbers drop considerably, opening up seemingly days on end of comfortable temperatures in a beautiful area.
Occasionally we'll have a stretch of warm weather 90 or higher. It can seem miserable during this time, mostly because we aren't used to it and because most of the homes in our area don't even have air conditioning because it's not needed the majority of the time. So when the heat does come, there's typically a run on portable AC units at the local hardware stores.
One of the best features of our Summer is the beautiful Bellingham Bay and San Juan Islands. If you love amazing Western-facing views looking out to the ocean and beautiful sunsets, you should consider looking into Bellingham, WA ocean view homes for sale. They really are extraordinary.
Summer in Bellingham opens so many fun activities, from kayaking and hiking to outdoor festivals. If you've never been here in the Summer, it needs to go on our list of beautiful places to visit.
Fall: Crisp and Vibrant (September to November)
Fall in Bellingham is a season of transition, offering cool mornings, crisp evenings, and stunning foliage. Temperatures range from the mid-60s in early fall to the mid-40s (°F) as November approaches. Rain gradually returns, but the early part of fall often includes plenty of sunny days.
This season is perfect for enjoying pumpkin patches, apple picking, and the colorful leaves at parks like Whatcom Falls or Boulevard Park. It’s also an excellent time to explore the variety of homes for sale in Whatcom County, WA, especially if you’re looking to settle in before winter arrives.
Why the Weather Makes Bellingham Special
Bellingham’s weather truly has something for everyone. From mild winters to sunny summers and everything in between, the climate offers a dynamic backdrop for an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cozying up on rainy days, or enjoying vibrant seasonal changes, Bellingham is a place where you can experience it all.
If you’re captivated by the charm of Bellingham’s natural surroundings, contact the Northwest Home Team at 360-305-4201 to connect with a local Bellingham real estate agentwho can guide you in finding the perfect property.
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