Is Washington The Coldest State?

/ Maria's Green Cleaning/

Washington may be known for its mountains and coastal beauty, but many people question whether it’s the coldest state in the country. Washington does experience a good range of temperature, given the diversity of climate zones and season throughout the year. But in comparison to other states, particularly those elsewhere in the northern and central United States, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

Scenic view of Mount Rainier covered in snow

Washington’s Winter Climate And How Its Temperature Ranges Compare Across The State

This state’s climate varies greatly depending on the region. The warm, wet winter seen in the western part of the state including Seattle and nearby is driven by the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures in this region rarely fall below freezing and snow is generally light. On the far eastern side, towns such as Spokane and Walla Walla experience colder winters with more significant snowfall and temperatures.

The Cascade Mountains are the state's most important and influential climatic feature. Some of the coldest spots in Washington include mountain towns like Leavenworth and Mount Rainier National Park that experience plenty of snow, and frigid temperatures in winter.

Comparing Washington’s Winter Weather To The Coldest States In The United States

Washington isn't at the top of the list for coldest states. States like Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana regularly deal with extreme winter temperatures that often dip well below zero. Alaska also sees some of the coldest temperatures in the country: a city like Fairbanks or Barrow can have months of subzero days in a typical winter.

In contrast, Washington has mild average winter temperatures. Like Seattle, which averages a winter low around 36°F, unlike cities in eastern Washington that can plunge into the teens. But that’s still well above the norm in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, where temperatures often plunge below zero for long stretches.

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Factors That Influence Washington’s Climate And Winter Temperatures

Several things affect Washington’s overall climate and winter temperatures:

  • Pacific Ocean: Oceanic moderation keeps temperatures from dropping too low in the winter for western Washington.

  • Rain Shadow Effect It is created with the cascades, eastern side a lot drier and colder

  • Elevation: Mount Rainier and the North Cascades are mountainous areas and are subject to extreme cold and high amounts of snowfall.

  • Latitude: Washington is a northern tier state within the continental U.S. Relatively mild temps a lot of the time, relative to places like North Dakota or Minnesota.

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Understanding Washington’s Record Low Temperatures And The Coldest Areas In The State

While cold as the state can get there is far worse, Washington sees its rage of cast extreme temperatures. The all-time lowest temperature in Washington is -48°F, in both Winthrop and Mazama, in 1968. Those temperatures were in the eastern part of the state, which normally sees harsher winters than the western side.

Mountain regions, specifically the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains, also joined in extreme cold events. The eastern and northwestern parts of the state are high-altitude areas that often see subzero winter temperatures and are among the state’s coldest locations.

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Snowy street in Winthrop, Washington, with frost-covered trees and historic Old West-style buildings

Locations In Washington That Experience The Coldest Winter Temperatures

If you want to know what is the coldest place in Washington, the best places are:

  • Winthrop and Mazama: Recorded lowest temp in state.

  • Leavenworth: Its snow-covered winters and feeling of a Bavarian-style village.

  • Mount Rainier: A high-altitude location with extreme cold & frequent snowfall

  • Spokane and Beyond in Eastern Washington: More drastic temperature swings than in the western half of the state.

The Washington’s Winter Weather And How It Affects Residents And Visitors

However, no matter the temperatures, Washington is an alluring place to live and visit all winter long. Cities such as Seattle and Olympia seldom experience harsh cold, so residents can revel in the season without the fierce disruptions. Residents of Eastern Washington need to get used to lower temperatures, snowfall, and ice on the roads in winter months.

At Maria’s Green Cleaning, we know all about how winter weather can impact homes and businesses. Pioneer Clean team offers organic cleaning solutions for all indoor and outdoor areas, so your indoors will be free of bacteria even in the coldest months of the year.

 
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Evaluating Whether Washington Can Be Considered The Coldest State In The United States

Although Washington can get cold during the winter, it is not the coldest state ever. These varied terrains create a serious stretch of winter weather from mild coastal temps to well below freezing in the mountains. While some states such as Alaska, North Dakota, and Minnesota are much colder, Washington has a relatively moderate winter, so is an acceptable place to live during this season, but still has some areas where you can expect winter weather.