Why Is Seattle Called The Rainy City?

"The Rainy City" is what people call Seattle because it rains and clouds a lot there. It might not be the wettest place in the country, but long stretches of gray skies and misty weather make it seem like it rains all the time. Is it really that rainy in Seattle? Let's look more closely at why this city in the Pacific Northwest is so often linked to rain.

Seattle’s Climate Brings Frequent Rainfall Throughout The Year, But It Rarely Has Heavy Storms

Seattle gets more rain than a lot of places, even though most people don't think it rains that much. The city receives nearly 37 inches of rain a year, considerably less than cities like Miami or New York City. Seattle has strange weather, because it rains so much. With an average of 150 rainy days every year, the city seems permanently overcast.

Unlike other cities, the constant rain here tends to be gentle, drizzling rain rather than torrential downpours. The drizzly showers may last for hours, leaving the streets wet and the air cool. Seattle’s climate is different from places where severe storms occur, in large measure because of this kind of rain.

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The Geographic Location Of Seattle Causes Rain Due To The Pacific Ocean And Cascade Mountains

Because it is between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, Seattle has a reputation for being wet. The main westerly winds bring moisture from the ocean inland. As the air rises over the mountains, it cools and sheds moisture as rain. The city gets a lot of rain because of this process, called orographic lift.

Many more raindrops fall on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains than in Seattle. Some towns in the foothills and higher elevations get more than 100 inches of rain a year, which makes Seattle look pretty dry. The Olympic Mountains also help because they block some of the heavy rain, which keeps Seattle from getting too much rain.

The Large Number Of Cloudy And Overcast Days Makes Seattle Seem Even More Rainy

The many cloudy days are a big part of why people think of rain when they think of Seattle. There are long stretches of gray clouds over the city on more than 200 cloudy days a year. Lack of sun can make Seattle feel like it's always rainy, even when it's not.

A continuous marine layer makes the sky cloudy for most of the year, which is why it is cloudy today. Summers can be bright and warm, but fall, winter, and spring bring months of cloudy skies that make the city look like it rains all the time.

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The Influence Of Seattle’s Rainy Weather On Its Local Culture And Daily Lifestyle

The city's culture and way of life have been changed by the rain that falls there a lot. People there are known to enjoy the rain and often skip umbrellas in favor of waterproof coats. Part of the reason people in the city love coffee shops is that they are cozy places to go inside when it's raining.

The wet weather has also helped shape the art scene in Seattle. Artists, writers, and musicians often get ideas from the gloomy, misty weather. The city's famous music past, which includes the rise of grunge in the 1990s, is often linked to its moody weather and the way it makes people think.

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Comparing Seattle’s Rainfall To Other Cities That Receive More Precipitation Each Year

Seattle isn’t even the wettest U.S. city, despite appearances of regular downpours. It rains more each year in much of the East Coast and the South. But Seattle’s reputation as “The Rainy City” endures, thanks to its frequent drizzles, overcast, gray days and chilly temperatures.

Although the weather is not always favorable, Seattle's charm comes from its beautiful scenery, dynamic culture, and tight community. Whether it’s a misty morning by the water or a cozy evening tucked in somewhere with a cup of coffee, rain somehow seems to give the city a distinct feel, something people have come to enjoy.