Seattle, Washington is known for its rainy weather and cool temperatures. But is Seattle humid? The answer is yes, but it may not be as humid as you think. According to Wit and Folly, Seattle’s average humidity does not change too much throughout the year when you compare its summer months to its winter months with an average humidity around 66% in the summer and 79% in the winter months.
Seattle’s climate is influenced by its location in the Pacific Northwest, which is known for its mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. While Seattle does experience humidity, it may not feel as muggy as other parts of the country due to its cooler temperatures.
As KOMO News explains, the humidity will be high in the early morning because the morning low was likely close to 55 degrees.
Understanding Humidity
Humidity is the amount of moisture present in the air. It is caused by the presence of water vapor in the atmosphere. The more water vapor there is in the air, the more humid it will feel.
Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, if the relative humidity is 50%, it means that the air contains half the amount of moisture it can hold at that temperature.
The dew point is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with moisture and condensation begins to form. When the air temperature drops below the dew point, the excess moisture in the air condenses into droplets.
Humidity affects the way we perceive temperature. High humidity levels make the air feel warmer than it actually is because it slows down the evaporation of sweat from our skin. On the other hand, low humidity levels make the air feel cooler than it actually is because sweat evaporates more quickly from our skin.
In Seattle, the average humidity is around 66% in the summer and 79% in the winter months. This is because Seattle is located near bodies of water, which increases the amount of moisture in the air.
Seattle’s Climate Overview
Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, in the state of Washington. The city’s climate is known for being mild and temperate, with no dry season and a warm summer. Seattle has a Mediterranean climate (CSb) according to the Köppen climate classification system.
The city’s location on Puget Sound and Lake Washington helps to moderate its climate. The surrounding Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges also play a role in Seattle’s weather patterns. The city is known for its frequent rainfall, but it is not as humid as many people believe.
Seattle’s climate is influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which brings in moisture and moderates temperatures. The city experiences mild winters, with average temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s °F (7-11°C), and warm summers, with average temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s °F (17-22°C).
Seattle’s rainiest months are from October to April, with an average of 9-10 rainy days per month. The city’s driest months are from July to September, with an average of 4-5 rainy days per month. However, it is important to note that even during the summer months, Seattle can still experience occasional rain showers.
Overall, Seattle has a mild and pleasant climate, with moderate humidity and relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for rain, but also be ready to enjoy the city’s beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Seattle experiences a temperate oceanic climate, which means that it has mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The city receives most of its precipitation from October to April, with November being the wettest month.
During the summer months, from June to September, Seattle experiences pleasant, warm weather with an average daily high temperature above 72°F. The hottest month of the year in Seattle is August, with an average high of 77°F and low of 58°F.
In the winter months, from November to March, Seattle experiences cool and wet weather, with an average daily high temperature below 53°F. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average low temperature of 37°F.
Seattle receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority of it occurring during the wettest season, which runs from October to April. The city also receives an average of 5 inches of snowfall annually, with the majority of it occurring in January and February.
Overall, Seattle has a mild and pleasant climate, with occasional rainy days throughout the year. However, visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain during the winter months.
Humidity Levels in Seattle
Seattle is known for its rainy reputation, but is it a humid city? The answer is yes, but not as much as you might think. The average humidity in Seattle is around 66% during the summer months and 79% during the winter months, according to Weather and Climate.
Relative humidity is the second most popular factor people consider when looking for the weather of a city to live in, according to CityRating.com. Seattle’s relative humidity is around 76%, which is considered to be moderately moist.
The dew point is another measure of humidity. The dew point in Seattle is around 49°F, which is relatively comfortable. When the dew point is above 65°F, it can feel uncomfortable and sticky.
Compared to other cities in the United States, Seattle is not one of the most humid cities. According to Pacific Upper Left, Seattle ranks as the 76th most humid city out of the 100 largest cities in the country.
Washington state, on the other hand, is one of the most humid states in the country, with an average relative humidity of 70.3%, according to World Population Review.
In summary, while Seattle is a humid city, it is not one of the most humid cities in the United States. Its relative humidity is moderately moist, and its dew point is relatively comfortable.
Comparing Seattle’s Humidity with Other Regions
Seattle is known for its rainy weather, but is it really that humid? Compared to other regions in the United States, Seattle’s average relative humidity of 76% is relatively high. In comparison, San Diego, California, has an average relative humidity of 69%, while Phoenix, Arizona, has an average relative humidity of 29%.
However, when compared to the humid regions of Hawaii and Alaska, Seattle’s humidity levels are relatively moderate. Hawaii, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has an average relative humidity of 77%, while St. Paul Island, Alaska, has an average relative humidity of 88%.
It’s important to note that humidity levels can vary greatly depending on the time of year and weather patterns. Seattle’s humidity levels tend to be highest in the winter months, while the summer months are drier.
Overall, while Seattle can be considered relatively humid compared to some regions in the United States, it is not the most humid region in the country.
Effects of Humidity on Visibility and Human Activities
Humidity can have a significant impact on visibility and human activities. High humidity levels can cause fog, which reduces visibility and can make it difficult to carry out outdoor activities. Fog is formed when the air temperature reaches the dew point, which is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all the moisture it contains.
In addition to fog, high humidity can also cause drizzle, which can make surfaces slippery and also reduce visibility. This can make it difficult to drive or engage in other outdoor activities. High humidity levels can also cause cloudiness, which can reduce the amount of sunshine that reaches the ground. This can affect activities such as gardening and outdoor sports.
Low humidity levels, on the other hand, can cause dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. This can make it difficult to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or running. Low humidity levels can also cause static electricity, which can be a nuisance when handling certain materials.
In general, it is best to engage in outdoor activities during times when humidity levels are moderate. This can help ensure good visibility and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Managing Humidity in Seattle
Living in a humid environment like Seattle can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you manage humidity in Seattle:
- Use a dehumidifier: Running a dehumidifier can help reduce the humidity levels in your home. This can be especially helpful during the summer months when humidity levels tend to be higher.
- Keep your home well-ventilated: Proper ventilation can help reduce humidity levels in your home. Make sure to open windows and use fans to circulate air.
- Invest in a humidifier: During the winter months, the air in Seattle can become dry. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and make your home more comfortable.
- Be mindful of offshore flow: Offshore flow can bring in hot, dry air from inland areas, which can lead to lower humidity levels. This can be especially problematic during the summer months when wildfire risk is high.
Overall, managing humidity in Seattle is all about finding the right balance. By using a combination of dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and proper ventilation, you can create a comfortable living environment that’s not too humid or too dry.
Seattle is a city with a unique climate that is known for its mild temperatures and steady rainfall. While it may not be as humid as some other cities, it still maintains a steady humidity throughout the year.
If you are planning to visit Seattle, it is important to be prepared for the weather. While it may not be as hot and humid as some other cities, it is still important to bring appropriate clothing for the rainy weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average humidity in Seattle?
Seattle has an average humidity of around 75%, making it one of the more humid cities in the United States. However, the humidity is relatively consistent throughout the year, so it doesn’t feel as oppressive as it might in other cities with higher humidity levels.
How does Seattle’s humidity compare to other cities?
While Seattle’s humidity is relatively high, there are many other cities in the United States that are more humid. For example, New Orleans has an average humidity of nearly 86%, while Tampa, Florida, has an average humidity of 74.1%.
What is the dew point in Seattle?
The dew point in Seattle varies throughout the year, but it tends to be around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that while the air may feel humid, it’s not necessarily at the point where condensation will form on surfaces.
Does Seattle feel humid during the summer months?
Seattle can feel humid during the summer months, especially when temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, because the humidity is relatively consistent throughout the year, it doesn’t feel as oppressive as it might in other cities with more extreme fluctuations.
How has Seattle’s humidity changed over time?
There has not been a significant change in Seattle’s humidity over time. While there may be slight variations from year to year, the overall trend has been relatively stable.
Why does Seattle not feel as humid as other cities with similar humidity levels?
Seattle’s relatively low dew point and consistent humidity levels help to mitigate the effects of the humidity. Additionally, the city’s proximity to the ocean helps to moderate the temperature and humidity levels, making it feel more comfortable than other cities at similar latitudes.
