The climate is predominantly a marine type with cool summers, mild but rather cloudy winters, moist air, and a small daily range in temperatures. The weather is extremely unpredictable. Rainfall is quite varied. Sequim, on the northeast side of the peninsula receives an average of about seventeen inches of precipitation a year. While forty airline miles to the west, in the rain forest valleys, precipitation can average 140 to 167 inches per year. Seventy-six percent of the yearly precipitation falls during the six months between October 1 and March 31. There is no definite time for the beginning and ending of the dry or rainy seasons. The transition is gradual and variable.

Winter
During the winter season, afternoon temperatures are in the 40's and night time readings are usually in the upper 20's or lower 30's. In lower elevations and near the water, snow seldom reaches a depth in excess of six to ten inches or remains on the ground more than a few days. However, snowfall and depth on the ground increases dramatically along the slopes and tops of the mountains.

Spring
Is mostly wet, mild and often windy. Higher elevations are cooler with possible snow flurries. Temperatures usually range from 35 degrees F. to 60 degrees F.

Summer
Is generally fair and warm. Afternoon temperatures in the warmest summer months average from 65 degrees F. to 70 degrees F., occasionally reaching 80 degrees F. A temperature of 85 degrees F. is considered unusually warm. Night time temperatures can drop as low as 45 degrees F. Frequently, during the latter half of the summer and early fall, fog banks and low clouds form over the ocean and move inland at night. Tops of the clouds are generally below 3000 feet; thus higher elevations are sometimes clear while the lower valleys are filled with fog. Fog sometimes disappears before mid-day. On most summer afternoons near the water, a moderate to cool breeze can be expected. A few thunderstorms usually occur each summer, especially in the higher elevations. Normally very little rain falls during the summer months but it has also been known to rain for several days during this period.

Fall
Is usually cool and wet with occasional winds. Early snow storms are possible in the mountains. Temperatures usually range from 35 degrees F. to 65 degrees F.

Precipitation

Port Angeles

Spring 1.32 inches per month average

Summer .67 inches per month average

Fall 2.45 inches per month average

Winter 3.76 inches per month average

Average inches per year 24.6

Staircase (Lake Cushman)

Spring 6.60 inches per month average

Summer 1.70 inches per month average

Fall 9.40 inches per month average

Winter 15.71 inches per month average

Average inches per year 100.25

Kalaloch (Ocean Beaches)

Spring 8.94 inches per month average

Summer 3.13 inches per month average

Fall 11.17 inches per month average

Winter 17.12 inches per month average

Average inches per year 103.0

Hoh (Rain Forest)

Spring 12.48 inches per month average

Summer 3.14 inches per month average

Fall 13.15 inches per month average

Winter 15.75 inches per month average

Average inches per year 133.58

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