Q. How much snow does Seattle get in winter?

A.  In winter, it occasionally snows lightly, so it doesn't accumulate much. Heavy snowfall is rare.

Seattle's winters are generally characterized by mild weather with frequent rain.

Winter temperatures typically range from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. It rains often, but snow is not very common, although heavy snowfall can occasionally occur.

Seattle Winter Snowfall

• Average snowfall:
  Seattle's winter snowfall is about 5 inches (127mm), which is quite low compared to other cities in the U.S.

• Highest snowfall:
  Seattle's highest recorded snowfall is 63.6 inches (1,618mm), which occurred in the winter of 1916. However, this was a very unusual case, and generally, Seattle sees less than 5 inches of snow in winter.

• Snowy days:
  On average, Seattle experiences snow on about 2 to 3 days. However, since Seattle's temperatures often hover around freezing, it tends to rain instead of snow, or if it does snow, it melts quickly.

Major Snowfall Records in Seattle

1. Winter of 1916 (Highest Snowfall Record)

   • Snowfall: 63.6 inches (1,618mm)
   • Record period: December 1916 to February 1917
   • The winter of 1916 was the time when the most snow fell in Seattle's history. The recorded 63.6 inches of snow was an extremely unusual event, with snowfall amounts not typical for Seattle's climate. The heavy snowfall caused traffic disruptions and various inconveniences.

2. Winter of 2019 (Moderate Snowfall)

   • Snowfall: About 10 inches (25.4cm)
   • Record period: February 2019
   • In February 2019, Seattle received 10 inches of snow. This was the most snow Seattle had experienced in recent years and significantly impacted transportation and daily life. In particular, mountainous areas and highlands received more snow, leading to difficult road conditions in the outskirts of Seattle.

3. Snow Events in the 1970s and 1980s

   • Seattle also experienced heavy snowfall in the 1970s and 1980s. Notably, in the early 1980s and late 1970s, Seattle saw several instances of heavy snow, accumulating 15 to 20 inches. Since Seattle typically receives little snow, heavy snowfall caused significant traffic congestion and disruptions to public transportation.

Seattle's "Seattle Snow Day"

When it snows in Seattle, even a relatively small amount of snow often leads many businesses to close or reduce their operating hours.

This is referred to as a "Seattle Snow Day," where the city feels like it has "stopped" due to traffic disruptions. This is especially true because icy roads and steep hills make driving very difficult.

Seattle has many steep hills, making conditions particularly challenging when it snows. Areas like downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Queen Anne have many steep slopes, increasing the risk of vehicles sliding or getting stuck when snow or ice accumulates. In a hilly city like Seattle, even a relatively small amount of snow can lead to significant traffic issues.

Seattle is not a city that experiences frequent snowfall, so snow removal efforts are less robust compared to other northern regions. Major roads are cleared quickly, but secondary roads and residential streets often remain snow-covered. The challenge of not being able to clear all roads every time it snows is a significant issue in Seattle.

When it snows, many businesses in Seattle close or reduce their hours. This is because people tend to stay home to avoid traffic issues and for their safety.

Seattle's public transportation system, including buses and trains, also faces significant challenges when it snows. Buses, in particular, struggle to operate on snow and ice-covered roads, and many buses may stop or have difficulty navigating Seattle's hills. Seattle's public transportation is not well-prepared for snow, leading to many people being unable to use public transit when it snows.

Snowpocalypse, Snowmageddon

Seattle residents often use humorous terms like "Snowpocalypse" or "Snowmageddon" when it snows.

These terms arose as traffic problems and inconveniences increased whenever it snowed in Seattle.

When it snows in Seattle, many people take the opportunity to relax. Schools close, people skip work, and many enjoy warm drinks or cozy time at home. Many people engage in winter activities like snowball fights and sledding. When Seattle experiences significant snowfall, it has become a tradition for the city to come to a standstill, creating a unique winter culture in Seattle.