Yakima County Climate
Yakima County, Washington
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
50.9°F
Annual Precip
8.1"
Annual Snowfall
16.9"
Extreme Heat Days
39
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,660
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Yakima County
Climate Verdict
Yakima County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 50.9°F, arid conditions receiving just 8.1 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 38.883333333333326 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 16.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 31.3°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.4°F. The 41°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Yakima County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Yakima County closely matches the Washington statewide average temperature of 49.9°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 30.5 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 20.890566280566276 more extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Yakima County Weather
Yakima’s High Desert Climate Profile
Yakima County averages 50.9°F annually, which is slightly below the national median of 53°F. It is one of the driest regions in the country, characterized by low precipitation and high sun.
Warmer and Drier than Washington
The county is warmer than the 49.9°F state average but far drier than the 38.5-inch state precipitation average. It receives only 8.1 inches of rain per year, creating a desert-like environment.
The Driest County in the Region
Yakima's 8.1 inches of rain is remarkably lower than Walla Walla’s 15.8 inches. Despite the aridity, it still manages 16.9 inches of annual snow, more than its neighbors to the south.
Toasty Summers and Crisp Winters
July averages a warm 72.4°F, and the county faces 39 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are cold and dry, with a December-February average of 32.7°F.
Manage Water and Extreme Heat
Drought-resistant landscaping is a must given the low 8.1 inches of annual rainfall. High-efficiency cooling is also essential to navigate the nearly 40 days of extreme summer heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.