CLIMATE
WEATHER IN KIRKLAND
Kirkland enjoys a mild maritime climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Positioned on the shores of Lake Washington, the city benefits from a microclimate that keeps temperatures moderate year-round. Here's what to expect throughout the seasons.
~155
ANNUAL SUNNY DAYS
~37 inches
ANNUAL RAINFALL
~5 inches
ANNUAL SNOWFALL
77°F
AVG SUMMER HIGH
35°F
AVG WINTER LOW
7.3 / 10
COMFORT INDEX
SPRING
March to May
Spring in Kirkland is a gradual awakening. Cherry blossoms line neighborhood streets as temperatures climb from the low 50s into the mid-60s°F (10–18°C). Rain showers are frequent but lighter, and by May the city is lush and green. It's an ideal time for trail walks at Bridle Trails or strolling the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
AVG HIGH
58–67°F
AVG LOW
40–48°F
RAINFALL
2.5–3.5 in/month
SUMMER
June to August
Summers are Kirkland's crown jewel. Warm, dry days with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24–29°C) make it one of the most beautiful places in the country. Residents flock to Juanita Beach, Marina Park, and the waterfront for paddleboarding, Duffy boat rides, farmers markets, and free concerts. Daylight stretches past 9 PM.
AVG HIGH
73–80°F
AVG LOW
55–60°F
RAINFALL
0.5–1.0 in/month
FALL
September to November
Fall brings a stunning palette of golds, ambers, and deep reds across Kirkland's tree-lined neighborhoods. Temperatures cool from the 60s to the upper 40s°F (15–9°C). Early fall is often still dry and gorgeous — locals call it 'second summer.' By November, the rain returns, creating cozy evenings perfect for Kirkland's restaurant and café scene.
AVG HIGH
52–68°F
AVG LOW
38–50°F
RAINFALL
2.0–6.0 in/month
WINTER
December to February
Winters are mild by national standards but gray and rainy — a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest. Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-40s°F (6–8°C), and while snow is rare (a few dustings most years), the surrounding Cascade Mountains are blanketed — perfect for weekend ski trips to Snoqualmie Pass, just an hour away.
AVG HIGH
44–48°F
AVG LOW
34–38°F
RAINFALL
4.0–6.0 in/month
WEATHER TIPS FOR NEW RESIDENTS
- Layer up. Pacific Northwest weather can shift quickly — a light jacket or layered outfit is your best friend, even in summer evenings.
- Embrace the rain. Locals rarely use umbrellas. A quality rain jacket and waterproof shoes are the PNW essentials.
- Summer is worth the wait. June through September is spectacular — long sunny days, stunning sunsets over the lake, and outdoor events nearly every weekend.
- Ski season is close. Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass are both about an hour away, making winter weekends easy ski getaways.