Weather in Tacoma, Washington
Shoots and Sprouts Rise in Ranks. Day 58 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Light Snow78%56°44°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—60°40°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—68°45°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle—66°46°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—70°43°
- ThursdayMay 21Partly Cloudy—79°46°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—71°50°
- PM 2.5
- 2.1 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 2.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.1 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 72.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 2.1 Low
Flowers blooming in late autumn, a sure sign of a bad winter coming.
- Moonrise
- 11:52 AM
- Moonset
- 3:04 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Shoots and Sprouts Rise in Ranks
Tacoma at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 15°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: May 29 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 16, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
Temperature extremes define Tacoma's calendar, with July bringing the year's peak warmth at around 67°F and December delivering the coldest conditions at roughly 42°F. Rain follows its own schedule, peaking during November's 6.5-inch deluge before nearly disappearing in July's dry 0.6-inch average.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43° | 6.0″ | 13 |
| February | 44° | 4.0″ | 10 |
| March | 47° | 4.4″ | 12 |
| April | 52° | 3.4″ | 9 |
| May | 58° | 2.0″ | 6 |
| June | 62° | 1.4″ | 4 |
| July | 67° | 0.6″ | 2 |
| August | 67° | 0.8″ | 2 |
| September | 62° | 1.6″ | 4 |
| October | 54° | 4.1″ | 9 |
| November | 47° | 6.5″ | 13 |
| December | 42° | 6.0″ | 14 |
Regional context
Part of the broader warm-summer Mediterranean climate zone, Tacoma shares temperature patterns, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities throughout the region.
Similar climates: Seattle, WA, Spokane, WA, Kennewick, WA, Bremerton, WA, Olympia, WA.
Naturalist notes
Pacific rhododendrons burst into bloom across Tacoma's landscape during late spring, their pink and white flowers marking the season's progression.
American robins begin their dawn chorus earlier each morning through May, signaling longer daylight hours and warming soil temperatures.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Tacoma?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-May in Tacoma, while the first fall frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Tacoma?
- November brings Tacoma's heaviest rainfall at approximately 6.5 inches, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 41 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Tacoma?
- July typically records the year's highest temperatures, averaging about 67°F.
- What is the coldest month in Tacoma?
- December usually brings the coldest weather, with temperatures averaging about 42°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Tacoma?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May, while heat-loving crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks longer.
- How many rainy days does Tacoma get?
- Rain falls on approximately 96 days throughout a typical year in Tacoma.
- What hardiness zone is Tacoma?
- Tacoma's USDA hardiness zone depends on average minimum winter temperatures; use the USDA's online zone finder with your specific ZIP code for the most current designation.
Climate
Tucked into the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma enjoys a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures in January hover near 43°F, while summer brings July averages around 67°F — creating a comfortable 24°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, the city collects about 41 inches of precipitation, falling across roughly 96 rainy days.
Geography drives Tacoma's weather patterns through its latitude of 47.2°N, nearby water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.