Does It Snow a Lot in Seattle, WA?

No. Seattle receives surprisingly little snow. The annual average is only 5.6 inches (14 cm).

For comparison:

• Boston: ~24.5 inches
• New York City: ~27.9 inches
• Portland, OR: ~12.3 inches
• San Francisco: ~0.3 inches

Seattle's mild, maritime climate (moderated by the Pacific Ocean) keeps winter temperatures usually above freezing. Snow events are infrequent, often light, and rarely accumulate for long. The city is not equipped for heavy snowfall, so even minor amounts can cause significant disruption.