AI-generatedOlympia, Washington at a glance
- Best time
- Jun – Sep
- Warmest month
- Aug · 26°
- Warmest sea
- Aug · 11.8°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,010 h
- Rain a year
- 1,219 mm
- Climate
- Temperate
- Time zone
- UTC−8 / UTC−7
- Elevation
- 29 m
Climate in Olympia, Washington
Olympia, Washington has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. August is the warmest month with average highs of 26 °C, while December is the coolest at 8 °C. With around 2,010 hours of sunshine a year, Olympia, Washington is moderately sunny; July is the sunniest month with 9.9 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Olympia, Washington
The best time to visit Olympia, Washington is from June to September. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in August it only reaches 11.8 °C. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable from May to September. Rain is frequent from October to April; the wettest month is November with 198 mm.
Olympia, Washington through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Olympia, Washington in spring
Mar – May
Fair
- 13–19 °C by day
- Sea 9 °C
- 5.8 h of sun a day
- 40 rainy days in all
Olympia, Washington in summer
Jun – Aug
Excellent
- 22–26 °C by day
- Sea 11 °C
- 8.9 h of sun a day
- 12 rainy days in all
Olympia, Washington in autumn
Sep – Nov
Fair
- 11–23 °C by day
- Sea 10 °C
- 4.6 h of sun a day
- 38 rainy days in all
Olympia, Washington in winter
Dec – Feb
Poor
- 8–10 °C by day
- Sea 8 °C
- 2.7 h of sun a day
- 49 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
No month
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
May – Sep
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Rainy months
Oct – Apr
Rainy season or more than 12 rainy days
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Olympia, Washington for you.
Your best months: June – August
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Weather in October
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Fair
Best time to visit: June – September
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Keep in mindFrequent rain
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 6°
- Midday, 13:00: about 15°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 16°
- Evening, 20:00: about 11°
- Night, 23:00: about 9°
07:2818:26
Cold evenings: bring a warm jacket.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 07:09–08:09 · evening 17:45–18:45
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:57–07:09 · evening 18:45–18:57
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
October in Olympia, Washington compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs fall from about 19° at the start of the month to 13° at the end. The sea cools from 11° to 10°. The days get 1.6 h shorter.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 19° | 13° |
| Night-time low | 7° | 4° |
| Sea | 11° | 10° |
| Daylight | 11.8 h | 10.2 h |
What is the weather like in Olympia, Washington in October?
In October, Olympia, Washington is mild: daytime highs average 16 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sea averages 10.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 121 mm in total. All in all, October is a so-so month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 10 h 59 min07:28 – 18:26
- UV index
- 3 · moderateclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 14 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 67 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or moreAll months
- Snow days
- 0 days1 cm or more of fresh snow
- Time zone
- UTC−7offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 50 %81 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %22 %
- Few rainy daysweight 30 %36 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “City break”.
What to pack in October
- A jumper for the evenings
- Rain jacket or umbrella
Compare two months in Olympia, Washington
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
July has the better holiday weather in Olympia, Washington: score 100 against 56. In July, days are 10 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 1 °C warmer in July. July has 11 fewer rainy days. The sun shines 6 hours longer a day in July.
| Month | October | July |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 56 | 100better |
| Daytime high | 16° | 26° |
| Night-time low | 5° | 11° |
| Sea | 10.2° | 11.4° |
| Sunshine | 4.3 h | 9.9 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 13 | 2better |
| Rainfall | 121 mm | 12 mmbetter |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Olympia, Washington month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
2January8° · Sea 8° · 2.5 h
In January, Olympia, Washington is cold: daytime highs average 8 °C, and nights cool down to about 1 °C. The sea averages 8.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun is scarce, with only about 2.5 hours a day. It rains often – on about 18 days, adding up to 179 mm. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in January20February10° · Sea 8° · 3.5 h
In February, Olympia, Washington is cold: daytime highs average 10 °C, and nights cool down to about 1 °C. The sea averages 8.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun is scarce, with only about 3.5 hours a day. It rains often – on about 14 days, adding up to 122 mm. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in February29March13° · Sea 8° · 4.3 h
In March, Olympia, Washington is cool: daytime highs average 13 °C, and nights cool down to about 2 °C. The sea averages 8.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 17 days, adding up to 138 mm. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in March56April15° · Sea 9° · 6.0 h
In April, Olympia, Washington is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. The sea averages 8.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.0 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 89 mm in total. All in all, April is a so-so month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in April81May19° · Sea 10° · 7.0 h
In May, Olympia, Washington is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 9.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.0 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 60 mm in total. All in all, May is an excellent month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in May92June22° · Sea 11° · 7.9 h
In June, Olympia, Washington is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 10.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.9 hours a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 35 mm. All in all, June is an excellent month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in June100July26° · Sea 11° · 9.9 h
In July, Olympia, Washington is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 11.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. With around 9.9 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 2 days bring 12 mm in total. On about 5 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, July is an excellent month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in July100August26° · Sea 12° · 8.9 h
In August, Olympia, Washington is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 11.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 8.9 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 20 mm in total. On about 5 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, August is an excellent month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in August86September23° · Sea 11° · 6.9 h
In September, Olympia, Washington is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sea averages 11.3 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.9 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 50 mm. All in all, September is an excellent month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in September56October16° · Sea 10° · 4.3 h
In October, Olympia, Washington is mild: daytime highs average 16 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sea averages 10.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 121 mm in total. All in all, October is a so-so month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in October16November11° · Sea 9° · 2.7 h
In November, Olympia, Washington is cool: daytime highs average 11 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. The sea averages 9.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun is scarce, with only about 2.7 hours a day. It rains often – on about 17 days, adding up to 198 mm. All in all, November is not an ideal month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in November1December8° · Sea 9° · 2.0 h
In December, Olympia, Washington is cold: daytime highs average 8 °C, and nights cool down to about 1 °C. The sea averages 8.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun is scarce, with only about 2.0 hours a day. It rains often – on about 17 days, adding up to 195 mm. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Olympia, Washington.
Olympia, Washington in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Olympia, Washington
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Cold 0–8°
- Cool 8–15°
ColdOctober: nights around 5°. The room should be heated.
The coolest nights are in February (1°), the warmest in July (11°). Nights fall below 8 °C on average from October to May, so the room should be heated.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 2 | 8° | 1° | 8.1° | 2.5 h | 18 | 179 |
| FebruaryFeb | 20 | 10° | 1° | 8.0° | 3.5 h | 14 | 122 |
| MarchMar | 29 | 13° | 2° | 8.2° | 4.3 h | 17 | 138 |
| AprilApr | 56 | 15° | 3° | 8.9° | 6.0 h | 13 | 89 |
| MayMay | 81 | 19° | 7° | 9.8° | 7.0 h | 10 | 60 |
| JuneJun | 92 | 22° | 9° | 10.7° | 7.9 h | 6 | 35 |
| JulyJul | 100 | 26° | 11° | 11.4° | 9.9 h | 2 | 12 |
| AugustAug | 100 | 26° | 11° | 11.8° | 8.9 h | 3 | 20 |
| SeptemberSep | 86 | 23° | 8° | 11.3° | 6.9 h | 8 | 50 |
| OctoberOct | 56 | 16° | 5° | 10.2° | 4.3 h | 13 | 121 |
| NovemberNov | 16 | 11° | 3° | 9.4° | 2.7 h | 17 | 198 |
| DecemberDec | 1 | 8° | 1° | 8.6° | 2.0 h | 17 | 195 |
Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
47.04° N, 122.90° W · 29 m · America/Los_Angeles
Sea temperature in Olympia, Washington
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 9.8 – 10.7 °C
Swimming season: Always below 20 °C
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Olympia, Washington ranges from 8.0 °C in February to 11.8 °C in August. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
In December the sea is even warmer than the afternoon air. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in August, eight out of ten years were between 10.8 and 13.0 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 8.1° | 7.6° | 8.7° | cold |
| FebruaryFeb | 8.0° | 7.4° | 8.8° | cold |
| MarchMar | 8.2° | 7.6° | 8.8° | cold |
| AprilApr | 8.9° | 8.3° | 9.5° | cold |
| MayMay | 9.8° | 9.2° | 10.5° | cold |
| JuneJun | 10.7° | 9.9° | 11.5° | cold |
| JulyJul | 11.4° | 10.4° | 12.4° | cold |
| AugustAug | 11.8° | 10.8° | 13.0° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 11.3° | 10.7° | 11.7° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 10.2° | 9.8° | 10.7° | cold |
| NovemberNov | 9.4° | 9.0° | 10.1° | cold |
| DecemberDec | 8.6° | 8.1° | 9.2° | cold |
Sunshine hours in Olympia, Washington
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 4.3 of 11.0 hours of daylight in Olympia, Washington, 39 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Olympia, Washington: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, Olympia, Washington has about 13 rainy days with 121 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Olympia, Washington
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 3 · moderateAround midday seek shade; use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in June (UV 8).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 50 min
- Fair skin
- about 65 min
- Light brown skin
- about 90 min
- Olive skin
- about 115 min
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Wind and clouds in Olympia, Washington
How breezy and how cloudy Olympia, Washington is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Olympia, Washington typically peaks at 14 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, gentle breeze.
Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting
The daily breeze rarely reaches Beaufort 4 (20 km/h), so wind sports depend on single windy days.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 67 % of the sky over Olympia, Washington: mostly cloudy, with about 4.3 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Heat and humidity in Olympia, Washington
How often the day gets hot in Olympia, Washington (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.
Heat calendar
- pleasant
- some hot or muggy days
- often muggy
- often hot
- hot and muggy
In October, Olympia, Washington has about 0 hot days, with an average daytime high of 16 °C: pleasant. Heat plays no part this month.
Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year
Planning a trip to Olympia, Washington
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Olympia, Washington in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Olympia, Washington has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 100) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 2).
- 48
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Fair
- 14 °C by day
- Sea 9 °C
- 5.5 h of sun a day
- 14 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 83
May half-term
May – Jun
Excellent
- 20 °C by day
- Sea 10 °C
- 7.2 h of sun a day
- 9 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 100
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
ExcellentBest holidays
- 26 °C by day
- Sea 12 °C
- 9.3 h of sun a day
- 3 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 56
October half-term
Oct
Fair
- 16 °C by day
- Sea 10 °C
- 4.3 h of sun a day
- 13 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 2
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
Poor
- 8 °C by day
- Sea 8 °C
- 2.3 h of sun a day
- 17 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 9 h 50 min
- Distance
- 7,760 km
- Time zone
- UTC−7
- Jet lag
- About 5 days (8 h west)
Rule of thumb for flying west: for a few days before, stay up a little later, and get afternoon and evening light at your destination.
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Compare & alternatives
Olympia, Washington compared
Put Olympia, Washington side by side with another destination.
Olympia vs Tacoma
In October the holiday weather in Olympia and Tacoma is about equally good (score 56 vs 57). During the day it is about as warm in Tacoma as in Olympia. The sea is about equally warm.
| in October | Olympia | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 56 | 57 |
| Daytime high | 16° | 16° |
| Sea | 10° | 10° |
| Sunshine | 4 h | 4 h |
| Rainy days | 13 | 13 |
| Best time | Jun – Sep | Jun – Sep |
Through the year
USA in October: the best places
In October, Olympia, Washington ranks 26 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Mariposa (Yosemite)24°98
- 2Sacramento26°96
- 3San Jose24°96
- 4Santa Cruz19°14°96
- 5Monterey21°15°96
- 6Carmel-by-the-Sea19°15°96
- 7Reno21°95
- 8Napa Valley25°95
- 26OlympiaThis page16°10°56
Near Olympia, Washington
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Olympia, Washington
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Olympia, Washington's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Olympia, Washington
When is the best time to visit Olympia, Washington?
The best time to visit Olympia, Washington is from June to September. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Olympia, Washington?
The sea temperature in Olympia, Washington ranges from 8.0 °C in February to 11.8 °C in August. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
Can you swim in Olympia, Washington in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 10.2 °C. Comfortable swimming temperatures are not reached at any time of year.
What is the warmest month in Olympia, Washington?
August is the warmest month, with average highs of 26 °C and nights around 11 °C. December is the coolest month at 8 °C.
When does it rain most in Olympia, Washington?
Rain is frequent from October to April; the wettest month is November with 198 mm. The driest month is July with 12 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Olympia, Washington get?
Olympia, Washington gets around 2,010 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is July with 9.9 hours a day; in December there are 2.0 hours a day.
What time zone is Olympia, Washington in?
Olympia, Washington is on UTC−8 in January and UTC−7 in July.
How long is the flight from London to Olympia, Washington?
A nonstop flight from London to Olympia, Washington takes about 9 h 50 min, for a straight-line distance of about 7,760 km.
Which school holidays are best for Olympia, Washington?
Olympia, Washington has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 100) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 2). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 48, May half-term 83, summer holidays 100, October half-term 56, Christmas holidays 2.