Weather
Pacific Northwest Thanksgiving 2026: Rain Outlook Nov. 23–26 Washington-Oregon
Pacific Northwest — Thanksgiving travelers across Washington, Oregon and Idaho could encounter periods of rain and wet roads Nov. 23–26, according to the Farmers’ Almanac’s updated holiday outlook.
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-20T12:37:01.261Z
Pacific Northwest — Thanksgiving travelers across Washington, Oregon and Idaho could encounter periods of rain and wet roads Nov. 23–26, according to the Farmers’ Almanac’s updated holiday outlook.
Updated Oct. 19, the forecast covers Monday through Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. It points to typical late fall conditions but does not provide rainfall totals or a specific snowfall forecast for Seattle, Portland or mountain passes.
November is Seattle’s wettest month by average precipitation. Seattle Tacoma International Airport normally receives 6.31 inches , with measurable precipitation on about 18 days , according to NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals. Those figures describe the entire month’s historical averages, not expected Thanksgiving totals.
The regional rain outlook also leaves an important question unresolved for mountain travelers: how low snow levels might fall during any holiday weather system. That will require forecasts much closer to departure.
For November as a whole, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center favors above normal temperatures, particularly in Washington and the interior Northwest. The warmth signal is weaker in Oregon. Along the Pacific Northwest coast, precipitation has equal chances of falling above, near or below normal. Those monthly probabilities do not identify the weather on individual Thanksgiving travel days.
El Niño is expected to influence the broader pattern, with NOAA’s separate December 2026–February 2027 outlook favoring warmer than normal temperatures across the Pacific Northwest. That describes a seasonal average, allowing room for cold snaps and mountain snow. El Niño does not cancel winter weather in the Northwest.
Drivers crossing Snoqualmie, Stevens or other mountain passes should check route specific forecasts and transportation reports for conditions and any traction requirements before departure. Washington transportation officials recommend preparing for snow and ice when traveling through the mountains during winter.
For now, rain is the Almanac’s main Northwest Thanksgiving concern. Travelers should allow extra time on wet roads and follow National Weather Service updates as the holiday approaches.