Weather
Washington Winter 2026-27: Seattle Rain, Pass Snow by Thanksgiving?
Seattle, WA – Thanksgiving travelers across Washington may encounter wet roads and periods of rain as a new holiday outlook highlights typical late fall weather. For drivers heading from Seattle towar
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-23T08:39:23.246Z
Seattle, WA – Thanksgiving travelers across Washington may encounter wet roads and periods of rain as a new holiday outlook highlights typical late fall weather. For drivers heading from Seattle toward Spokane or crossing the Cascade Mountains, the bigger question is whether snow levels could affect mountain passes before Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 26.
According to the Farmers' Almanac's Oct. 19 update, its Pacific Northwest forecast region favors periods of rain from Monday, Nov. 23, through Thanksgiving Day, covering Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
The publication does not provide rainfall totals, specific daily forecasts or confirmed snowfall predictions for Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass or other Washington mountain routes.
Historical climate records help explain why rain is a major concern.
Seattle Tacoma International Airport normally receives 6.31 inches of precipitation during November , with measurable precipitation on approximately 18 days , according to NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals.
November is Seattle's wettest month by average precipitation. Those figures describe historical monthly conditions, not expected Thanksgiving rainfall.
For mountain travelers, elevation and snow levels will be critical. Rain around Puget Sound can coincide with snow at higher elevations when temperatures are sufficiently cold.
Snoqualmie Pass on I 90 and Stevens Pass on U.S. 2 are important crossings where conditions can change rapidly during winter weather.
NOAA's November outlook favors above normal temperatures across Washington and portions of the interior Northwest, while coastal precipitation probabilities remain less certain.
Looking ahead, NOAA's winter 2026 27 outlook favors warmer than normal temperatures across the Pacific Northwest under the broader influence of El Niño.
However, a warmer seasonal average does not eliminate cold snaps, mountain snowfall or temporary travel restrictions.
For Thanksgiving travelers, I 5 through Seattle and Tacoma, I 90 toward Spokane and U.S. 2 across Stevens Pass are major corridors to monitor.
Could Washington see snow by Thanksgiving 2026? Mountain snowfall is possible during November, but the supplied Almanac outlook does not establish whether snow will affect the passes Nov. 23–26.
Drivers should check National Weather Service forecasts and Washington State Department of Transportation pass reports closer to departure for snow levels, traction requirements and road conditions.