If you’re moving to the Eastside or just planning a weekend trip to Marymoor Park, you’ve probably heard the rumors. People say it rains every single day. They say you’ll never see the sun. Honestly? That’s not quite right. The weather in Redmond WA is a bit of a local secret, mostly because it’s actually different from what you get over in Seattle.
It's weirder.
Redmond sits in a geographical sweet spot—or a "wet spot," depending on how you look at it. While Seattle gets about 37 inches of rain a year, Redmond often clocks in closer to 41 or 42 inches. Why? Because we’re tucked right up against the foothills of the Cascades. When those big Pacific clouds hit the mountains, they basically get squeezed like a sponge.
The Convergence Zone: Redmond’s Secret Storm Engine
Ever been driving through Bellevue in the sunshine, only to hit a wall of torrential rain the second you cross into Redmond? You’re likely experiencing the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. This is a bizarre meteorological phenomenon where air flows split around the Olympic Mountains and then slam back together right over northern King County.
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It's intense.
When this happens, you get a narrow band of heavy rain or even "surprise" snow that stays parked over Redmond while the rest of the region stays dry. In April 2008, a convergence zone dumped over 6 inches of snow on our neighbors in Woodinville while Seattle just looked on with confusion. This is why local weather forecasts for the weather in Redmond WA can feel like a guessing game.
A Breakdown of the Seasons
- Winter (November – February): This is the "Big Dark." It’s grey. It’s damp. Temperatures usually hover between 37°F and 46°F. It doesn't usually get "Midwest cold," but the humidity makes the chill sink into your bones.
- Spring (March – May): Total gamble. You might get a 65-degree day followed by three days of "sun-breaks" (that's local for "it's raining but the sun is technically out").
- Summer (June – August): This is why we live here. Redmond summers are spectacular. We’re talking 75°F to 80°F with zero humidity. It's basically perfect.
- Fall (September – October): Early fall is actually the best-kept secret. It's often dry and crisp until the "Atmospheric Rivers" show up in late October.
"Junuary" and the Summer Struggle
You’ve got to be careful in June. Locally, we call it Junuary. You’ll see a week of 80-degree weather in May, get your hopes up, and then June 1st hits and it's 55 degrees and drizzling for three weeks straight. It's a psychological test for everyone living here.
But once July 5th rolls around? It’s game on.
Statistically, the driest months are July and August. If you're visiting, this is when you want to be here. The sun doesn't set until nearly 10:00 PM in the peak of summer, which gives you plenty of time to hit the trails at 60 Acres or grab a beer outdoors.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Redmond Rain
Most of the time, it doesn't actually "pour" in Redmond. It's more of a persistent, annoying mist. We call it "the drizzle." Because of this, you’ll notice that locals almost never use umbrellas. If you see someone with an umbrella in downtown Redmond, there's a 90% chance they're from out of state.
Instead, everyone wears high-end Gore-Tex or North Face shells. It’s the unofficial uniform.
Also, Redmond is surprisingly prone to fog. Since we're near Lake Sammamish and have a lot of low-lying areas near the Sammamish River, the morning mist can get so thick you can't see your neighbor's driveway. It usually burns off by noon, but it makes the morning commute on Avondale Road feel like a scene from a movie.
Dealing with the 2026 Climate Shifts
As we look at the current 2026 patterns, we’re seeing a transition out of a weak La Niña. This means we've had a slightly wetter winter than usual, but the spring outlook is trending toward "neutral." For you, that means a more predictable transition into summer.
However, we have to talk about the smoke. In the last few years, August and September have occasionally been hit by wildfire smoke from the Cascades or Canada. It’s not every year, but it’s something to watch for on the Air Quality Index (AQI) before you plan a big outdoor event.
Quick Prep for Redmond Weather
- Layers are everything. A T-shirt under a light sweater under a rain shell will save your life.
- Check the radar. Because of the Convergence Zone, the general "Seattle" forecast is often wrong for Redmond. Use an app that shows the actual rain cells.
- Moisturize. The winter air is damp, but indoor heating is incredibly drying.
- Embrace the grey. If you wait for a "nice day" to go outside in March, you’ll be stuck inside for a month. Just put on a hat and go.
If you’re looking for the best time to experience the weather in Redmond WA without the soggy socks, aim for the window between July 15th and September 15th. That’s our "Goldilocks" zone. Outside of that, just make sure your car has good wipers and your jacket has a hood.
The most practical next step for anyone new to the area is to invest in a high-quality, breathable rain shell—not a heavy winter coat. In Redmond, staying dry is much more important than staying "warm," as the movement between 40-degree rain and 70-degree offices happens fast. Also, keep a pair of "car shoes" if you plan on walking through the grass at Marymoor; the ground stays saturated long after the rain stops.