Tacoma, Washington, located on the southern end of the Puget Sound, has a temperate maritime climate. While it does snow, the snowfall is typically infrequent and light. The city rarely experiences extended periods of snow cover, a result of geographic and atmospheric influences that keep the region mild and wet throughout winter.
Frequency and Average Accumulation
Tacoma receives an average annual snowfall of 4 to 4.2 inches, significantly lower than the national average. Measurable snow typically falls during only a few days each winter, primarily between mid-December and late January. The city often goes through entire winter seasons without snow lasting more than a day or two on the ground.
This low average is periodically skewed by intense, though rare, historical events. For instance, the Puget Sound region saw an extreme snowfall in 1916 that delivered approximately four feet of snow. More recently, the January 1950 storm brought substantial accumulation, crippling commerce for a time.
Climate Factors Keeping Snow Rare
Tacoma’s minimal snowfall is primarily due to its temperate maritime climate. Proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the deep waters of the Puget Sound acts as a significant thermal regulator. This keeps winter air temperatures mild; the average January low in Tacoma is around 37°F, generally above freezing.
This moderating effect means that during most winter storms, air temperature at sea level remains too warm for snow, resulting in rain. For snow to accumulate, a specific weather pattern called an Arctic outbreak must occur, pushing cold, dry air southward from Canada or the Fraser River Valley. When this cold air meets Pacific moisture, snow is possible, but the warm Puget Sound often limits the duration and extent of accumulation.
Navigating a Tacoma Snow Event
When snow does fall, even in minor amounts, the impact on Tacoma’s infrastructure is disproportionately large. The city’s steep, hilly terrain becomes hazardous with even a thin layer of snow or ice. Residents, unaccustomed to slick conditions, frequently experience vehicle spin-outs and transit disruptions.
City Street Operations crews prioritize clearing primary arterial roads first, followed by secondary routes. Due to the infrequency of snow, the city does not maintain the extensive fleet of plows and de-icing trucks found in colder climates. This limited capacity means that a small snowfall can lead to widespread school closures and significant delays until the snow melts naturally.