If you have ever heard that Sequim stays sunny while the rest of the Olympic Peninsula gets soaked, you heard right. Sequim sits in a unique rain shadow, and that shapes everything from your backyard garden to how a home handles winter storms. If you are shopping for a home here, understanding this local weather quirk will help you pick the right property with confidence. In this guide, you will learn how the rain shadow works, what the seasons really feel like, and how microclimates across Sequim affect day‑to‑day living and maintenance. Let’s dive in.
Rain shadow, simply explained
Moist air moves in from the Pacific and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. As it rises over the Olympic Mountains, it cools and drops most of its moisture on the windward side. The air that descends on the east side is much drier. This process, known as orographic precipitation, creates the Olympic rain shadow. You can read a clear primer in the National Weather Service’s overview of orographic lift and precipitation.
Sequim sits in the heart of that leeward zone. Long‑term climate normals show a sharp contrast: Sequim averages about 16 inches of precipitation a year, Port Angeles sits in the low 20s, and Forks on the west side often exceeds 100 inches. For background on these normals, see NOAA’s summary of the 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals and regional context from the PRISM Climate Group.
What the seasons feel like
Sequim’s pattern is not rainforest wet. It is closer to a Mediterranean rhythm.
- Fall to early spring brings most of the rain, with the peak from roughly November through March.
- Summers are typically dry and bright, with comfortable daytime highs and cool nights.
- Snow does happen but is usually light and occasional compared with higher elevations or inland areas.
- You will notice more sunshine and fewer gray days than the wetter west side valleys, though exact totals vary by site and year.
Microclimates across Sequim
Small changes in location can mean different yard and weather experiences.
Foothills vs. valley
Homes closer to the Olympic foothills can see slightly higher precipitation, more wind exposure, and cooler temperatures. Higher elevations may also catch more winter snow events.
Shoreline influence
Near the Strait of Juan de Fuca, marine air moderates temperature. Waterfront and bluff homes can be windier, and coastal fog sometimes lingers. A few miles inland can be sunnier and warmer on calm days.
Slope and aspect
South‑facing slopes capture more winter sun and often run warmer, which gardeners love. North‑facing slopes stay cooler and can hold frost longer.
Trees and windbreaks
Forest or tall windbreaks can create shelter and reduce summer heat, but they add shade, leaf and needle debris, and roof and gutter maintenance.
Low spots and drainage
Sheltered low areas can trap cold air and frost, and sometimes retain moisture. Proper grading, downspouts, and drainage are important across the valley.
What this means for your home search
Match a property’s microclimate to your priorities.
Love gardening and sun
- Target south‑facing, unobstructed sites with good solar exposure.
- Look for well‑drained soils in the Dungeness Valley and room for raised beds.
- Check how many hours of direct sun key areas receive in midsummer and midwinter.
Want low‑maintenance landscaping
- Seek established, drought‑tolerant plantings and simple lawn areas or xeriscape.
- Favor lots that are level or gently sloped with proven drainage features.
- Ask for irrigation details and utility records.
Drawn to privacy and trees
- Expect more shade and more frequent roof and gutter cleaning.
- Ask about wind exposure and limb fall history during winter storms.
Chasing big views
- View properties often trade shelter for exposure. Expect more wind and occasionally cooler nights.
Gardening, water, and yard care basics
Sequim’s dry summers and mild winters support Mediterranean‑style plantings, fruit trees, and ornamental perennials. Lavender thrives here for a reason.
- Plant hardiness: Much of Sequim aligns with USDA Zone 8b. Confirm your site on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map.
- Soil and drainage: Glacial outwash and sandy loams are common. A soil test can guide amendments and moisture‑retention strategies.
- Irrigation: Many homes rely on drip or sprinklers during the dry season. Verify whether water is municipal or from a well, and whether any irrigation district service applies. For local planting and irrigation tips, explore WSU Extension Clallam County.
Water sources and due diligence
- If a home is on a well, request recent pump tests and water‑quality reports.
- Confirm any irrigation equipment, timers, and pipeline locations during inspections.
- For broader water rights and supply context, the Washington Department of Ecology’s Water Supply program provides statewide guidance.
Roofs, drainage, and winter readiness
Even with less annual rain, Sequim gets concentrated fall and winter storms.
- Roofs and gutters should be sized and maintained for heavy rain events.
- Downspouts should discharge to splash blocks or drain lines that move water away from the foundation.
- Check grading for any low spots that collect water, especially on the shaded side of the home.
Wildfire awareness and insurance
Lower rainfall does not remove wildfire risk. Fuels, wind, and seasonal dryness all matter.
- Review defensible space around the home, especially on rural and view sites.
- Ask your insurance agent how local wildfire exposure may affect premiums and coverage.
- For hazard awareness and preparedness resources, visit Washington DNR’s wildfire information and explore the state’s Wildfire Risk Explorer.
Quick checklist for home tours
Bring these questions to showings so you can compare properties apples to apples.
- How many hours of direct sun do the main yard and garden areas get in midsummer and midwinter?
- What is the typical wind direction and strength on the lot? Any windbreaks?
- Are there known frost pockets, soggy spots, or drainage fixes the seller completed?
- Is irrigation installed, and what is the water source? Any irrigation district service?
- Are there well logs, pump tests, and water‑quality reports available?
- Any history of winter storm damage, localized flooding, or wildfire activity nearby?
- Do parcel maps show floodplains or other constraints? Check Clallam County’s GIS maps and FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Sequim’s rain shadow is a gift if you use it to your advantage. When you understand the microclimates, you can zero in on the right streets and lots, choose landscaping that thrives, and plan for smart maintenance in the wet season.
Ready to shop with a local strategy that fits your lifestyle and budget? Reach out to Anne Watkins to plan a microclimate‑savvy tour and unlock the best options in Sequim and the surrounding Olympic Peninsula.
FAQs
What is Sequim’s rain shadow and why it matters for buyers?
- The Olympic Mountains block and wring moisture from Pacific storms, leaving Sequim drier; this affects gardening, yard care, wind exposure, and how a home handles winter storms.
How much rain does Sequim get compared with Forks?
- Sequim averages about 16 inches annually while Forks on the west side often exceeds 100 inches, based on long‑term NOAA climate normals and PRISM data.
Which Sequim areas get the most sun for gardening?
- South‑facing, unobstructed sites and gentle uplands away from marine fog typically see more sun; always check midwinter and midsummer sun angles on site.
Do you need irrigation for a Sequim yard?
- Most gardens benefit from drip or sprinklers during dry summers; confirm system type, coverage, and water source during inspections and review utility or well records.
How should buyers evaluate wildfire exposure around Sequim?
- Ask insurers about coverage and review defensible space; use Washington DNR’s wildfire resources and the state Wildfire Risk Explorer for site‑specific awareness.
Where can you check flood or drainage concerns before buying in Sequim?
- Review parcel details on Clallam County’s GIS maps and consult FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, then verify any on‑site grading or drainage improvements during inspections.
