You’re standing on the ferry deck, the wind is whipping your hair into a tangled mess, and you’re wondering if you should’ve brought that heavier parka. Welcome to Kingston. If you’ve ever looked at a generic weather app for 98346, you know it basically says "cloudy" from October to May. But that’s a lazy half-truth. The actual weather in Kingston Washington is a moody, maritime beast that behaves very differently than Seattle just across the water.
Honestly, the "Little Norway" vibe of Poulsbo might be nearby, but Kingston’s weather is pure Salish Sea grit. It’s damp. It’s green. Sometimes, it’s unexpectedly sunny when Seattle is getting hammered by a convergence zone.
The Big Rain Myth and the Olympic Shadow
People think we live in a rainforest. We don't. Not exactly.
Kingston sits in a weird geographical sweet spot. While places like Quinault get drenched with over 100 inches of rain a year, Kingston usually hovers around 35 to 40 inches. Why? The Olympic Mountains. These massive peaks act like a giant umbrella, forcing clouds to dump their load on the coast before they reach us. We call it the "Rain Shadow." Now, don't get it twisted—you're still going to see plenty of grey. But it’s often a fine mist or a "Puget Sound drizzle" rather than a torrential downpour.
January is typically our grimmest month. Right now, in early 2026, we’re seeing that classic pattern: overcast skies about 70% of the time. If you’re visiting this week, expect highs around 48°F to 50°F and lows that flirt with the high 30s. It’s a "wet cold." It sinks into your bones in a way that a dry 20-degree day in Montana never could.
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Kingston’s Four Seasons (Sorta)
We don't really do traditional seasons here. It's more like "The Big Dark" and "The Best Summer on Earth."
The Big Dark (November - March)
This is when the wind picks up. Average wind speeds hit their peak in January, often gusting over 30 knots near the ferry terminal. It’s the season of power outages and cozying up at Over the Hill Poke or the filling station with a massive latte. Snow is a rare guest. Usually, we get a "snow-pocalypse" once a year where three inches of slush shuts down Highway 104, but most of the time, it's just rain.
The "Fake Out" Spring (April - May)
April is a liar. You’ll get one day that’s 65°F and gorgeous, and you’ll think, "Yes! Summer is here!" Then it will rain for three weeks straight. This is when the rhododendrons start screaming with color, but you still need your Gore-Tex.
The Glorious Window (July - September)
If you can survive the grey, you get the reward. July and August are spectacular. We’re talking highs in the mid-70s, maybe hitting 80°F on a hot day. It rarely gets "sweltering" because that Appletree Cove breeze acts like natural air conditioning. Most houses here don't even have AC. We just open a window and let the salt air do the work.
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The Crisp Pivot (October)
October is actually my favorite. The morning fog over the water is so thick you can't see the Edmonds ferry until it's right on top of the dock. It’s moody, chilly, and perfect for hiking the Heritage Park trails without breaking a sweat.
Microclimates are Real
You have to understand that "Kingston weather" changes if you walk half a mile inland.
If you're down by the Port of Kingston, the maritime influence is huge. The water stays around 45-55°F year-round, which regulates the air temperature. It keeps the waterfront warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than the houses tucked away up on the hills near Wolfle Elementary.
Basically, if you're planning a wedding or an outdoor event, always have a "Plan B" tent. Even in August. Especially in August.
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What to Actually Pack
Forget the umbrella.
No, seriously. Locals don't use them. The wind just turns them inside out, and you look like a tourist struggling with a broken bird. You want a high-quality shell with a hood.
- Layers: A base layer, a fleece or "puffy" vest, and a waterproof shell.
- Footwear: Leather boots or treated sneakers. Suede is a death wish here.
- The "Kingston Uniform": Flannel. It’s not a fashion statement; it’s a survival strategy for the dampness.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Kingston’s Weather
- Check the Marine Forecast: If you're taking the ferry, don't just look at the temp. Look at the wind speed. If gusts are hitting 35+ mph, expect the "Chetzemoka" or "Salish" to be tossing and turning, and check for cancellations.
- The 10-Minute Rule: If it's pouring rain, wait ten minutes. The Puget Sound weather moves fast. It’s very common to have a sunburst right in the middle of a storm.
- Morning Dew: In the fall and winter, the humidity stays high (often above 80%). If you’re camping at Point No Point, your gear will be damp by morning even if it doesn't rain. Bring dry bags.
- Watch the Olympics: If you see the clouds "stacking" against the mountains to the west, rain is coming. If the peaks are clear, you’ve usually got a few hours of dry weather.
Kingston isn't for people who need 300 days of sunshine. It's for people who find beauty in a dozen shades of grey and the smell of wet cedar. Plan for the damp, dress in layers, and you'll find that the weather here is actually pretty predictable—it’s just predictably unpredictable.
Next steps for your trip: Grab a rain-resistant map of the Kitsap Peninsula and check the Washington State Ferry (WSF) real-time app for wind-related delays before you head to the terminal.