While still chilly, spring in Spokane is often welcomed with much excitement after long, cold winters. Spring brings more days of sun and temperatures might even reach the low 60s (which is pretty warm for sun-deprived Spokanites). But it also isn’t uncommon to experience temperatures in the 40s and rain, wind, or snow -- sometimes all in the same day!

What to Wear:

Dressing for early spring in Spokane can be tricky because there’s a good chance you’ll experience all four seasons in a single day. More often than not, the days are still a bit chilly, especially in early spring. So wearing long pants and boots or sneakers, with a sweater or sweatshirt and a light jacket is a safe bet.

Come mid-May and early June, you’ll start to see sunnier days in the forecast. But don’t forget that with just a little breeze, it can feel colder outside than it looks. So along with long pants, a sweater or sweatshirt, and a light jacket just in case, it doesn’t hurt to pack a short sleeve shirt, too. When in doubt, we recommend layering as much as possible - you can always take layers off if it’s warmer out than you thought!

Summer is one of the best times to experience Spokane. After the cold winter months and the unreliable spring weather, you can count on long, sunny days in the summer. But with long hours of summertime sun (and very little precipitation), it’s not uncommon for the temps to reach a daytime high in the 90s. But don’t worry, air conditioning is common and Spokane is surrounded by lakes and rivers to cool off in.

What to Wear:

June and late August are typically a bit milder when it comes to the weather. Chances are, it will still be sunny and warm outside, but the temps won’t reach the 90s too often so you won’t feel the need to stay indoors during the heat of the day. With some shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals you’ll be ready to go.

July and August in Spokane are hot and dry, so it’s important to dress accordingly. Shorts, sandals, and a short sleeve t-shirt or tank top are all you’ll need when venturing outside. If your plans include going in and out of the shops, we recommend bringing a light jacket with you because the AC indoors can be cold. If you’re extra sensitive to warmer temps, wearing loose, athletic-type clothing will help keep you cooler.

Early fall in Spokane (September and the first half of October) closely mimics summer. You’ll find warm, sunny days in the forecast with cooler mornings and evenings. But by the end of October and the start of November, fall has settled in with changing leaves, temps in the 50s, and a few more days of precipitation. It wouldn’t be unheard of to experience some snow by late fall, either. In 2020, Spokane had the first big snowfall of the year in late October, two weeks after 80-degree days! Yep, seasons can change that quickly in the Inland Northwest.

What to wear:

If you’re planning to visit in early fall, you can still expect it to heat up a bit throughout the day. The mornings and evenings are chilly, but a high of 75 isn’t uncommon. Throw on some shorts and a t-shirt with a jacket, or jeans and a short-sleeve shirt and you’ll be ready for whatever the day holds. September and early October are still perfectly acceptable months to wear your favorite sandals, no need to break out the boots yet. If you’re not a sandal person, a lightweight sneaker or slip-on is a great option, too.

By the end of October and the start of November, fall will be well on its way with cooler temps and a bit more precipitation (maybe even some snow!). You’ll be most comfortable in jeans or long pants, with a sweatshirt or sweater and a jacket overtop for when you’re outside. Late fall is the perfect time to break out a hoodie and a rain jacket. This is also the time of year when Spokanites dust off their boots and put the sandals away because the colder weather is here to stay for the next few months.

We’re not going to lie, winter in the Inland Northwest is cold and seeing snow in the 10 day forecast is common. December through early February, the daily temperatures only reach the 30s - on a good day - and the days are short, with sunrise around 7 a.m. and sunset around 4:30 p.m.

But by the end of February and early March, Spokane starts to see its first glimpses of spring. While still chilly, it’s more common to see sunny weather and temperatures in the 40s and 50s in the forecast. Which, after surviving a Spokane winter, often feels more like summer than spring.

Winter in Spokane might sound intimidating, but don’t let the cold stop you! Spokane offers many different indoor and outdoor activities in the winter, the key is just knowing how to dress appropriately.

What to Wear:

Winter is definitely the time to bundle up in Spokane - there’s no such thing as too many layers. Waterproof boots (even insulated boots, for extra warm toes) and long pants are a must. Pair that with a thicker sweatshirt or sweater, an insulated winter jacket, a beanie, and gloves and you’ll be set to conquer the winter conditions.

By early March, you’ll see the sun a bit more but it can still be deceivingly chilly outside. We still recommend wearing warm shoes, long pants, and a sweater or sweatshirt. But you can probably leave the down parka at home. A warm, but lighter, jacket will do just fine.

If you find yourself unprepared for what the weather brings, don’t worry! Spokane offers many different places you can shop to finish just what you’re missing. Head downtown to visit stores like Nordstrom, Nike, Carhartt, Lululemon, and Athleta. Spokane also has an REI and The North Face to help get you geared up for any adventuring you might be doing in the area. And if you’re looking for a special Pacific Northwest touch, check out Hooptown USA or The Great PNW online or in the downtown boutique and coffee shop, Atticus. For more shopping inspiration check out our shopping page.