TL;DR: Bellevue winter weather is usually mild. Wear layers and you’ll be fine. The jacket you suggest (below) is overkill for someone who doesn’t go outside much.
Random Redditor asks: I recently moved to Bellevue and have been enjoying it so far. Now that it’s fall, I’m preparing for the winter weather. My main concern is the rain, as I’ve heard the Seattle area experiences a constant drizzle with occasional heavy downpours. Is the rain in Bellevue, particularly downtown where I’m located, similar to the Seattle weather description? I have access to weather data, but I’d like to hear firsthand experiences from those who have lived through multiple Bellevue winters.While I don’t spend a lot of time outdoors, I’m planning to purchase the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Hybrid jacket to keep me warm and comfortable during the winter. What are your thoughts on this jacket or other recommendations for staying dry and warm in Bellevue’s winter weather?
The most challenging aspect (coming from the southeast) was adjusting to the dearth of daylight and seemingly omnipresent cloud cover. The temperature is moderated by the cloud cover. It will rain.
- 80% – temperatures in the 40s, moist with light sprinkles.
- 7% of the time: Heavy downpours known as a “Pineapple Express” — an “atmospheric river” fed from warm, moist air near Hawaii. It will rain hard, but the temperatures will be in the 50s. We are seeing more of these now.
- 5% – A high pressure system moves through and there’s no cloud cover. Temperatures can drop below freezing for a few days.
- 4% One or two wind storms that knock the leaves off of trees, clog storm drains. It’s usually warmer. If you live in an area with overhead power lines, your electricity will go out for a bit.
- 4% Snow has become less frequent. Because of the hills, anything more than an inch causes problems. Work from home those days.
I have a bunch of 1/4 zip polyester pullovers that I wear from late September through May. Costco has them in ~October for about $20 each. They’re light and comfortable for indoors or quick outdoors jaunt from parking to indoors.
If I’m going to be outdoors for an extended period and it’s raining, I’d add a light waterproof jacket with side/armpit zippers for ventilation. If you’re walking/biking, It’s best if your jacket has something reflective on it. Finally, since I’m bald and wear glasses, I’ve prefer a Seattle Rain Hat or beanie instead of the hood on the jacket.
Nobody carries umbrellas.