Bellingham's climate is classic Pacific Northwest: mild, wet, and overcast for much of the year, with a genuinely lovely summer that draws visitors from as far as Vancouver and Seattle.
Summer (June–September) is the clear choice. Days are long, temperatures hover around 22–26°C, and the mountains and sea are at their most accessible. The Ski to Sea race in late May marks the unofficial start of the outdoor season. Farmers markets run weekly, the waterfront fills up, and kayaking on Bellingham Bay is excellent.
Fall (October–November) brings the first rains but also vivid foliage in the Chuckanut Mountains. Crowds drop sharply after Labour Day. Some restaurants and breweries are at their best — harvest menus and new seasonal beers.
Winter (December–March) is grey and wet downtown, but Mount Baker gets extraordinary snowfall — sometimes exceeding 15 metres in a season — making it a serious ski destination with a loyal following. The mountain is about 90 minutes east of the city.
Spring (April–May) is pleasant but unpredictable. The rhododendrons bloom brilliantly in April, and the Skagit Valley tulip fields (a short drive south) peak in mid-April.