If you’re driving east over Stevens Pass, the world changes. One minute you’re surrounded by the dripping, moss-covered evergreens of the Cascades, and the next, you’re hitting the dry, golden hills of the Wenatchee Valley. Right in the heart of that shift sits Cashmere, Washington. Most folks just know it as the place with the Aplets & Cotlets factory or the town with the cool museum, but if you’re planning to live here or even just visit for a weekend of rafting, the weather in Cashmere WA is something you’ve gotta understand. It isn't just "Eastern Washington weather." It’s its own weird, beautiful little microclimate.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a trick. You might look at a map and think it’s just like Wenatchee, but being tucked closer to the mountains gives Cashmere a slightly different vibe. You get a little more of that mountain air, a little more of the "it might actually snow today" tension, and a lot of that famous valley sunshine.
The Four Seasons (And Why They Don't Play Fair)
Most places have seasons. Cashmere has moods. Because it’s in a semi-arid zone but sits right at the foot of the Cascades, the weather is constantly in a tug-of-war between the dry desert air of the east and the moist, moody Pacific systems trying to crawl over the peaks.
Spring: The Great Orchard Awakening
Spring is arguably the most stressful time for locals, especially the orchardists. By late March or April, the valley starts to pop. You’ve got pear and apple blossoms everywhere. It looks like a postcard.
But here’s the thing: the nights are a gamble. You’ll have a gorgeous 65°F day where you’re thinking about shorts, and then the sun goes down. Suddenly, it’s 32°F and the wind is kicking up. This is when you’ll see the wind machines in the orchards—those giant fans that look like grounded windmills—turning on to keep the cold air from settling and killing the buds. If you’re visiting in May, pack a heavy hoodie. You’ll need it the second the sun ducks behind the hills.
Summer: The 100-Degree Question
July and August are when the weather in Cashmere WA gets serious. It gets hot. Like, "don't touch your steering wheel" hot. Average highs in July hover around 88°F or 89°F, but that’s just the average. We regularly see stretches where it stays in the high 90s or breaks 100°F for days.
The good news? It’s a dry heat. Coming from Seattle or the East Coast, the lack of humidity feels like a superpower. You don't sweat; the air just absorbs it. The Wenatchee River becomes the town’s living room during these months. If you aren't on a tube or a raft by 2:00 PM, you’re doing it wrong. Just keep an eye on the sky; occasionally, we get these wild summer thunderstorms that roll through, bringing lightning but almost no rain. That’s "fire weather," and it makes everyone a little jumpy.
Fall: The Sweet Spot
If I’m being real, September and October are the only months where the weather actually behaves. The heat breaks, the air turns crisp, and the larch trees up in the high country start turning gold. This is the harvest. The days are usually in the 60s or 70s—perfect for hiking the Peshastin Pinnacles—and the nights are cold enough to justify a bonfire.
Winter: The Snow Globe Reality
Winter in Cashmere is beautiful, but it’s a lot of work. We aren't talking about the "half-inch of slush that shuts down Seattle" kind of snow. Cashmere gets real snow. On average, the town sees about 53 inches a year. December is usually the peak, with nearly 20 inches falling in that month alone.
The temperature stays cold, often hovering right around freezing (32°F) during the day and dropping into the low 20s at night. Because Cashmere is in a valley, we also get "inversions." That’s when cold air gets trapped on the valley floor under a layer of warmer air. It can get foggy and gray for a week straight while the people up at Mission Ridge are basking in total sunshine. It’s kinda depressing if you aren't prepared for it, so get a good sun lamp or a season pass to the ski hill.
What the Data Doesn't Tell You
If you look at the official stats from the National Weather Service, you'll see that Cashmere gets about 14 inches of precipitation a year. That sounds like a desert. But those 14 inches are deceptive because so much of it comes as snow.
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Here is how the year actually breaks down in terms of what it feels like:
- January: The "Great Gray." It’s cold, it’s snowy, and you’re probably shoveling your driveway twice a week. Average high: 35°F.
- April: The tease. It'll be 70°F on Tuesday and snowing on Thursday. This is peak "layering" season.
- July: The oven. 15 hours of daylight. You live for the shade.
- October: Perfection. Clear blue skies and the smell of ripening apples.
Dealing With the Extremes
We have to talk about the stuff that isn't on the travel brochures. Living with the weather in Cashmere WA means being aware of two big things: wildfires and floods.
Because it’s so dry in the summer, smoke from nearby forest fires can settle in the valley. Some years it’s fine; other years, the air quality index (AQI) hits "hazardous" and you stay inside. It’s just part of the reality of the Inland Northwest now.
On the flip side, we occasionally get "atmospheric rivers" in the winter or spring. That’s when a firehose of warm, wet Pacific air hits the snowpack and melts it all at once. In December 2025, we saw the Wenatchee River hit historic levels, causing some localized flooding in low-lying spots of Cashmere. If you're looking at property here, always, always check the flood maps near Mission Creek or the river.
Survival Tips for the Cashmere Climate
If you're heading this way, don't just trust your phone's weather app. It usually pulls data from the Wenatchee airport, which is lower and warmer.
- The "Mountain Shadow" Rule: Even on a clear day, the sun disappears behind the mountains earlier than you'd expect. In the winter, the "useful" daylight feels really short. Plan your outdoor stuff for between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Hydrate or Die: I’m only half-kidding. The air here is incredibly dry. You’ll wake up with a scratchy throat and wonder if you’re sick. You’re not; you’re just a prune. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.
- Tires Matter: If you’re here between November and March, have winter tires. All-seasons are a lie when you’re trying to climb a slushy hill in a Cashmere neighborhood.
- Wind Awareness: The valley acts like a wind tunnel. Spring winds can be fierce, blowing dust off the hills. Secure your patio furniture unless you want it in your neighbor's yard.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
So, when should you actually go?
If you want the best weather in Cashmere WA, aim for late May or mid-September.
In May, the hills are still green (they turn brown by July), the wildflowers are out, and the temperature is usually a perfect 70°F. In September, you get the fruit, the clear skies, and the best river conditions for a mellow float.
If you’re coming for winter sports, aim for late January. The snow base at nearby Mission Ridge or Leavenworth is usually at its peak, and you’ve got the best chance of catching a "bluebird" day where the sky is so clear it hurts your eyes.
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Before you head out, check the University of Washington's Northwest Modeling Consortium for the most accurate local pressure and wind maps—it’s what the pros use. Also, keep the WA Department of Ecology's Air Quality Map bookmarked if you’re visiting in August.
Cashmere is a place of extremes. It'll freeze you out in January and bake you in July, but that’s exactly why the fruit is so good and the views are so sharp. Just pack a jacket, a swimsuit, and some sturdy boots—you might need all three in the same 24-hour window.