Why Whitman? Walla Walla Weather

Walla Walla is situated in Eastern Washington, in the valley between the Columbia River to the west and the Blue Mountains (our unofficial mascot!) to the east. Much of the year is sunny and dry, and for someone coming from the gray and rainy Seattle area, this was a pretty big (but very welcome) change. 

When I arrive on campus every August, Walla Walla gives me a very warm welcome. There are lots of activities to stay cool though, from swimming in the fountain outside of Hunter Conservatory or hanging out in the air-conditioned Reid Campus Center. After the first few weeks, the temperature is more comfortable. I soak up the sun by joining other Whitties on Ankeny Field in the afternoons, studying or playing frisbee with friends.

This good weather lasts up until the leaves start turning yellow in the fall. For students from warm areas, Walla Walla autumn may be a little chilly, but most Pacific Northwest students like myself will feel right at home in a cozy sweatshirt and jeans.

Winter might be my favorite season here. Walking to class in the snow is beautiful, yet pretty cold. For this season, I would recommend a cozy winter coat, a warm hat and socks, and water-resistant shoes. I also recommend going sledding in the Amphitheater before returning to your residence hall to warm up by the fire.

Spring is marked by the arrival of the ducklings! Lakum Duckum is filled with little yellow fluff balls paddling after their mothers. While on my way to class, I’ve patiently waited for trails of ducklings to finish crossing the paths. In May, the weather warms up enough to break out our favorite T-shirts and shorts before students head home for the summer. 

No matter the season, sunsets are one of the best parts about living here. Most clear nights, the sky is painted brilliantly pink and orange. The next time you visit Walla Walla, try to imagine what it will look like to spend your school year here, and stick around for the sunset — I promise it will be worth your time. 

Pan Deines ’26 (they/them) is a sophomore from Vashon, Washington who intends to major in English and minor in Creative Writing. Pan has been known to accidentally walk to class in the snow without a jacket on, only to immediately regret it.