Eastern Washington in January

April through October gives you the best weather and access to everything. Spring brings wildflower blooms across the Palouse and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer means festival season - Walla Walla's wine harvest events run from August through October. July and August get hot - we're talking 95°F regularly in Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities. But the dry heat beats Seattle's humidity, and mornings stay cool for hiking. Just start early and find shade by noon. September and October are magic. Harvest season brings the wineries to life, temperatures drop to perfect levels, and the cottonwoods along the rivers turn golden. Book accommodations well ahead for harvest weekends. Winter shuts down some outdoor activities, but the wine tasting continues. Many wineries offer cozy fireside tastings, and you'll have the place mostly to yourself. Just watch for ice on mountain passes if you're driving from Seattle.