Black Diamond is a charming city located in King County, Washington, United States. Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Black Diamond lies approximately 25 miles southeast of Seattle and 30 miles northeast of Tacoma. The city covers an area of around 6.7 square miles and has a population of about 4,200 residents. Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, Black Diamond offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural splendor.
Geographically, Black Diamond is part of the Pacific Northwest region, characterized by its lush forests, rolling hills, and proximity to mountain ranges. The city is named after the Black Diamond Coal Company, which played a significant role in its development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Black Diamond is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and historical landmarks.
One of the notable landmarks in Black Diamond is the Black Diamond Historical Museum, which preserves the town’s mining heritage and showcases artifacts from its coal-mining past. The nearby Lake Sawyer, one of the largest natural lakes in King County, provides residents and visitors with a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The city also hosts the annual Black Diamond Labor Day Festival, celebrating the community’s history and culture.
Climate and Weather Overview
Black Diamond experiences a temperate maritime climate, typical of the Pacific Northwest, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city’s climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, which moderate temperatures and contribute to significant rainfall, especially in the winter months.
Average Monthly Climate Data
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (in) | Average Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40.0 | 6.5 | 5 |
| February | 42.0 | 4.9 | 7 |
| March | 46.0 | 4.6 | 10 |
| April | 50.0 | 3.3 | 12 |
| May | 56.0 | 2.2 | 15 |
| June | 61.0 | 1.7 | 18 |
| July | 67.0 | 0.9 | 21 |
| August | 67.0 | 1.1 | 20 |
| September | 61.0 | 2.0 | 17 |
| October | 52.0 | 3.8 | 12 |
| November | 45.0 | 7.0 | 6 |
| December | 40.0 | 7.8 | 4 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Black Diamond is characterized by cool and wet weather. Average temperatures range from lows of around 34°F to highs of 45°F. The city receives significant rainfall, averaging 6.5 inches, and occasional snowfall.
Natural Disasters
Black Diamond may experience winter storms and heavy rain in January, leading to flooding in low-lying areas and along rivers.
Activities
Inside Activities: Visiting the Black Diamond Historical Museum, enjoying community events, and participating in indoor sports at local community centers are popular.
Outside Activities: Winter hikes, bird watching, and exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area are enjoyed despite the wet conditions.
February
February remains cool and wet with average temperatures ranging from 35°F to 48°F. Precipitation averages 4.9 inches, with a mix of rain and occasional snow.
Natural Disasters
Flooding and landslides can occur due to heavy rains, especially in hilly areas.
Activities
Inside Activities: Cultural events, library programs, and indoor markets provide entertainment.
Outside Activities: Early spring hiking, visiting local parks, and bird watching are popular as the weather starts to improve.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to warm up. Average lows are around 37°F, and highs reach about 53°F. Precipitation averages 4.6 inches, mostly as rain.
Natural Disasters
Flooding and landslides remain a concern during periods of heavy rain.
Activities
Inside Activities: Spring crafts, local theater performances, and educational events at community centers attract visitors.
Outside Activities: Gardening, exploring nature trails, and participating in spring festivals become more popular.
April
April brings milder weather with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F. Rainfall is more moderate, averaging 3.3 inches.
Natural Disasters
The risk of natural disasters decreases, but heavy rains can still cause localized flooding.
Activities
Inside Activities: Art exhibits, indoor markets, and cultural events continue to draw crowds.
Outside Activities: Hiking, biking, and outdoor picnics are enjoyed as the weather becomes more favorable.
May
May sees warmer temperatures, with lows around 45°F and highs of 67°F. Precipitation decreases to an average of 2.2 inches, and sunny days become more frequent.
Natural Disasters
Severe weather is rare, but thunderstorms can occasionally occur.
Activities
Inside Activities: Concerts, indoor sports, and educational workshops provide indoor entertainment.
Outside Activities: Farmers’ markets, outdoor festivals, and gardening are popular activities in the pleasant weather.
June
June marks the start of summer with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 72°F. It is one of the driest months, with an average precipitation of 1.7 inches.
Natural Disasters
The risk of natural disasters is low, but dry conditions can increase the risk of wildfires.
Activities
Inside Activities: Community events, indoor art shows, and library programs offer indoor options.
Outside Activities: Hiking, camping, and water sports are popular as residents take advantage of the warm weather.
July
July is the warmest month, with temperatures ranging from 54°F to 78°F. It is also the driest month, with only 0.9 inches of precipitation.
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves and increased wildfire risk are concerns during this month.
Activities
Inside Activities: Visiting air-conditioned museums and attending indoor events are preferred during hot spells.
Outside Activities: Swimming, boating, and attending outdoor concerts and festivals are popular summertime activities.
August
August remains warm with temperatures ranging from 53°F to 78°F. Precipitation is slightly higher than July, averaging 1.1 inches.
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves and wildfires remain concerns, but severe weather is rare.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor sports, cultural events, and community center activities provide relief from the summer heat.
Outside Activities: Hiking, camping, and participating in local fairs and festivals continue to be enjoyed.
September
September sees a gradual cooling with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 71°F. Precipitation averages 2.0 inches, and sunny days are still frequent.
Natural Disasters
The risk of severe weather decreases, but wildfire risk remains until the first rains.
Activities
Inside Activities: Fall arts and crafts fairs and cultural events are popular.
Outside Activities: Apple picking, hiking, and enjoying the fall foliage in local parks are favored activities.
October
October brings cooler temperatures with lows around 45°F and highs reaching 60°F. Precipitation increases to 3.8 inches, often in the form of light rain.
Natural Disasters
The likelihood of natural disasters is low, but early frost can impact agriculture.
Activities
Inside Activities: Halloween events, indoor fall festivals, and craft shows attract families.
Outside Activities: Leaf peeping, hayrides, and visiting pumpkin patches are popular outdoor activities.
November
November sees further cooling with lows around 38°F and highs averaging 50°F. Precipitation averages 7.0 inches, transitioning from rain to occasional snow.
Natural Disasters
Early winter storms can occur, but they are generally mild.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday craft fairs, indoor community gatherings, and early holiday shopping events take place.
Outside Activities: Hiking and preparing for winter sports are common as residents enjoy the last of the fall weather.
December
December is characterized by cold temperatures with lows around 34°F and highs of 45°F. Precipitation averages 7.8 inches, mostly as rain with occasional snow.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms and heavy rainfall can disrupt travel and daily activities.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday events, indoor markets, and family gatherings are prevalent during the festive season.
Outside Activities: Ice skating, snowshoeing, and winter hiking in nearby parks provide outdoor entertainment.