New to Bellingham (Centralia, Burlington: sales, buying, sales tax)

[mariajosee91]

Hello everybody!

I'm going to stay in Bellingham from January until March (I got an internship at WWU) and I have no idea what the weather is gonna be like. I've read that it can get pretty cold and rainy, but I'm not sure what kind of clothes I should bring. I'm South American and I don't usually wear that kind of clothes so... should I bring a pair of rain boots, a coat, a raincoat, outdoor-ish shoes??? I'd love to know as much as possible about Bellingham's weather during those months so I can start buying the stuff I'm going to need.

Thanks!

[sll3454]

Will you be spending much time outdoors?

[mariajosee91]

Originally Posted by sll3454

Will you be spending much time outdoors?

I mean, there are some places I'd like to visit that I guess require those shoes, like Whatcom Falls or Mount Baker

[jaja111]

1) Raincoat. A good water proof breathable shell type coat with a good hood. You can layer a good fleece or sweatshirt underneath for warmth.

2) At least water resistant, if not waterproof, footwear would be a good idea.

You can bulk up on layers underneath a good shell when you may want to visit colder places higher in elevation.

You must know the rain is much more of a mist most of the time, a steady drizzle some of the time, and far less often an actual downpour. I didn't know what to expect either when I moved here but have found that often when it is "raining" (as people here would classify it) its not even worth wearing a raincoat or waterproof shell unless you're standing in it for an extended period of time. I think I may have even put the hood up on my rain coat possibly three times in the last two years.

Come prepared for rain and be pleasantly surprised by the fact that it's atomized droplets of water that barely even fall to the ground and would only soak you if you stuck your whole body out the sun roof of a car while doing 50 mph for 10 minutes in it.

[CrazyDonkey]

Wear layers, with sweater, jacket w/hood (or rain hat), scarf, etc. Jeans. Warm shoes or boots (not flip-flops or sandals). Gloves. Most don't bother with a raincoat or umbrella.

If you plan to do any hiking, you'll want at least light-weight hiking boots with good ankle support.

[Lamplight]

I know quite a few people who get by without a raincoat, but they all have cars. I don't have a car so I'm out in the weather all the time, and a good raincoat is a necessity for me. And yet, I still get by most days without my raincoat, but I keep in my bike bag throughout winter just in case.

[StealthRabbit]

Usually only drizzle (not rain). Not 'bitter' cold very often.

Bring only some nice South American (high quality) light wool sweaters, hat or ear warmers, and gloves. You can get the rest here in USA (probably cheaper).

There are excellent raingear apparel stores nearby. (you don't want something too heavy / thick) ~$40 - $120
REI
Storefinder - Helly Hansen.com

Helly Hansen Burlington
314 Fashion Way Burlington, Washington 98233

HELLY HANSEN OUTLET- CENTRALIA
120 W HIGH ST CENTRALIA, Washington 98531

If you are driving through OREGON, or taking a trip there you can buy stuff with no sales tax (save ~ 8%)
Storefinder - Helly Hansen.com

Canada is more expensive for shopping.

Cheap water proof shoes (Ducks) ~ $20USD

[RotseCherut]

Originally Posted by mariajosee91

I mean, there are some places I'd like to visit that I guess require those shoes, like Whatcom Falls or Mount Baker

Whatcom Falls and Mount Baker are lovely in January.. Why on earth would you think you would need a rain jacket? We have the most sunny days in a year of any area of the US..


Did you say Mount Baker in January and you are just going to bring a rain coat?? Wow, you are so brave!

[mariajosee91]

Originally Posted by RotseCherut

Whatcom Falls and Mount Baker are lovely in January.. Why on earth would you think you would need a rain jacket? We have the most sunny days in a year of any area of the US..


Did you say Mount Baker in January and you are just going to bring a rain coat?? Wow, you are so brave!

I was talking about the basics I need to bring to Bellingham. I'm pretty sure that if I go to Mount Baker, I'll need to buy a lot of other stuff. Btw, I love sarcasm too.

[Blindtom]

Follow the advice given by Jaja111. Cannot add much to that.