From a world-renowned food scene to music and endless options for outdoor adventure, there isn’t much the northernmost city in the United States can’t offer. Seattle is a must-see destination for anyone fascinated by the city’s history of cultural innovation, stunning natural beauty and top-shelf coffee.
But Seattle is also known for rainy weather, steep costs and occasional influxes of visitors, which is why timing your visit is the key to having a great time there. Below, take a look at a seasonal breakdown to learn more about the best time of year to visit Seattle.
Seattle’s Seasons and When to Visit
Summer (June to August)
With high temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F, Seattle’s summers are far more pleasant than elsewhere in the United States. Plus, it’s also the driest period for the city, with rainfall plummeting to a mere 1.2 inches in July. This makes it easier to get around town, especially on foot and allows for many safer and more appealing outdoor activities while opening up spectacular views of the area.
Sea breezes keep the temperatures moderate, which is great during the day but can make the nights a challenge for visitors from warmer climates. Since nighttime temperatures can drop to between 10-20°F, make sure you pack a few warm garments before you travel.
However, you won’t be the only one heading to Seattle if you plan a summer trip, which will mean you’ll have to deal with heavy crowds and higher prices. But if you’re prepared for that, summer will also offer plenty of chances to visit local beaches and farmer’s and craft markets, take in professional baseball or soccer games and much more.
Fall (September to November)
When you’re talking about a city as forested as Seattle, it should come as no surprise that fall is a stunning season in the Emerald City. Maple, ash and aspen provide rich splashes of gold, red and purple against the deep green backdrop of the region’s evergreens. Fall temperatures range between 50 and 70°F—cool enough to explore but not yet too cold for comfort.
It’s also when the city’s reputation as a music hub becomes all the more obvious, as cooling temperatures drive Seattlites into venues like the Tractor Tavern and the Triple Door to soak up the local music scene’s latest offerings. Plus, many of Seattle’s most beloved events take place in the autumn, such as the local Oktoberfest and Seahawks football games at Lumen Field.
Fall is also a major reason the city has a reputation for rain: November is the wettest month of the year, with daily rainfall of up to 8.4 inches. On the bright side, the summer crowds clear out in September, so you can still catch some sun and find out what makes Seattle stand out during the fall on a smaller budget and with just as many options.
Spring (March to May)
Along with the fall, spring is one of Seattle’s shoulder seasons, when the weather and the local life are active enough to attract visitors before the crowds pack the city. The season starts with plenty of leftover snow and gray, rainy days and the temperatures range from 55 to 65°F. However, sharp Pacific winds make the air feel much colder, so you’ll want to dress in warm layers if you’re hoping for a springtime visit.
Spring is also the time for lots of Seattle-specific seasonal events, most notably flower festivals like the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, both held in April. From March to April, visitors can experience the Moisture Festival, a four-week-long comedy and variety event featuring internationally renowned and local theatrical groups, cabaret acts, stand-up, burlesque, storytelling and more.
Winter (Late November to Early March)
Winter is only Seattle’s second-longest season after spring, but biting cold and plenty of wet days make it seem much longer. In December alone, the average high temperature is a brisk 47°F, but it can get into the 30s and below on particularly cold days. Plus, the ever-present sea breezes and lots of precipitation make winter feel even colder, making it most people’s least favorite time to visit.
Many of Seattle’s most accessible outdoor activities are unappealing or off-limits during the winter, with hiking paths and climbing areas closed for the season. Even open attractions and areas can put off visitors who don’t want to spend a day in freezing, wet weather.
That’s not to say that you should avoid wintertime Seattle. In fact, if you’re prepared for the cold and come with plenty of warm clothing, it’s possible to have an excellent time between rock-bottom prices on lodging and food and several must-see events.
The Earshot Jazz Festival takes up the tail end of the fall, while the Christmas Ship Festival in December and the Seattle Festival of Improv Theater in February are just two examples of the city’s cold-weather entertainment. On top of that, outdoorsy visitors can also avail themselves of exceptional skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing and other winter activities.
When to Visit Seattle: The Verdict
Depending on your budget and what you’re looking for, the best time to visit Seattle will change with the seasons. For budget-friendly itineraries, plan your trip for the April-to-May or September-to-October shoulder seasons.
But to experience some of what’s made Seattle a city known around the world, the unquestionable winner is the summer, when there’s plenty to do and great weather to do it in. And if you’re an outdoors enthusiast—as so many visitors are—and you’re eager to see unforgettable natural splendors like Mount Rainier or North Cascades National Parks or to explore the many islands dotted around the Puget Sound, May to September is by far the best time to visit.
Whenever you plan to go, always pack your all-important raincoat and research indoor activities in town to ensure you have a great time, no matter how wet or cool it is outside.
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