Best Time To Visit Seattle good weather, shopping, Temperature & Season 2024
Seattle experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The best time to visit Seattle for good weather often falls within the summer months when the city enjoys relatively warm temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in Seattle:
- Summer (June to August):
- Summer is considered the best time to visit Seattle for pleasant weather. During these months, temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C). July and August are particularly popular as they offer the most consistent sunshine and the lowest chance of rainfall. Summer is an excellent time for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the city’s parks.
- Fall (September to November):
- Fall in Seattle is characterized by cooler temperatures, with highs ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (13-20°C). While the weather can still be enjoyable, there is an increase in rainfall compared to summer. Fall foliage adds a scenic touch to the city and surrounding areas.
- Winter (December to February):
- Winters in Seattle are mild, but they are the wettest months. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (7-13°C). Rainfall is common, and occasional light snowfall may occur, although it rarely accumulates. Winter is the low tourist season, but the city is decorated for the holidays, and indoor attractions remain accessible.
- Spring (March to May):
- Spring sees a gradual increase in temperatures, with highs ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (13-20°C). Spring is a transitional season, and while it may be drier than winter, there is still a chance of rain. Cherry blossoms in late March to early April add beauty to the city.
If you prefer warm and dry weather with a lower chance of rain, the summer months of June to August are the most favorable for visiting Seattle. However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your planned travel dates, as weather conditions can vary. Keep in mind that Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable, and a light jacket or raincoat is advisable even in the summer.
The best time to visit Seattle is from September to October. Summer marks the city’s high season, meaning room rates rise and availability drops, while cold winter weather can deter even the most avid sightseers.
But like all Seattle weather, there is no firm limit in summer. Late spring and early fall can jump into the spirit of summer a few years, with May and October often also hot and dry, but it depends on the year. If you can’t visit Seattle during the summer, don’t feel like you’re missing too much if you come during the spring or fall. However, if you come on vacation, maybe you skip winter unless you like to be drizzling for days on end.
Rainy season in Seattle – Best Time to Visit Seattle
When you’re determining the best time to visit Seattle, the number one factor to consider is: does what you want to involve the weather? If so, you probably know that Seattle rains a bit in winter. It ranges from relatively dry years to years where it rains every day for months. If you want to go hiking, visit Mt. Rainier or on the coast, or even relax on the shores or in city parks, consider visiting anytime other than the rainy season, which can start from September and last until March.
However, also keep the weather in general in mind as you are planning your visit as some years are dry all winter long and some years it rains more throughout the year (thanks El Niño and La Niña).
Crowds and costs – Best Time to Visit Seattle
For the most part, you won’t see any sudden changes in hotel costs in downtown Seattle, but if you plan to get out of town and stay on the coast, near Mt. Rainier, or in the Olympic National Park, then the prices change. Summer is the high season for the coast and mountains, so hotel costs increase. On the other hand, so do the crowds. If you visit Mt. Rainier in July or August, you will need to consider your arrival time. Arriving around 9 a.m. means sitting in long lines at the main entrance to Nisqually.
However, like the price of hotels, crowds in Seattle don’t fluctuate as much. In the summer, you’ll find lines at major tourist attractions like the Space Needle, but you’ll likely find the same lines in the fall and spring. Lines in winter will be shorter or even non-existent, but some attractions are not worth it in winter. For example, if the day is rainy and cloudy, you will not be able to see Mt. Rainier or far away at the Space Needle.
Top sights in Best Time to Visit Seattle
- Local favorites
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor
- Art & Culture
- History
- Beaches
- Museums
- Wineries
Popular parties and events
Seattle has some fantastic festivals and events, and except for a few holiday events, these mainly take place in the spring, summer, and fall, with summer leading the way. Book well in advance if you are coming to town for one of the big festivals, like Seafair, and you want to stay downtown. However, if you are flexible to stay nearby, you won’t have a problem finding rooms even during significant events. But keep in mind that Seattle traffic can be pretty bad, so staying farther out during a big event means you’ll be sitting in it.
It is especially true for games at T-Mobile Park at CenturyLink, the 4th of July at Gas Works Park, and some more significant Seafair events where there isn’t enough parking for the masses. Book early to stay close to the epicenter of these events or search public transportation.
January – Best Time to Visit Seattle
January is by no means Seattle’s best time of year, with cold and generally wet weather in spades. Bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes. You’ll still find people outdoors here and there, but even the locals mostly stay indoors. Still, if you’re looking for a hotel deal, this is a better time to find them than spring, fall, or summer, but keep in mind that hotels are cheaper because enjoying Seattle isn’t as pleasant in winter.
Events to watch:
The polar bear dive at Matthews Beach Park is the perfect way to start the year… if you like to run into the icy water and then get out again before you get hypothermic.
February – Best Time to Visit Seattle
The weather in February is a shakeup. Some years, the cherry blossoms begin to appear this month, and the sun does too. Other years, February looks a lot like January. Indoor activities like local shows on 5th Avenue or the Paramount Theaters, strolling through the Pike Place Market, or dining out at one of Seattle’s many delicious restaurants, most of which are succeeding in outdoor adventures this month. But with Valentine’s Day in the mix, the timing couldn’t be better. However, expect massive crowds at most of the best restaurants on Valentine’s Day, and plan to make reservations if you’re going out on that day.
Events to watch:
The Seattle Boat Show is an extravaganza of all things, you guessed it, related to boats. Expect boating lessons, boating, children’s activities, boats for sale, and more.
The Lunar New Year celebration in Chinatown’s International Quarter brings incredible food, dragon and lion dances, martial arts and cultural performances, and more.
March – Best Time to Visit Seattle
March can also come and go between beautiful days and return to winter’s cold and rainy weather, but if the cherry blossoms did not appear in February, wait this month! You’ll see cherry blossoms all over the city, but head to the University of Washington campus to see one of the most beautiful exhibits. Keep that trench coat in your luggage, but maybe put some sunglasses in there too. On clearer days, March can be a great month to venture out into the city’s parks and trails (Discovery Park is always a good option) to enjoy the signs of spring around every corner.
Events to watch:
Emerald City Comic Con is great to pop culture, complete with tons of cosplay; visiting artists, actors, writers, and other high-profile guests; sellers galore; and more.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Seattle is everything you would expect from a parade at St. Paddy’s: lots of green marching bands and everything Irish. Finish off with a visit to a local Irish pub.
April – Best Time to Visit Seattle
Like March, April comes and goes between sunny and rainy days. If you are looking to visit during the Northwest low season, this is usually the last month of the year where you will find cheap hotels near the beaches, Mt. Rainier, or other places facing the sea.
Events to watch:
Kids for kids run the free International Children’s Friendship Festival. The presentations show the cultures of the world through music, dance, and art.
Twice a year, Seattle Restaurant Week offers inexpensive three-course menus to participating restaurants in the city. It’s a great way to try a new place without breaking the bank.
May – Best Time to Visit Seattle
May is one of the best months to go out if you like festivals or going outdoors. The weather tends to be sunny or slightly cloudy, and the summer festival season begins.
Events to watch:
June – Best Time to Visit Seattle
June is a great time to enjoy almost anything in Seattle. Festivals are plentiful. The weather is quite pleasant. Local parks and outdoor pools are lovely, like walks through city parks like Discovery Park or a trip to Mt. Yes or another walk further away.
Events to watch:
If you want to see the quirkier side of Seattle, the Fremont Solstice Parade is the way to go. The non-motorized parade is open to public participation and focuses on artistic expression. Oh yeah, and you might see some nudity.
PrideFest fills Downtown Seattle with LGBTQ with music, art, and culture, and four stages free for all ages.
July – Best Time to Visit Seattle
If there is an ideal month to visit Seattle, July might be the best. The weather is usually hot and dry (locals often say that summer starts until July 4). Yes, you will run into a few more crowds or lines at the main attractions, but the lines are generally not prohibitively long… unless you’re at the Space Needle, and then you have to decide if the lines are worth it. See you. Consequently, if you enjoy the views, July is the month you are most likely to see Mt. Rainier in the distance on any day, and you can see it from the Space Needle, the beach at Discovery Park, and other locations around the city.
Events to watch:
Seafair is not a lonely event, but dozens of street festivals, block parties, and significant events during July and August. If you’re in town anywhere in July, check out what might be happening under the Seafair umbrella.
If you’re looking for the most significant July 4 fireworks in Seattle, then you’re looking for the Seafair Summer Fourth. These take place at Gas Works Park and are some of the largest fireworks in the country. The day fills with family fun at Gas Works Park, and fireworks are visible from various other points in the city if you want to avoid the crowds.
The Bite of Seattle is a free festival at the Seattle Center that draws food vendors from around the area. Try a variety of foods and relax to listen to live music.
August – Best Time to Visit Seattle
August is generally very similar to July – warm and dry, and it’s a great time to visit Seattle and the surrounding areas. There are also many festivals and events taking place this month, including Seafair.
Events to watch:
Seafair Weekend is one of the summer events not to be missed. Yes, it is crowded. Yes, getting there can be a hassle as parking is practically impossible. But watching seaplane racing and the Blue Angels is a Seattle tradition.
Seattle Art Fair brings together the general public and art collectors, galleries, museums, and other institutions in a grand celebration of art.
September – Best Time to Visit Seattle
While fall doesn’t technically start until late September, early September usually feels like a fall in the Northwest. The leaves begin to turn, and this is an excellent time to observe the leaves throughout the Northwest. The events they announce at the end of the summer kick their heels. The rain also returns in September, and while it’s generally not enough rain to keep locals from having the adventures they planned to have, it can be a deterrent for visitors. Bring a hat, rain jacket, and umbrella starting in September and will continue through May.
Events to watch:
The Washington State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the country and is well worth a visit. Located in Puyallup, about 40-60 minutes south of Seattle, the fair fills with fair food, rides, games, animals, main concerts, smaller shows, and more.
Bumbershoot is a huge music festival with various stages and talents ranging from headliners to local acts.
One of the preeminent Oktoberfests in the area, Fremont Oktoberfest, even has family and dog days.
October – Best Time to Visit Seattle
October is a great month to enjoy the fall side of Seattle. The city knows how to celebrate fall with festival fun and various haunted houses found in the area. Also, don’t miss visiting a pumpkin patch or wandering a corn maze, but bring some boots with you as rain and corn mazes mean mud.
Events to watch:
Fantastic Pumpkin Beer Fest is the place to be if you like pumpkin beer… there are over 80 varieties represented!
Seattle Restaurant Week happens twice a year and features many of Seattle’s best restaurants serving three-course meals for one fixed price.
GeekGirlCon focuses on women in science, technology, arts, literature, comics, and games.
November – Best Time to Visit Seattle
November is not the most pleasant month to visit Seattle if you don’t enjoy the rain and wind, but at the same time, the end of the month is the beginning of the Christmas season, and downtown Seattle becomes something special. . Christmas lights appear at every corner. Downtown Seattle decorates to nines. Maybe avoid early November unless you are here on business or family. Save your visit until the holiday lights go out.
Events to watch:
Start your day with the Macy’s Holiday Parade and end it with the Macy’s Tree Lighting in downtown Seattle. It’s festive and fun for the whole family, especially if you have kids who love Santa as he appears in the parade.
Festival of Trees is a sampling of some of the most beautiful Christmas trees you will ever see. Tree sales and gala tickets raise money for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
December – Best Time to Visit Seattle
December is generally rainy and cold to cold, yet it is a fun time to visit Seattle. Holiday events fill up almost every weekend. Visit the holiday light displays, catch a Christmas show at one of the local theaters, or enjoy unique winter beers at local microbreweries.
Events to watch:
The Christmas Ship Festival is a unique way to enjoy the season. Argosy Cruises covers their ships. Passengers can enjoy snacks and a choir onboard. Others come to meet the Christmas Boat in the harbors around Puget Sound (a different one each night) and listen to the choir from the shore.
Holiday light displays occur everywhere from downtown Seattle to Woodland Park Zoo, from Bellevue Botanical Garden to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma.
Like many cities, the Seattle Pacific Northwest Ballet presents a production of The Nutcracker each year.
It is a tradition and a beautiful Christmas show for many.
Seattle Weather and Climate
What is the rainy season in Seattle?
The rainy season extends from October to March, with December usually the wettest month. However, precipitation is relatively evenly distributed through the winter and early spring months, with more than 75% of the yearly precipitation falling during the winter wet season.
What is the cheapest time to go to Seattle?
While downtown hotel prices don’t fluctuate much between the spring, fall, and summer months, hotels on the coast and in the mountains surrounding Seattle offer steep reductions in the shoulder seasons. The cheapest time to visit Seattle in the spring and fall are the months of May and October.
How many days do you need in Seattle?
Seattle is an international city with arts, food, science, and the outdoors to explore. With 3 to 4 days in the city, it’s easy to experience the best of Seattle: you focus first on the city’s core and then venture out onto the water or to one of the city’s parks.
What month is the hottest in Seattle?
AugustSeattle C.O.’s coldest month is January, when the average temperature overnight is 36.0°F. In August, the warmest month, the average daytime temperature rises to 74.9°F.
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