The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months, when the weather is relatively mild, dry, and sunny.
Seattle, the largest city in Washington State, lies in the far northwest of the United States and has what’s known as a sub-oceanic climate, with mild, rainy winters and mild, drier summers. The city is some 95 miles from the open Pacific Ocean, lying on the shores of Puget Sound and surrounded on all sides by mountains. The Olympic range to the west protects Seattle from the big weather systems of the Pacific Ocean.
Although Seattle has a reputation for being rainy and indeed, is nicknamed the Emerald City, statistically it actually receives less annual rainfall than Boston, New York, Houston, and Miami.
Visiting Seattle by Season
Summer
Seattle
Summer is the best time to go to Seattle. Despite the city’s reputation for rain, July and August in particular are warm, pleasant months. The average temperature in August, the warmest month, is 67.4°F (19.6°C), with a maximum of 78°F (25.3°C). Occasional heat waves push the mercury even higher. Rainfall is low; in July, expect just 0.6 inches (15mm), rising to 1 inch (25mm) in August.
Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors and take day trips from Seattle; sailing on Puget Sound, whale watching around nearby Vancouver Island and San Juan Islands, and hiking in the Olympic National Park. Brace yourself if you want to swim in the sea, as it’s always cold.
Fall
September still has warm weather, with daily averages of 62.6°F (16°C) and relatively low rainfall, at 1.6 inches (40mm). This begins to increase in October, although October is still a great time to spot whales and admire the golden colors of fall.
November is the wettest month of the year, statistically, receiving 6.3 inches (160mm) and just 2.5 hours of sunshine daily. By now, the tourist season is well over and snow begins to fall on the mountains.
Winter
Winters in Seattle are cool and wet. On the coldest nights, the temperature can fall below freezing point. Snow in the city is rare, although you’ll see the Olympic Mountains wearing snowy caps, which can be a beautiful sight on a clear day.
So can the hulking, 14,411-foot-high pyramid of Mount Rainier to the southeast; this is the snowiest place in the USA.
Spring
Seattle
March is chilly in Seattle, with a daily average of 47°F (8.4°C) and an average of 4.1 inches (105mm) of rain falling over 17 days. By May, though, temperatures are rising and the first summer tourists are arriving.
Expect daily averages of 57.6°F (14.2°C) and much lower rainfall; just two inches (50mm). May sees an average of eight hours of sunshine daily.
When Is Rainy Season?
October to March, the fall, winter, and early spring, is the wettest period in Seattle. November, December, and January are statistically the wettest months. This is a time for embracing the city’s indoor life and many excellent museums, and for whiling away time in one of the coffee shops that Seattle is known for.
When Is High Season?
High season in Seattle is June, July, and August, when the weather is fine and conditions are perfect for hiking and watersports. Seattle is an important gateway for cruises to Alaska, which bring additional visitors to the city. For locals, summer is a time for street fairs, barbecues, beach days, and festivals.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Pike Place Market
Shoulder season in Seattle is May and September/October, so late spring and early fall. Popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the spectacular Museum of Pop Culture will be less busy. The weather should still be fine enough to enjoy the great outdoors, provided you bring an umbrella, just in case.
When Is Low Season?
Low season in Seattle is the cool, wet winter months. This is the quiet season for tourism, although cultural life in the city goes on, especially over Christmas and New Year’s. The Winterfest festival takes place throughout December, with five weeks of live performances, music, advent markets, and other seasonal entertainment.
Seattle
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