The Best Time to Visit Seattle (By a Local)

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The best time to visit Seattle is from mid-May to early October when you’re most likely to experience mild to warm weather with the lowest chance of rain. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider a visit to the Pacific Northwest during other months of the year!

I’m a Seattle local who knows the ins and outs of visiting Seattle at any time. In this guide, I’ll break down what to expect during each month so you know exactly when to book your trip. 

Seattle’s reputation for rainy weather might deter travelers, but if equipped with the right information, you might find you prefer Seattle in March versus July! It just depends on your preferred Seattle activities, preparation for the weather, tolerance for crowds, and budget.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Seattle?

Visiting Seattle from May to October will yield the most pleasant experience for most travelers. The weather is relatively predictable during this timeframe, making it the best time for both outdoor and indoor adventures. 

That said, you can enjoy the city during any month if you know what to expect. Here are some of the more specific determinations you can use to decide your ideal time to visit Seattle.

When to Visit Seattle for Good Weather

Come to Seattle between July and September if you’re craving warm weather.

Locals like to joke that Seattle’s summer begins on July 5th… and it’s proven true time and time again. Count on clear and sunny days with glorious views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, and Mount Baker from July through September.

Hike, spend time in Seattle’s best parks, and soak up some rays at the city’s best beaches. Temperatures typically fall around 77 degrees Fahrenheit at this time, so the heat is comfortable, not sweltering.

The shoulder season of May-June and September-October is also a good option. It won’t be as warm, but you’ll experience good weather with a few more clouds in the mix.

The shoulder season is typically the time I recommend a visit. There are fewer crowds to navigate, plenty of events to attend, and long, light-filled days (equating to happier locals).  

When to Visit Seattle for Hiking + Outdoor Adventures

Using Seattle as your home base to go to the mountains and hit the trails? July through October is the best time to do it.

Temperatures in all three national parks are highest during this time. The meadows at Mount Rainier National Park are teeming with wildflowers. The snowmelt makes it easier to access the North Cascades National Park. And you can explore the Olympic National Park with less of the ever-present rain.

Other outdoor recreation opportunities like biking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are also ideal during this part of the summer season. 

Prefer chasing waterfalls? The best time to see the Washington waterfalls in their full glory is during spring between April and June when the runoff is most impressive.

Those interested in visiting the mountains for skiing, snowboarding, or other snow sports should book flights in January or February.

🚗 Off to the Mountains? Rent a car: Some of the most epic hikes near Seattle are accessible only if you have a car to get you to the trailhead. Discover Cars makes it easy to rent a car online by saving you time (and money) so you can fully enjoy your trip.

When to Visit Seattle to Avoid Crowds

Late October to April is generally when the Seattle crowds clear out. The rainy season starts in full force around this time, and temperatures fall between 30-55 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the month. 

There are positives to braving the seemingly incessant drizzle during this time. You’ll have more opportunities to socialize with locals instead of bumping elbows with other tourists.

Visit the historic Pike Place Market, go museum hopping, hit up breweries, check out live shows, and experience Seattle’s food scene without crowds. There’s no shortage of things to do.

Make the best of the daylight during this time (from November through February the sun sets depressingly early), and bring warm clothes and the appropriate rain gear. This can be a great time to visit Seattle as long as you’re prepared for the weather!

When to Visit Seattle for Families and Kids

Families with kids of all ages should visit Seattle between May and September. Not only will there be pleasant weather, but there are also a variety of kid-friendly Seattle activities and events that will make planning a Seattle itinerary easier. 

The Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and Seattle Center are especially good outings for families and kids.

Venture out further to Wild Waves Water and Theme Park and go berry picking in Bellevue at Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm. Go on kid-friendly hikes like Franklin Falls or spend time at city parks with wading pools and spray parks that open around mid-June. 

When to Visit Seattle on a Budget

Visit Seattle from March through May for the best hotel prices and airfare costs. October through December is another cost-friendly option as long as your visit doesn’t fall on holiday weekends when prices spike. 

Both of these timeframes are outside of the peak summer season, so you won’t have to worry about accommodation prices ballooning in time for the summer crowds. Coming during the off-season is one of my top Seattle tips. Just make sure you’re prepared for wet weather.

While you’ll save on airfare and accommodations, most activities in the area remain the same cost year-round. To save more, head to spots outside the Seattle area where you’ll find good deals during the off-season.

It’s also worth it to visit during a festival or even like The U-District Street Fair or Seattle Restaurant Week where you can save a few bucks on food.

📚 Related Reading: Want to know where to stay, what to do, and more tips for visiting the city on a budget? Check out my budget-friendly Seattle guide to learn how to enjoy Seattle for less.

When to Visit Seattle for Festivals

Seattle has some great festivals and most of them fall between April and October with the biggest ones happening during the summer. Come between these months if you’re interested in checking them out.

There is a wide range of options. Choose from music and food fests, arts and crafts fairs, and flower and cultural festivals. Popular festivals like Seafair, Pride, and the Seattle International Film Festival are month-long events. Others like the Fremont Solstice Fest are only a weekend long. 

Be sure that if you’re visiting during one you know its duration and figure out your transportation well in advance to avoid frustration with parking and crowds.

Seattle Travel Seasons

January and February

January and February are two of the sleepier times to visit Seattle. With the holiday season over and the winter chill settling in, most Seattleites use this time to recharge at home.

These months are right in the middle of some of Seattle’s rainiest weather and the coldest and darkest part of the year. The sun rises around 8 and sets between 4:30-5 pm during this time, so daylight is limited. Expect temperatures hovering between 30-40 Fahrenheit and possibly snow.

• ❄️ Indoor activities – Make the best of indoor Seattle activities during these months. Go brewery hopping, check out Seattle’s museums, visit indie theaters, and hit up Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, and other touristy attractions (sans crowds).
• ❄️ Winter Sports – These months are great times to go to the mountains for snow sports! Crystal Mountain and Snoqualmie Pass are good bets for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. You can also go snowshoeing at Mount Rainier National Park or ride the Mt. Rainier Gondola for bird’s eye views of Rainier and the rest of the cascade range.
• ❄️ Northwest Art and Garden Show – This annual show at the Washington State Convention Center is perfect for anyone wanting a bit of spring in the middle of winter. It features flower and garden displays, a marketplace with plants and other gardening goods for sale, and talks and demos from gardening experts.

March and April

March and April are still relatively chilly times to visit Seattle with temperatures around 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. March and April are similar weather-wise. Both months have lots of rain and plenty of cloudy days. But sometimes there’s a surprising amount of sunshine.

Seattleites start coming out of “hibernation” in early spring, and events and festivals begin picking up steam. Rain jackets are still very necessary for outings.

• 🌸 Flower Festivals – The city’s cherry blossoms start blooming in mid to late March. The quad on the University of Washington campus is the most popular place to view them. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is another can’t-miss springtime flower fest. The event typically begins in early to mid-April, but bloom times vary year to year.
• 🌸 Taste Washington -This large food and wine festival gives attendees a chance to try out a variety of food and drink throughout the region. This is a great event for anyone who likes to discover new and unusual pairings. It typically takes place at various locations throughout downtown Seattle in March.
• 🌸 Moisture Festival – Moisture Festival is a four-week-long festival featuring a mix of comedy, burlesque, circus acts, and other live performances. Shows are geared to all ages, and attendees are guaranteed plenty of laughter from impressive vaudeville performances.

May and June

May and June are both great times to visit Seattle, with mostly sunny weather and fewer rainy days.

Temperatures begin to rise to more comfortable levels, which makes it a good time to go on hikes, get on the water, spend time in parks, see blooming gardens, and more. This is also when “festival season” starts in full.

• 🎬 Fremont Solstice Parade – One of Seattle’s best festivals, the Fremont Solstice Parade has it all — floats, performers, musicians, dancers, and even a naked cyclist ride. It takes place in one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods and is a must if you happen to be in town during the event.
• 🎬 Seattle International Film Festival – A three-week-long festival typically in May/June that highlights indie and foreign films and documentaries. Come to see the first (and sometimes only) showings of creative and boundary-pushing films.
• 🎬 Northwest Folklife Festival – This fest celebrates Pacific Northwest culture and takes place in Seattle Center over Memorial Day weekend. The laid-back fest features live folk music, dance performances, art vendors, handmade goods, and a whole ‘lotta food. It’s a prime time for people-watching.

July and August

July and August are the most beautiful months in Seattle. The weather is warm but not overbearingly so. The sun sets late, so it’s light out until nearly 10 pm most nights.

Restaurant and bars open their patios, beer gardens are packed, and everyone flocks to the beaches, hiking trails, and lakes. Sure, you’ll have to navigate the summer crowds during this time, but the payoff of Seattle’s perfect summer weather makes it worth it.

• 🌊 Seafair – This month-long festival has been running since the ’50s and is a Seattle summer classic. Signature events include the 4th of July party at Lake Union, the Milk Carton Derby at Greenlake, and the Weekend Festival at Genesee Park and Lake Washington. The latter is one of the big Seafair highlights because of the Blue Angels Airshow performance.
• 🌊 Capitol Hill Block Party – This weekend-long event in July is a celebration of music and art. It’s drawn the likes of Lizzo, Diplo, Major Lazer, and Still Woozy. This can be a crowded festival, with people squished into a few blocks of the main drag of the Pike/Pine Corridor, but it’s a great Seattle festival for music lovers and partiers.
• 🌊 Bite of Seattle – Bite of Seattle is a food festival where you can experience some of the best places to eat in Seattle. Restaurants, food trucks, and other food vendors offer select bites at affordable prices. There’s a bit of everything — tacos, burgers, ribs, gyoza, cajun food, and more.
• 🌊 Whale Watching – These months are a great time for whale watching. You have a chance to see them around Seattle. But take a trip up to the San Juan Islands, one of the best Washington destinations, for a guarantee. Book a whale-watching tour so the experts can lead you to the magnificent orcas of Puget Sound.

September and October

September and October are great months to visit Seattle. Even though the temperature begins to cool, September’s weather is lovely and October is typically mild until the middle of the month.

Crowds begin to clear as the temps drop, but there’s still a lot to do. And you can get outdoors comfortably up to mid-October. Seattle comes awash in color as the leaves change and golden larches make their debut in the mountains.

• ✨ Washington State Fair – The Washington State Fair is a month-long event in Puyallup that retains the charm of a small-town fair. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington for all ages. Come here to enjoy fair food (especially the fair scones and curly fries), go on the rides, play classic fair games, watch musical performances, and admire fireworks.
• ✨ Bumbershoot – Bumbershoot (slang for umbrella) is a large music and art festival that occurs over Labor Day Weekend at the Seattle Center. It’s been around for 50 years and has hosted top artists in the hip-hop, indie, and rock genres since its creation.
• ✨ Earshot Jazz Festival – October marks the start of the Earshot Jazz Festival, which brings together the Seattle jazz community and showcases the talents of local and global artists. There are performances at different venues around Seattle, making it easy to catch a few no matter where you’re staying.
• ✨ Seattle Restaurant Week – Seattle Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event that happens in the springtime and in late October. Hundreds of participating restaurants offer fixed prices for lunches and dinners (typically around $20, $35, and $50) that include multiple courses.

November and December

Expect colder temperatures and shorter days in November and December as the rainy season begins in full force. Both months are similarly cold and wet, but there is a relatively low chance of snow in either.

Despite the weather, these months are good times to get cozy and festive, so it’s not a bad time to visit Seattle. Holiday festivities start picking up, and there are many events to attend like tree lightings, craft markets, and holiday shows.

• 🎄 NW Chocolate Fest – This festival is a must for chocolate lovers. Expect exhibits, workshops, and demos from some of the best chocolatiers around. Learn from the experts and sample a variety of chocolate confections and other sweet treats. 
• 🎄 Winterfest – Winterfest happens annually at the Seattle Center from late November through December. The family-friendly event features live ice sculpting, lighting ceremonies, a model train and winter village, plays and musical performances, and a new Christmas Market.
• 🎄 Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship – Argosy Cruises offers regular boat tours year-round, but during the holiday season, they have a special Christmas Ship cruise. The boat is decked out in lights and sails along Puget Sound. While aboard, choirs serenade the riders who also have access to a full-service bar.
• 🎄 Day trip to Leavenworth – Taking a day trip from Seattle to Leavenworth is particularly special in December. The entire town transforms into a magical village, officially referred to as Christmastown, with half a million lights to complete the transformation. There are holiday-themed activities to enjoy every day in December. 

📚 Related Reading: Want to know what else there is to do in the Emerald City no matter what month or season you visit? Check out my article on the best things to do in Seattle so you can start adding even more to your itinerary!

Seattle Weather and Climate

Seattle’s temperate climate means that it has pretty mild weather year-round. Winters are cold and wet and summers are dry and warm. Neither season reaches extremes very often, but when Seattle gets a blanket of snow or a heatwave, it doesn’t last long.

Seattle gets around 38 inches of rain per year, with around 152 days of rain throughout the year. Both of these are higher than the national averages in the United States. While Seattle sees a lot more days with some rain, it doesn’t experience heavy downpours as much as other parts of the country.  

Despite all the rainfall and having an average humidity of around 70-80%, Seattle doesn’t feel very humid. Relative humidity is lowest during the summer months, meaning those muggy days are extremely rare.

Wildfires from surrounding areas have been affecting Seattle summers more in recent years. Visitors should make sure to check the air quality before doing outdoor activities if the smoke rolls in on your trip. 

FAQs About Visiting Seattle

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Hopefully, this breakdown has helped you determine when you want to book your visit to the Emerald City! There are a lot of options to weigh when deciding the best time to visit Seattle. But as long as you know what you want to get out of your trip, you’ll be able to time your trip with confidence. 

Excited to check more items off your trip planning list? Check out my guide to where to stay in Seattle next!