good time to travel to seattle

These Are the Best Times to Visit Seattle

Although Seattle is known for its rainy weather, the Emerald City is much more than a gloomy destination for testing out your new rain jacket. This is especially true if, at the end of a day of hiking in pristine wilderness, you can look forward to a cream cheese-covered hot dog .

In a city of more than 700,000 people with a skyline that stands in contrast to snow-capped mountains nearby, there is no shortage of urban and active adventure. If you're heading that way with kids, check out our guide to eight fun things for families to do in Seattle before you go.

Here at TPG , we have put together a few suggestions for the best times to visit, depending on your travel goals.

When to Find the Best Weather in Seattle

Most people don't head to Seattle in search of sunshine and warmth, but if you time your trip just right, you may get lucky.

July and August are the warmest and driest months of the year. Daily high temperatures are in the mid-70s and it rains only about five days per month. During the wet season from November to January, it can often rain up to 18 days per month. This doesn't necessarily mean that winter weather in Seattle is bad — especially if you plan on heading to the mountains with your skis (or snowboard) in search of deep snow.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Outdoor Adventure

With Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range and Olympic National Park located within a few hours of driving from the city, it's no surprise that Seattle often serves as a jumping-off point for those looking to hike, climb, bike, fish and ski.

July, August and September offer the best weather for outdoor recreation. Many high-elevation roads — like Sunrise Road in Mount Rainier National Park — often are closed from late September through June.

In the winter, the rain in Seattle usually falls as snow in the mountains, which is great if you're in search of endless powder. The best time to head to Seattle for snow sports is December through April, with prime conditions from January through March.

When to Visit Seattle if You Want to Avoid the Crowds

As with most popular tourist destinations, the best weather usually brings the crowds. If you value the freedom to walk the streets without dodging selfie sticks during a daily dose of sunshine, visit in the months from late October to early March — Seattle's rainiest but least-crowded season.

Rain happens some of the time during spring and fall, but the weather is significantly better than in winter. There will be tourists in the streets — but not the mid-summer crowds.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Events and Festivals

From food to film festivals, there is always something worth checking out in Seattle. Of course, summer brings myriad outdoor festivals, but there is plenty to do in the spring, winter and fall, as well.

Seattle's nearly month-long International Film Festival showcases more than 400 films from around the world and draws almost 200,000 people annually. The festival usually starts in May and lasts into June, giving guests the opportunity to see a variety of independent short films, features and documentaries — 70% of which will not be shown in theaters — alongside films from established cinematographers and producers.

Bumbershoot, which occurs every year over Labor Day Weekend, may be Seattle's most popular music and arts festival. This renowned festival has been featuring comedians, musicians, dancers and other artists since 1971. The festival — whose name pays tribute to the city's famous weather (a bumbershoot is an umbrella) — also features a variety of food vendors, morning yoga and even an electronic dance experience.

During October, artists and technology professionals come together to create light art exhibitions and a multimedia video mapping contest that is projected on to the Museum of History & Industry. Over four evenings in the Lake Union Park neighborhood, the Borealis Festival of Light features street art performances, installations of light art, and live music. Artists from around the world create visual light shows that are projected onto buildings. Local vendors supply food and drink.

Winter isn't usually when you find tourists flocking to Seattle, but Winterfest from late November into December offers plenty to do. There are ice sculptures, ice skating, live music, a Fountain of Light dance party and a New Year's Eve fireworks display to mark the holiday.

When to Visit Seattle for Whale Watching

Located on the Puget Sound, Seattle is the perfect embarkation point for whale watching in the Pacific.

Orca whales can be spotted year-round but they are most prevalent during the spring and summer (May through October is a safe bet). Humpback and minke whales can also be seen during this season. Gray whales usually stop in Puget Sound on their migration north in March and April.

Cheapest Time to Visit Seattle

Staying in Seattle will generally be most expensive during the summer peak, but surprisingly, it is cheaper to book airfare from certain destinations during early summer.

In order to balance weather, crowds and affordable prices, visit Seattle during the shoulder seasons, which occur in April and May and again in September and October.

Affordable Airfare

According to the travel search engine Skyscanner.com , the cheapest time to buy tickets to Seattle depends on your point of origin. From New York, the cheapest flights average $211 in November. Traveling from DC is also cheapest in November, with similar prices. If flying from Los Angeles or Atlanta, it's cheapest to travel in June. The average cost is around $158 and $247, respectively. The best month to travel from Chicago is in October, when prices land around $154. Make sure to stop by the revamped Seattle Centurion Lounge (no longer a "Studio") while you're in the airport, which opened for business in 2017.

Affordable Hotels

According to historical data obtained by the booking platform Priceline.com, the average daily rate for hotels rated with 2.5 stars and above is around $172. Unsurprisingly, prices begin to rise in May as the weather improves, and peak between June and August — Seattle's high season. In 2018, the average price per night was at its highest, averaging $222. Prices begin to decrease in September, and hit a low point between November and December. During this time, a night can be booked for as little as $135 on average. Check out our reviews of the W Seattle before and after renovations here.

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The Best Times to Visit Seattle, According to Locals

These are the best times to visit Seattle for every type of traveler.

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

Flying fish in Pike Place Market, whale watching in the Puget Sound, and a diverse art scene are just a few reasons that travelers flock to Seattle. The city is an outdoor lover’s paradise packed with plenty of culture thanks to excellent restaurants and world-class museums. 

There are reasons to visit in all four seasons: hiking in the summer, leaf-peeping in the fall, snow sports in the winter, and ambling around downtown in the spring. The best time to visit Seattle really depends on your travel goals, but these are the main tourist seasons: 

• High Season: May to August
• Shoulder Seasons: September to October and March to April
• Low Season: November to February

Jewelia Rosenbaum, director of the Stonington Gallery, which showcases contemporary works by Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaska, says that the mid-autumn weeks are her favorite around the city. “The rain is back, and the city becomes lush and green again. If you head up into the foothills, you can still catch the last of the salmon spawning in the streams and rivers of the Cascades,” Rosenbaum says. “Though Seattle shines brightest in its neighborhoods. Each has its own history and flavor and showcases the idiosyncrasies that make Seattle cool.” She recommends visiting Stonington in Pioneer Square, “Seattle's oldest existing neighborhood and center of its vibrant arts scene.”

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Ready to plan your trip? These are the best times to visit Seattle for every type of traveler. 

Related: T+L’s Travel Guide to Seattle 

Olga Kaya/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Smaller Crowds

Though the seasons are quite moderate, it does get cold in the winter months, with some snow in January and February. There are fewer crowds during the winter, which means it’s a cozy time to enjoy the indoor activities that abound in a rainy city like Seattle. “The gray skies offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage, explore a museum, take in a show, or enjoy a wine tasting by the fire,” says Cory O’Born, a representative of Visit Seattle. 

Or as life-long Washingtonian and Lotte Seattle reservations manager Mikala Troupe puts it, “We locals thrive in the rainier months, in part because we know how to dress for it. As the saying goes, ‘There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.’ For anyone visiting in the winter, I recommend bringing a good pair of rubber boots. I like to beat the Seattle chill and keep warm at Café Darte in Pioneer Square and enjoy a local marbled cold brew and people watch, then walk through the Occidental Square for winter tree lights.” 

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Good Weather

Late spring through the summer is the best time to enjoy balmy temperatures, perfect for immersing oneself in the stunning natural splendors of the Pacific Northwest. “We have beautiful summers, and if you enjoy hiking or getting out of the city, this is a great time to visit,” Troupe says. “My favorite hikes include the North Bluff Trail (an easy 3-4 miles), North Meadow Carkeek Park, and Rainier Mountain trails, leading through beautiful meadows and breathtaking views.” 

However, Phil Bevis, founder of Seattle's beloved Arundel Books, says that his favorite month is September for both Seattle and the San Juan islands. “The weather is often lyrically beautiful, and there are fewer visitors,” he says.

Related: 24 Best Things to Do in Seattle 

RyanCSlimakPhoto/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Lower Prices

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Seattle on a budget would be the low season, however, Bevis says that there are great deals on air travel and lodging most times of the year if you plan a little in advance.

February is Seattle Museum Month, and guests staying at participating downtown hotels receive 50 percent off tickets to Seattle's many museums. “It’s an excellent deal for families, couples, or travel buddies to take advantage of,” O’Born says.

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Art Lovers

Fall is a great time to check out the city, especially for art lovers. Seattle is the glass art hub of the United States, with over 700 artists in the region — something that might surprise most people. Check out their work during the Refract Glass Festival, which takes place every October (Oct. 12-15 this year). From Nov. 1-22, the Cloudbreak music festival gives guests staying at participating downtown hotels access to free music shows at over 20 venues across the city. 

New this year, several massive troll sculptures are being built from reclaimed materials around Seattle by artist Thomas Dambo. The Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie have been involved in the project, which will be completed this month before Dambo moves on to the next portion of his Way of the Bird King tour. 

Yan Lu/Getty Images

Worst Times to Visit Seattle

The worst time to travel to Seattle really depends on what you are looking for. Of course, travelers hoping to hit the slopes will want to visit during the winter, while hikers hoping to trek up Mount Rainier should wait until summer. As Bevis puts it, “Seattle has pretty much everything — ranging from the outdoors and nature to sports and culture. If you, your family, or friend group have diverse interests, you'll find everything here. There is simply so much to see and do all year long.”

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

Seattle Weather & Climate

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Budget Seattle Hotels

Driving in Seattle

How to Get Around Seattle

The Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near Seattle

Swimming in Seattle

National Parks Near Seattle

The Best Parks in Seattle

Museums in Seattle

Theater in Seattle

Live Music in Seattle

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Day Trips From Seattle

Tours to Take in Seattle

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Your Trip to Seattle: The Complete Guide

Trips to Seattle: A Complete Guide

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Seattle is an amazing vacation destination for families, for couples looking for a romantic getaway, for active and outdoorsy adventures, or for solo travelers. The Emerald City is filled with unique attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, a fresh local food scene, and outdoorsy pursuits galore.

Planning Your Trip to Seattle

• Best Time to Visit : Summer, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long.
• Language: English
• Currency: U.S. Dollars
• Getting Around in Seattle : Driving is the most common way to get around, but if you want to stay right in the city, there’s a bus system as well as some light rail.
• Travel Tip: Always pack layers when you travel to the Seattle area. Even in the summer, some days or evenings might be cool so a light jacket is never wrong to bring along. In other seasons, weather can vary day by day or even within the span of a single day and a rain jacket is a valuable item to pack, though despite its reputation, Seattle actually sees less rainfall annually than other cities like Boston or New York .

Things to Do in Seattle

Seattle is known for its major attractions like Seattle Center and Pike Place Market, but it’s also an amazing destination for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

• Seattle Center: Seattle Center is home to many attractions all in one spot. It’s popular with residents and visitors alike. The Space Needle is within its bounds and offers great views of the city. Festivals and events are common throughout the year and include cultural festivals, Northwest Folklife, Winterfest and more. And there are plenty of individual attractions here too, from the Pacific Science Center and MoPop, to Chihuly Garden and Glass, to KeyArena, to the International Fountain.
• Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market is an iconic farmers market and the oldest continuously running one in the country . You can buy fresh produce, meats and flowers, but you’ll also find restaurants and eateries galore, as well as shops to explore. Don’t miss the famous Pike Place Fish Market where you’ll see the workers throwing fish, but make sure to wander beyond that as you'll find everything from unique spices to rock shops and artist-made goods within.
• Seattle Waterfront : Just down a giant set of stairs behind Pike Place Market, the Seattle Waterfront is home to places like the Seattle Aquarium, the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, the Seattle Great Wheel , and Wings over Washington , as well as spots like Ivar’s to stop and eat along the water.
• Watch the Seattle Seahawks play at the CenturyLink field and join in the cheering—the fans earned a Guinness World Record in 2013 for loudest crowd roar .

Explore more things to do with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Seattle , the best free things to do , or kid-friendly attractions in Seattle .

What to Eat and Drink

From seafood to produce, Seattle is known for fresh and delicious food across the board. Seattle is located right on the shores of the Puget Sound, which connects to the Pacific Ocean, meaning we get seafood galore. Don’t miss locally caught salmon and Dungeness crab! You’ll find no shortage of restaurants in town that take advantage of local ingredients as Northwesterners take pride in all things local. Tom Douglas is one of the city’s star chefs and his restaurants are all centrally located in or near downtown Seattle and include Northwest cuisine (Etta’s), Greek (Lola), Asian fusion and more. The Northwest in general also puts a focus on locally sourced or organic ingredients, and a number of restaurants factor that into their menus, including The Barking Frog in nearby Woodinville wine country.

Seattle is also known for its microbrewery scene. The Ballard neighborhood has a number of microbreweries, and you’ll find larger Pyramid Brewing and Elysian Brewing in SoDo and Capitol Hill respectively. If you’re not a fan of beer, there is lots of local wine to try due to both Eastern Washington, but also Woodinville Wine Country right outside of Seattle.

Explore more places to eat and drink with these pieces about the top affordable upscale restaurants , view restaurants and where to eat seafood in Seattle .

Where to Stay in Seattle

For the quintessential Seattle experience, stay in the heart of downtown where you won’t need to worry about driving to get to most of the city’s key spots. Options include the Hyatt Regency, Four Seasons as well as a number of boutique hotels. There are also plenty of budget hotel options, too. However, staying downtown means dealing with parking (you’ll pay for parking just about everywhere), traffic and crowds. If you prefer something quieter and more intimate, look to Seattle’s other neighborhoods. Capitol Hill is a fun part of town for nightlife, parks and local shops. Likewise, Ballard, Fremont , and Wallingford have local shopping and fun things to do like the Ballard Locks or going to visit the Fremont Troll.

Explore more about where you can stay in Seattle with this list of the city's best hotels or the top budget hotels .

Getting There

Seattle is easy to get to via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport , which is less than a half hour south of the city. You can take light rail from the airport to the city, and then use Metro Transit buses to get around, but it’s best to rent a car so you can get out of the city core. You can also get to Seattle via Greyhound or Amtrak.

Money Saving Tips

• Explore Seattle’s museums on the first Thursday of each month as many open their doors for select hours for free.
• Seattle’s parks are amazing and all free to visit.
• Use the light rail for some local trips and skip paying for parking in the downtown core.
• Buy a CityPass to save on admission to the top attractions if you plan to do more than one top attraction during your visit.
• Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun in Seattle with this list of free things to do .

Visit Seattle. "Seattle Facts."

Visit Seattle. "All About Pike Place Market."

Guinness World Records. "Seattle Seahawks Fans 'Cause Minor Earthquake' With World Record Crowd Roar." December 4, 2013

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The Definitive Guide on the Best Time to Visit Seattle

One of the best things about traveling to Seattle is that the weather rarely gets too cold or too hot. Sure, there is a lot of rain, but not as much as you would think and certainly, not every month. So, when is the best time to visit the Emerald City? That depends on who you are and what you are looking to do. For most people, summertime is the best time to explore because of the sunny weather and myriad of outdoor activities available. But each season in Seattle offers different adventures. 

We’ve broken down some of the best things to do in Seattle for each season. See if you agree.

Average Temps and Rainfall

• March: 54°/39° – Rainfall: 5.13 inches
• April: 60°/42° – Rainfall: 3.43 inches
• May: 67°/48° – Rainfall: 2.69 inches

If you’re runner or biker (using a bike with pedals) or hiker, spring is an excellent time to get back at it. You might have to dodge a few raindrops, but the weather never gets too cold or too warm. It’s a great time to exercise. The 2.9 mile Green Lake Trail loops around Green Lake with a pathway dedicated for bikers and another for walkers and runners. It’s a tranquil spot that’s safely away from traffic. 

The Burke-Gilman Trail is an urban 18.4 mile trail that begins at the Ballard Bridge and ends in Bothell (or vice versa depending which direction you’re heading). It is mostly flat with plenty of benches and picnic tables along the way available for resting.

Spring represents new life and nowhere is that best displayed than up north in Mount Vernon during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival . Held all month long in April, the festival features many events held at a variety of tulip farms. It is not only a hit with the locals, but the festival boasts of catering to guests from all over the country. Other annual events include Irish Week (which includes the St. Patrick’s Day parade and other events) and the Spring Fair at the Washington State Fairgrounds, which is sort of a “mini” version of the fall fair with great shows and plenty to see and do.

The Seattle Mariners baseball team begin their season in April at T-Mobile Park. Not only have we put together a list of the best food and drinks to find at the park, but also a guide some of the best things to do nearby the park as well.

• June: 72°/53° – Rainfall: 2.13 inches
• July 78°/56° – Rainfall: .85 inches
• August: 78°/57° – Rainfall: 1.1 inches

There is SO much to do in Seattle during summer that’s it’s hard to mention everything, but we’ll do our best! From camping in the state parks to watching outdoor movies at a local park, this is the season where everyone in Seattle is outside. It’s the perfect time of the year to take a boat tour and we know of 10 of the best ones. And if you’re game and the weather is chilly, try out a hot tub boat – seriously!

Those of us who live in the Greater Seattle Area are fortunate enough to experience wildlife up close and personal. The Pacific Northwest is home to many orca whale pods. We know of six great whale watching tours to take advantage, some which leave from the Seattle waterfront. Others take place near Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. You don’t even have to take a tour to see them though. Alki Beach is known for a being a good place to spot those majestic creatures.

If you’ve been to Seattle before, but would like to see something new, we suggest taking a day visit to some of other noteworthy towns. Snoqualmie Falls is breathtaking and The Dining Room at the Salish Lodge & Spa offers the perfect view of them. (It is also the place where the TV series Twin Peaks was filmed by the way!)  The Bavarian town of Leavenworth is not to be missed. Every building in downtown (and many others for that matter) are themed to look as if they were transported from Bavaria. In town, you can experience Washington’s only Alpen coaster, enjoy the many shops and restaurants with the sounds of accordions in the background and there is always an excuse to celebrate something here.

Summer is also the best time to visit all of those touristy things along the Seattle Waterfront including the majestic 175-foot tall Ferris wheel known around here as the Seattle Great Wheel . It is located at Miner’s Landing on Pier 57 which is home to a bunch of great restaurants, shops, an indoor carousel the amazing Wings Over Washington “flying theater.” That attraction alone will make you think that you are in Disneyland. Located practically next door is one of Seattle’s most iconic restaurants, Ivar’s Acres of Clams . It’s been around since 1938!

The cool breeze from Puget Sound make even the most scorching days bearable. Just a short walk away, the Pike Place Market , one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in the country, is in full bloom during the summer months with fresh produces, street buskers and lots of shops to conquer.

If there is only thing that you do on your visit to Seattle, it is to visit the Space Needle . I mean, how could you not? The observation tours has only gotten more amazing in recent years with the addition of a revolving glass floor and lookout out views that appear to be endless as you are only stopped by more glass walls instead of a railing. 

The Space Needle is part of the Seattle Center which also features other fantastic places to check out including the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Pacific Science Center.

Annual events that happen in the Seattle area during the summer months include the Edmonds Art Festival (possibly the state’s largest) which is always held on Father’s Day weekend, Tacoma’s Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show in June, the Bite of Seattle in July and the big Seafair Weekend Festival featuring the US Navy’s Blue Angels and hydroplane races on Lake Washington in August. The Evergreen State Fair in Monroe is also kind of a big deal at the end of August too. 

The Seattle Night Market takes place every month in the Magnuson Park Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. The Summer Solstice Market, held in June, features over 100 vendors, three bars and a bunch of food trucks. Check out our complete guide to night markets here .

Though technically the Seattle Sounders FC begin their season in the spring, the bulk of their games are played in the summer and even in the fall. Fans of the Seahawks will have to wait until fall to watch the “real” games, but you can be a part of their training camp at Lumen Field in late July and/or early August.

Average Temps and Rainfall:

• September: 73°/53° – Rainfall: 2.13 inches
• October: 61°/46° – Rainfall: 5 inches
• November: 51°/40° – Rainfall: 7.8 inches

Early fall is a very pleasant time to visit Seattle. While the mornings and evenings are cool, the temperatures during day can get downright toasty believe it or not. It’s the time of the year when runners tie up their shoes and race for charities, hikers visit waterfalls and various Oktoberfests pop up all over the place.

Every September, the Washington State Fair takes over the town of Puyallup for three whole weeks! This isn’t your little town fair with pig races and woodcarvers (although we’ve got those too), no, it’s a big event that brings in big entertainers like Zac Brown, Pentatonix, Chicago, Dan + Shay and more. The Fisher Scones are legendary and the amusement park rides huge. You can literally spend a whole day here.

Tailgate parties lead up to the home games of the Seahawks playing home games at the big and incredibly loud (thanks to all of those 12 fans) Lumen Field. We hardly need to give you a reason to come to game, but while you’re there, we’ve got the guide to the best food and drink at the field.

Annual events held during the fall include the Ellensburg Rodeo which happens every year on Labor Day weekend. It just so happens that the Rockin’ the Chutes concert series and the small town Kittitas County Fair happens at that same time just down the road.

In September, blockheads are eager to attend BrickCon , the longest running LEGO fan exhibition in the U.S. and corn mazes pop up all over the Greater Seattle area in October.

In November, you’ll laugh yourself silly at the Seattle International Comedy Competition . With 22 shows taking place over 26 day at 18 different venues, it boasts of being America’s biggest touring comedy festival. 

Turkey Trots are a real thing here but it’s nothing compared to literal traffic-stopping Seattle Marathon (which includes a children’s marathon) held in late November.

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Average Temps and Rainfall: 

• December: 46°/36° – Rainfall: 7.2 inches
• January: 47°/37° – Rainfall: 6.96 inches
• February: 49°/36° – Rainfall: 4.63 inches

No matter how cold it gets in other parts of the country, the Pacific Northwest stays relatively mild during winter season but cold enough and just enough snow at times that it still feels like the holidays. We like our lights during the holidays. Visiting downtown during the winter months compared to the summer months gives a whole difference experience. For those who love the holidays, winter is definitely the time to visit.

There are two main ski areas near Seattle to take advantage of when you’re in town. Stevens Pass is about 88 miles from Seattle and Snoqualmie Pass is approximately just 52. Both get good ratings. Stevens gets high marks for its skiing while Snoqualmie is popular with its additional winter activities like tubing and cross country skiing. Both provide for a fun adventure (as long as the weather cooperates!).

With games played at The Climate Pledge Arena at the Seattle Center since late fall, the Seattle Kraken hockey games are very popular during the winter months. Both the arena and the team are fairly new (well, the arena was built for the 1962 World’s Fair but it had a major improvement before the team moved in) so, everything here feels fresh, shiny and new.

Winter time is a time for live stage shows from holiday concerts to various Nutcracker performances. Pacific Northwest Ballet leads the pack when it comes to the popular ballet presentation while ACT Contemporary Theatre has got “A Christmas Carol” down pat. Both are very popular with Seattle families and visitors won’t be disappointed. 

Christmas light displays are larger than life here as well. The biggest displays worth a drive to include Woodland Park Zoo’s Wild Lanterns and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium’s Zoolights . Both are big productions with lots of photo ops. The first features a modern twist on Chinese lanterns with many displays based on animals. The latter is more traditional but still pretty spectacular with creatures created with over 800,000 shiny lightbulbs.

Over at the Washington State Fairgrounds, Holiday Magic offers a holiday experience with interactive displays, a forest of decorated Christmas trees, ice skating, an Arctic Adventure laser show, festive games, good food and a nativity scene with live animals.

One of the more unique traditions in Bellevue is Snowflake Lane where a street parade and performances are held nightly during the holiday season between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square. The show is pretty amazing with falling “snow”, dazzling lights, contemporary festive music, human “toy” drummers and dancers at 7 p.m. sharp each night. It’s not your traditional Christmas show either. They go all out.

New York has its Time Square to celebrate the ball dropping on New Year’s Eve. Here is Seattle, we celebrate with fireworks shooting off and above the Space Needle!

Hi, I'm Ashleigh! Welcome to Seattle Travel, my little piece of beautiful PNW. This is home and I'm here to share all my experiences so visitors and locals alike can find the best experiences this part of the country has to offer. I started Seattle Travel in 2012 as a way to journal my experiences and over the years have been encouraged by family and friends to open up my adventures to everyone. I actively seek out the best food, activities, and day trips and give you a local perspective.  The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and my goal is to let you explore it to the fullest. 

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What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle? A Complete Guide

The nickname “The Emerald City” suggests that Seattle is colorful, green, and full of promise. Indeed, Seattle encompasses these characteristics, alongside echoing many other personalities. Even when it’s not summer—arguably the best time to visit Seattle—and when the city is instead enveloped in a dreary rain cloud, views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and evergreen trees shrouded in mist are still ever present. 

The constant connection with nature offsets the days on end of bleak weather. And when it comes to local culture, Seattle is innovative, progressive, and eclectic. Art, music, and social justice are at the core of Seattle’s ethos, while there is never a shortage of phenomenal restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops to sample. 

Although I’ve spent much of my life outside of the U.S., I have been fortunate to call Seattle my North American home base. I was born here, returned for high school and university, and have been exploring the corners of the Emerald City and its surroundings for the past 15 years whenever I am home. 

Seattle encompasses some of my very favorite things: mountains and lakes, music and art, and an incredible local food and wine scene. An explosion of creativity drives this forward-thinking city that never stops inspiring exploration whenever I have the opportunity to return. 

So, you’re sold on the Emerald City but are wondering when to visit Seattle? Check out this comprehensive guide breaking Seattle down by seasons and learn about some of the city and surrounding region’s best events. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and purchase something, we make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. It goes without saying that we would never recommend something we wouldn’t use or do ourselves.

When to Visit Seattle: A Complete Guide to Seattle by Season

More often than not, when non-Seattleites ask me about Seattle, they say something along the lines of, “But doesn’t it rain all the time there?” 

While it may be true that the Emerald City has its fair share of rain—a necessity for the lush vegetation that has helped inspire the nickname the Emerald City, after all—Seattle certainly does not rain all the time. 

In fact, there are glorious months when the city hardly sees a single raindrop, which is arguably the best time to visit Seattle. 

And the fantastic news? When it does rain, the city is equipped with plenty of cozy coffee shops, bookstores, and breweries to duck into and stay warm and dry. 

Summer in Seattle

Summer in Seattle is glorious and, in many respects, is the best time to go to Seattle. It is certainly the most popular season to visit. I am a sucker for the long summer days filled with hiking, lake swims, picnics, and sailing. Neighborhoods are buzzing with food, music, and art festivals.

You can take advantage of the extended hours of daylight, lingering over a late dinner and cocktail from a rooftop while catching the sunset over the Puget Sound and city skyline. Or, escape the city in any direction you choose, where you’ll find small seaside towns, log cabins in the mountains, and hikes through forests to alpine lakes. 

True summer weather in Seattle doesn’t start until after the 4 th of July most years. “June gloom” here is a very real thing.

As the name implies, June weather in Seattle is unpredictable. Temperatures can often dip into the 50’s. Days are consistently gray and drizzly, interspersed with occasional sunshine and an average of 1.5 inches of rain.

Due to the late arrival of summer, many trails in Mount Rainier National Park and the North Cascades National Park will still be covered in snow and inaccessible through June.

As soon as July hits, the splendid summer season takes off, launching the city into a few blissful months of blue skies and long, sun-soaked days. July rarely sees rainfall (less than an inch of rain) and temperatures are almost always pleasant, typically ranging between the mid-70’s and the mid-80’s during the day and dipping into the low-60’s or high-50’s at night. 

The warm, dry weather stays through August, which sees just over an inch of rain on average. Towards the middle or end of the month, however, Washington is often hit by forest fires, which can engulf the city in a hazy smog. The smoke may blow over in a few days to a week, or cling in the air longer depending on the year. Fires may also shut down hiking trails and mountain roads. 

The Best Summer Activities in Seattle

During summer, everything is possible in Seattle and you’ll be spoiled for choice of activities both in the city and in the surrounding areas. 

Summer Hiking: From Mount Rainier National Park to the Enchantments in the Central Cascades, Washington offers a splendid spread of hikes featuring old growth forests, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls (PS: we have an entire guide to the best hikes in Washington State for you!). From short, minimal elevation hikes, to more challenging multi-day hikes, there are hiking options for all fitness levels. Trails can get very crowded this time of the year so consider arriving at the trailhead bright and early in the morning or hiking mid-week. 

Wildflowers at Mount Rainier: While most wildflowers bloom during spring, due to the late arriving summer in Rainier, wildflowers in this national park start blooming mid-July and typically last through much of August. Admire the purple, pink, and yellow hues of subalpine wildflowers on a hike through the meadows of Mount Rainier, such as through Skyline Trail , Pinnacle Peak , and Tolmie Peak .

Camping: Looking for an inexpensive getaway from the city? Set up camp for a night or two in one of Washington’s national parks . From Mount Rainier to the Olympic Peninsula, your options are vast, though you will need to book a permit. Pop up your tent, sink into the peace and quiet, and admire the spectacular display of stars illuminating the night sky. 

Rafting: Paddling down the Sammamish River is one of my favorite summer adventures. Head to Gold Bar and choose to rent blow up rafts, canoes, or kayaks and float down this river surrounded by trees. You can also book a rafting tour with a trusted company like Triad River Tours . The water is extremely refreshing on a warm summer afternoon. 

Paddle Boarding or Kayaking: Experience Seattle from the water for an entirely new perspective of the city and fantastic views of the skyline. There are a number of spots to rent kayaks and paddle boards, including Alki Kayak Tours in West Seattle, Ballard Kayak at Shilshole Marina, University of Washington’s Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) , or Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union. 

Summer Concerts: Seattle thrives on its local music scene and summer is the time when it comes outside. Attend one of the city’s outdoor summer music festivals like Capitol Hill Block Party and South Lake Union Block Party , or catch a show at an outdoor venue just out of town at Marymoor Park or Chateau Ste Michelle . 

Beer Garden: The greater Seattle area is famous for its breweries, which typically feature an impressive selection of IPAs as well as other creative craft brews. Sit on the outside deck of popular spots like Fremont Brewing , Cloudburst Brewing on Shilshole, and Smarty Pants in Georgetown.

Take a Dip in a Lake: Many of Seattle’s parks sit on the shores of one of the city’s lakes and are the perfect way to pass a lazy afternoon without leaving the city. Grab a picnic blanket and a few snacks and set up on the grassy slopes of Madison Park , Matthew’s Beach , or Green Lake Park . Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, take the plunge into the chilly lake waters.

Visit a Coastal Town: Western Washington has no shortage of charming seaside towns that are at their most spectacular in summer. Spend a day exploring Port Townsend, Gig Harbor, Sequim, or West Port where you can walk through historic harbor towns, admire sailboats gliding across the Puget Sound, stroll along wind-swept coastline, and fill up on a tasty seafood lunch. 

Fall in Seattle

Fall in Seattle is a glorious time when you can enjoy mild, crisp weather and rich autumn hues that bring the forests and mountains to life. One of my favorite seasons in the city, fall offers distinct advantages to summer, as well as a few downsides, particularly the less predictable weather.

Sunshine and summer weather typically linger through early-to-mid September with cooler evenings as the sun starts to set earlier. Average rainfall in September hovers just below two inches. The greater Seattle area is still buzzing through early fall. From concerts and festivals, to nature and culinary-inspired adventures, there is an abundance to experience in the national parks, surrounding coastal towns, and in the city itself. 

By the end of October through November, temperatures are dropping, rainfall is becoming frequent again, and the city slowly returns to hibernation mode.

In October, Seattle experiences nearly four inches of rain on average, and in November, average rainfall is nearly six inches. In the mountains, the first snowfall ranges anytime from middle of October to middle of November, which shuts down roads and trails in major parks like Mount Rainier and North Cascades until the following summer. 

Best Fall Activities in Seattle

As summer is winding down, there is still an abundance to do in the fall months, particularly in September and October.

Apple Picking: From September through October, you can take advantage of one of Washington’s most prized products: apples. Go apple picking across the mountains in Yakima or Wenatchee. You can also visit apple farms up north in Lynden, or even closer to Seattle, go picking in Snohomish. Make sure to try more niche apple varieties only found in Washington, like the incredibly delicious Cosmic Crisp. 

Fall Hiking: The cooler temperatures are absolutely perfect for hiking in the mountains. And the bonus is that you’ll catch fall colors in Mount Rainier or can even adventure further in search of the infamous golden larches in the North Cascades. Heather-Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades, Colchuck Lake in the Enchantments, and the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier are among my favorite hikes for fall colors. 

Cider Tasting: Although open year-round, in the spirit of apple season, fall is the perfect time to visit cideries like Finn River Farm in Port Townsend or Mill Haus Cider in Eatonville. The cideries are decked out for fall and feel extra special around September and October. If you don’t want to leave the city, check out spots like Schilling Cider House in Fremont and Locust Cider in Ballard. In early September, you can also taste artisanal ciders at Seattle’s Cider Summit NW .

Wine Tasting: I find fall wine tasting to be even more rewarding than summer wine tasting. Washington’s wine regions, including Yakima Valley and Lake Chelan, are extremely hot during the summer. In September and October, the temperatures are warm and sunny, but much milder than the summer. Plus, it’s harvest season, so you may have the opportunity to experience grape harvesting. Tsillan Cellars and Siren Song Wines are two of my favorite Chelan wineries, both offering phenomenal views and delicious wines. 

Husky Football Game : The Huskies—University of Washington’s mascot—are the pride and glory of many Seattleites. As someone who went to UW, admittedly, the football games, which land on several Saturdays in late summer through fall, are quite fun. Join a sea of purple and gold cheering on their beloved team. Even if you aren’t a fan of the game, the views from the new stadium overlook Lake Washington and are worth going for alone. 

Want to explore Seattle? We’ve got plenty of detailed Seattle travel guides to help you explore Seattle and beyond.

• How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Seattle, Washington
• How to Spend One Day in Seattle (2 Different Ways)
• The Best Things to Do in Seattle: A Complete Seattle City Guide
• The Best Time to Visit Seattle: A Guide to Seattle by Season
• Where to Stay in Seattle: A Complete Neighborhood Guide
• The Best Day Trips from Seattle, WA
• 15 Great Weekend Getaways from Seattle to Plan Now
• 17 Amazing Hikes Near Seattle
• The Best Museums in Seattle: A Helpful Guide to Seattle’s Coolest Museums
• A Complete Guide to Washington’s Amazing National Parks
• The Best Hikes in Washington State: Complete Hiking Guide

Winter in Seattle 

Much of Seattle is in a slumber through the winter months, which start by the end of November and last through March.

Days grow shorter as the sun sets earlier and earlier, temperatures drop, and rainfall rises. Luckily, winter temperatures tend to be pretty mild in Seattle, with temperatures hovering around the high 30’s to mid 40’s. However, the extended periods of gray days and steady drizzle can be, well, gloomy. 

December’s average rainfall is just over six inches, January is around five to five-and-a-half inches, while February typically sees around four inches of rain. The rare winter sunny day and blue skies brings the majority of the city out to celebrate. 

Winter moods compliment Seattle’s grungier side. These months are perfect for tasting your way through the city’s breweries, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and filling your belly with a steamy bowl of ramen or pho. Explore Seattle’s music scene at a live show, tap into the eclectic art scene at one of the city’s galleries, and browse your way through vintage vinyl and clothing shops.

The skies are typically bluer and clear across the mountains, and temperatures are also much colder. Escaping the city to the mountains can be a fantastic winter break, though keep in mind that you’ll have to drive across the Snoqualmie Pass, which can be tedious depending on weather conditions.

Stay up to date on winter weather warnings before crossing the Pass, which may even be shut down depending on severity of the storm. 

Best Winter Activities in Seattle

Winter is the perfect time to explore Seattle’s grungier side, taking refuge in cozy coffee shops or art galleries, or heading east into the mountains for a snowy escape. 

Winter Festivities in Leavenworth : If you’re in town around the holidays, head to the Bavarian-inspired mountain town of Leavenworth, where you can walk through fields buried deep in snow, admire the town’s impressive light display, and warm up with a filling meal. Beyond Christmas festivities in December, the town also hosts a German winter festival in January and wine and chocolate pairings in February. Leavenworth is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle and can be done as a long day trip or weekend getaway. 

Winter Sports : For winter sports enthusiasts, there are a number of ski and snowboarding spots in Snoqualmie ( the Summit at Snoqualmie ), Stevens Pass Resort , Crystal Mountain , or for advanced skiers and boarders looked for a more under-the-radar destination, check out Mission Ridge . Sledding and snowshoeing are also options in some of these areas. 

Coffee Shop Hopping: Known for its coffee, what better way to stay warm on a damp winter’s day than checking out a couple of Seattle’s famous coffee shops? And no, I’m not talking about Starbucks. Sound & Fog in West Seattle, Wunderground Coffee and Analog in Capitol Hill, and Miir in Fremont are a few of my favorite spots to get cozy with a steaming mug of my favorite warm drink and settle into a good book. Or, duck into Elliot Bay Book Company , where you can find a new read while grabbing a cup of coffee from Little Oddfellow’s Café .  

Cozy Cabin Getaway: A winter getaway in Washington’s mountains is hard to beat. Rent a cabin for a couple of nights in the mountains and cozy up with games, hot chocolate, and a feast. Go for wintry walks amidst evergreen trees draped in snow—a truly magical winter wonderland. 

Museums : The rainy, cooler months are the perfect time to check out a couple of the city’s museums, from the Jimi Hendrix exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) , to the rotating art exhibits at Seattle Art Museum (SAM).

Woodinville Wine Tasting : When you’ll no longer be able to cross into Washington wine country, warm up with a tasting or two at tasting rooms in Woodinville, less than half an hour drive northeast of Seattle. JM Cellars and Milbrandt Vineyards are two of my favorites in Woodinville. 

Spring in Seattle 

Seattle is slowly waking up as spring arrives in late March. Despite the fact that western Washington is thawing, March and April still tend to be rainy, chilly months with intermittent sunshine. March has on average just under four inches of rain and April has about two-and-a-half to three inches of rain.

By mid-late spring, flowers like rhododendrons, tulips, and daffodils are beginning to bloom, reviving the city with fresh color and life. 

By May, Seattle is starting to warm up as the rain is also slowing, experiencing typically about two inches of rain. May is a fantastic time to visit the city and enjoy its outdoor attractions. Picnics at parks like Gas Works and Volunteer Park, as well as paddling and kayaking on the Puget Sound or any of the lakes are great ways to take in the greener side to the city during springtime.

By mid-late May, outdoor events and festivals are beginning to take place. Weather will continue to fluctuate but is mostly very pleasant and less damp than March and April. 

It is important to note that many hikes are still inaccessible this time of the year as the roads and trails are still deep in snow through most, if not all, of June. If you’re looking to get out of the city, day trips to the coast, a weekend in the San Juan Islands, hikes through lower elevation trails, and a road trip across the mountains to the arid Columbia River Gorge area are all great options. 

Best Spring Activities in Seattle

It’s not quite hiking season yet, but you’ll slowly be able to enjoy more of the city and outdoor activities as Seattle is coming to life again in spring and flowers and trees are beginning to blossom. 

• Pike Place Market : Although the market is open year-round, spring is a fantastic season to pay a visit. The weather is typically nice enough that you can comfortably walk through the market and adjacent shops and food spots, while crowds won’t be as bad as in the summer season. Wander through the artisan, flower, and food stands, which will be abundant with seasonal picks. 
• Mariners Game : Looking for a taste of Seattle sports? Head to T-Mobile Park for a Mariners baseball game, starting in the spring. From the park, you’re also lucky to have fantastic views over the Puget Sound and city skyline. 
• Discovery Park : A quintessential urban nature escape, Discovery Park is accessible all year-round but is a perfect option if you want a taste of nature without having to leave the city. Walk through forest groves and meadows blooming with spring flowers, while catching views over the Puget Sound from rocky bluffs. 
• Island Day Trip : Hop on one of Seattle’s infamous ferries and head to one of the nearby islands like Bainbridge or Vashon Island for a daytrip! Explore downtown, go for a walk on the beach, and perhaps do a wine tasting at a boutique island winery. 
• Cherry Blossoms at University of Washington : In mid-March, pay a visit to the University of Washington’s campus and marvel at the sea of pale pink as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
• Arboretum : The Arboretum near the University of Washington has trails through beautiful gardens throughout every season of the year, though they are at their most spectacular in spring. April and May are peak rhododendron season, showering Azalea Way in color. 
• Olympic National Park : For a great long weekend getaway from Seattle , take a ferry or drive to the Olympic Peninsula, where you can visit Olympic National Park . Unlike some of the other national parks in Washington, Olympic NP will be free from snow and thanks to the abundance of spring rain, vegetation will be growing wild. Hike in the mountains, take a walk through the temperate, old-growth rainforests, and explore the rugged coastline. 

More to Explore in Washington State

• The Best Things to Do in Seattle, Washington
• A Weekend in Seattle: A Seattle Itinerary for First Timers
• The Best Day Trips from Seattle: 10 Great Options
• The Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle
• The 17 Best Hikes Near Seattle (Local’s Guide)
• 16 Incredible Hikes in Washington State
• The Best Easy Hikes in Washington State
• The Best Cozy Cabin Getaways in Washington State
• The 3 Amazing National Parks in Washington State
• The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
• A Complete Olympic National Park Itinerary
• How to Plan a Perfect North Cascades National Park Itinerary
• 15 Gorgeous Waterfalls in Washington State
• How to Plan an Amazing Washington Road Trip Itinerary

So, What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle? 

The best time of year to visit Seattle depends on a number of factors, really!

Whether you’re looking for the best time to visit so you can experience the outdoors of Washington State, to the best time to visit while avoiding crowds and finding reasonably priced accommodation, your priorities and the experiences you’re hoping for all go into determining when you choose to pay Seattle a visit. 

The Best Overall Time to Visit Seattle 

While it is subjective, early fall is probably the best time to travel to Seattle. Think post-Labor Day through the start of October .

The summer crowds will have died down and the smoke from the forest fires will be cleared up. While the days won’t be quite as long, you’ll still have plenty of daylight to maximize time outside. 

A crispness lingers in the air, which makes for perfect hiking weather, where you can also find golden and orange hues coming through in the forests and mountains.

Apples are a staple of Washington and you’ll be able to enjoy the state’s delicious selection of apples this time of year. The evenings are cool enough that you can curl up by a fire at the end of a day of adventures. 

The Best Time to Visit Seattle to Experience the Outdoors 

Summer to early fall (July through the start of October) is the prime time of the year to experience the amazing outdoors of Seattle and Western Washington .

The skies are clear, and the weather is warm enough to be out on the water, whether you choose to kayak, paddleboard, sail, or take a swim in one of the lakes or in the Puget Sound. 

The trails will also be clear from snow during these months. Snow is typically gone by late June or early July, opening up hiking in the national parks. This time of the year is fantastic for backpacking and camping as well.

Popular places like Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park are mostly, if not entirely, inaccessible for a significant part of the year, so this window from summer through early fall (when the first snow falls) will be your only opportunity to visit them. 

Key Seattle Festivals & Events by Month

Regardless of the time of year you visit the greater Seattle area, there are exciting festivals and events to partake in.

Here’s a calendar rounding up my favorite Seattle events each month. January through March tend to be quiet for events due to the cold, gray weather but the city livens up come April. 

Seattle in April 

• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival : Throughout the month of April, marvel at fields of tulips scattered across Skagit Valley blooming in varying colors of the rainbow. Beyond the tulip fields, there are tulip gardens on display and various events throughout the month.  
• Seattle International Film Festival : Held each year in mid-April for about 10 days, SIFF presents the best of independent and international films from around the world in theaters around the city. 
• Seattle Restaurant Week : Taking place in April, as well as in the fall, Seattle Restaurant Week is an opportunity to sample the best of Seattle’s restaurants and bars featuring fixed menus at a range of prices. From locally sourced menus, to Black-owned businesses, you can curate the experience to your choosing. 

Seattle in May

• U-District Street Fair : For over 50 years, the U-District Street Fair has kicked off Seattle summer season in mid-late May. Stretching over “The Ave” in Seattle’s University District, the fair includes a full weekend of food trucks, beer gardens, live music, and street performers. 
• Northwest Folklife Festival : For 50 years Northwest Folklife Festival has been taking place in Seattle every Memorial Day Weekend. The festival celebrates the culture, traditions, and history of the Pacific Northwest, with an emphasis on indigenous cultures. Explore art and cultural showcases, attend educational workshops, and celebrate the best of the Pacific Northwest through music and dance. 

Seattle in June

• Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade : A signature Seattle event that falls around the summer solstice every June, the Fremont Fair is one of my favorite festivals in Seattle. A weekend-long affair taking place in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood, explore vendors selling arts, crafts, delicious foods, and much more. The weekend features a rather infamous event known as the naked bike ride, where Seattleites (and visitors, should they wish!) paint their bodies in elaborate designs and ride bikes through the neighborhood. 

Seattle in July

• Capitol Hill Block Party : A popular music festival happening late July each year, Capitol Hill Block Party, or “Block Party,” shuts down the streets of central Capitol Hill for three days of music and dancing. Expect a mix of national and regional artists taking to the stage in some of Capitol Hill’s favorite venues, as well as on their streets.
• Seattle Street Food Fest : Seattle Street Food Fest brings together Seattle’s street food and beer in food trucks spanning four blocks of South Lake Union. Come hungry so you can sample your way through tacos, Jamaican, Uzbek, Afghan, and Fijian cuisine, and top it off with ice cream. 
• Bite of Seattle : Held over a weekend in July at Seattle Center , Bite of Seattle showcases the best of Seattle’s food and beverage scene. Taste your way through over 200 food stands and quench your thirst with craft beers and ciders while enjoying live music, cooking demos, and more!

Seattle in August

• Seafair Festival : Taking place in early August, Seafair blends boating, air shows, and festival activities. From pirates to navy sailors, expect to spot all sorts of seafarers wandering the streets of Seattle leading up to this weekend. Catch Blue Angels flying high above Lake Washington from a boat, as you join the rest of the city in celebrating from the water. 
• Day In Day Out Festival : One of Seattle’s newer music festivals, Day In Day Out takes place in mid-August. Head to Seattle Center for a more boutique festival experience featuring a niche lineup.

Seattle in September

• Bumbershoot : Each Labor Day Weekend, Seattle Center becomes the grounds for Bumbershoot, a music, arts, and food festival showcasing the diversity and innovation of the city. 
• Washington State Fair : The Washington State Fair is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, taking place in Puyallup (half an hour south of Seattle) during the month of September. Indulge in fair food, watch live music, go on rides, and explore the animals and produce raised by farmers across the state. 
• Cider Summit NW : Come and sample artisanal ciders from around the world during this event in early September celebrating the amazing apples of Washington.  
• Fremont Oktoberfest : Taking place in mid-September, Fremont hosts Seattle’s largest outdoor beer festival. From the day through the night, the neighborhood’s main streets are shut down as Seattleites don their best dirndls and lederhosen and can sample from over 100 beers and ciders while snacking on pretzels and bratwursts. 

Seattle in October

• Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival : Head to Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula for a weekend in early October celebrating the bounties of the sea. Indulge in a seafood feast (featuring the incredibly delicious Dungeness crab), listen to live music, and explore an extensive range of craft and food booths. 

Seattle in November

• Julefest : In November, Ballard’s Nordic Museum transforms into Julefest, a Nordic Christmas celebration that pays homage to the neighborhood’s Scandinavian roots. 
• WildLanterns : From mid-November through January, Woodland Park Zoo offers an immersive experience featuring animal and nature lanterns from around the world. 

 Seattle in December

• Village of Lights Christmastown : Throughout the month of December, the town of Leavenworth on the eastern slopes of the Cascades comes to life with twinkling lights, music, carolers, roasted chestnuts, and a whole offering of festivities during this Bavarian mountain town’s winter festival. Weekends are particularly lively for festivities. 

MORE TO EXPLORE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of super detailed travel guides to our favorite places in Washington and Oregon.

• Seattle : Find the perfect place to stay in Seattle , use our itinerary and complete Seattle city guide to plan your weekend in Seattle (we also have a guide to one day in Seattle for shorter trips), find a new hike near Seattle to tackle, and plan your next day trip or weekend getaway .
• Portland : Get a local’s take on what to do in Portland and where to stay in Portland , plan your weekend itinerary (we also have a guide to one day in Portland for shorter trips), find the best hikes in and around Portland , and discover the best day trip and weekend getaway destinations.
• Road Trips : Explore the best of the Pacific Northwest on a 14 day Pacific Northwest road trip . Plan an amazing Washington road trip or Oregon road trip with our detailed guides, including a couple of itineraries that you can copy/paste.
• The Oregon Coast : Explore the best of the Oregon Coast on a 7 day Oregon Coast road trip . Discover the best hikes on the Oregon Coast , and figure out what to do in Cannon Beach and Astoria .
• Hiking in Oregon : Get a local’s take on the best hikes in Oregon , the most spectacular Oregon waterfalls , and dive deeper into each region with our guides to the best hikes at Mt. Hood , in the Columbia River Gorge , and more.
• Hiking in Washington : Add to your Washington hiking bucket list with our guide to the best hikes in Washington . Then dive into our regional hiking guides to discover the best hikes near Seattle , hiking at Mount Rainier , in Olympic National Park , in the North Cascades , and at Mount Baker .
• Mount Rainier National Park : Plan the perfect trip to Mount Rainier with our guides to the best things to do , the best hikes , and how to plan a perfect day trip to Rainier .
• Olympic National Park : Explore the best that Olympic National Park has to offer – the best hikes , a complete itinerary , and exactly where to stay in Olympic National Park .
• North Cascades National Park : The least visited of the National Parks in Washington , learn how to plan a perfect itinerary , and figure out the best hikes to add to your list.
• Crater Lake National Park : Discover the best that Oregon’s only national park (isn’t that crazy?) has to offer with our guide to planning your Crater Lake itinerary , and our guide to the best hikes in Crater Lake . Plus, a guide to planning an amazing Seattle to Crater Lake road trip .

Alicia was born in Seattle and has called Washington state her home on and off for the past three decades. Even though she spends much of her time abroad these days, Alicia craves a dose of the Pacific Northwest when she’s away too long and comes back as often as time allows it to explore the nature of the region. The alpine lakes, evergreen forests, snowcapped mountains, and salty sea air keep her dreaming about Washington state almost as much as the local wineries and microbreweries when she’s gone. You can follow along on her adventures on https://www.journeywithalicia.com/.

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Best Time to Go to Seattle: Your In-Depth Seasonal Guide

Discover Seattle’s charm in every season! From budget-friendly travel during shoulder seasons to exploring waterfalls at their peak, our in-depth guide covers the ideal times for various activities.

Seattle, one of the most popular cities in the United States known for its rain. Its reputation for rainy weather might deter some travelers, but if we gave you just the right information, maybe you’d find that the answer to the question “When is the best time to visit Seattle?” would be, for you, in May more than July.

We’re not going to tell you there’s a perfect month with no rain at all. But by the time you read to the end, you’ll understand when is the best time to visit Seattle based on what you want to do and see in the Emerald City. Whether you’re dreaming of facing majestic waterfalls or experiencing the best festivals in town, you’ll know when to go.

Best Time to Visit Seattle on a Budget

Wondering when to visit Seattle on a budget? The best month to visit Seattle is during shoulder seasons, from May through June and September to October. During shoulder season, airfares are lower and hotels typically offer promos due to reduced tourist demand.

The most popular attractions remain open throughout the year. With fewer visitors, this means you’ll likely find shorter lines in the places you’re planning to explore. Additionally, the temperature during the shoulder seasons is still considerably comfortable enough to explore outside, just not dry enough! There are a few more clouds in the mix with slightly lower temperatures (around 66-71 degrees Fahrenheit (19-21 Celsius). Expect rainy days too, of course.

For a wallet-friendly trip to Seattle, check out discount tickets to attractions offered exclusively by Tripster. It’s also possible to save up to 45% by bundling attraction tickets with your hotel of choice.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Good Weather

The best time to go to Seattle for good weather is during the summer season–June, July and August. Visiting during this time means being graced by warm weather, less chance of rain, and longer sunlight hours.

You can count on glorious and sunny days during the summer. But you know what that means too! You won’t be the only one traveling to the Emerald City. The warm weather also happens to be the high season, meaning room rates soar and demand also goes up. If you’re thinking about planning a summer vacation in Seattle, be sure to book your accommodation and attraction tickets early!

Related Post: Seattle Indoor Activities: Exploring New Adventures When the Rain Pours

You can book tickets to popular attractions like the Space Needle and Sky View Observatory online. Ticket prices typically don’t increase even during high season, but some attractions limit the number of daily entries to ensure a pleasurable experience for visitors. Meanwhile, some public attractions like the Pike Place Market (home of the Gum Wall!) remain free and do not typically restrict the number of visitors in a day.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy outdoor attractions in and around Seattle. You could hike up the Olympic National Park or Mount Ranier National Park, both teeming with blooming flora and thriving fauna. For aquatic adventures, make a day trip to the San Juan Islands for whale watching. You’ll have the best chance of seeing orcas (killer whales), particularly the Southern Resident killer whales, which are the most famous and frequently sighted. If you have more time, explore more of the Puget Sound region to spot bald eagles, herons, ospreys, and more!

Summer is also a good time for wine tasting in Woodinville. This period offers warm and dry weather, ideal for vineyard tours and wine tastings. Book a Woodinville Warehouse Wine Pass to taste some of the finest wines of Woodinville’s Warehouse District!

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Waterfall Hiking

For waterfall chasers, the best months of the year to see the falls in their full glory are roughly from May through July. Spring and early summer are ideal because the snowmelt from the mountains feeds the waterfalls, making them fuller and more dramatic.

As for weather conditions, the days during spring and summer are longer. This gives you more daylight to enjoy the hiking trails! The weather is also more predictable, making it safer and more comfortable for hiking. It’s the best time of the year to visit Seattle if you want to visit as many of the popular waterfalls around Seattle as you can. However, always remember to be careful around fast-flowing water and slippery rocks.

If you happen to visit in May, surely you won’t just be visiting for the waterfalls! Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer in Seattle, so you’ll be treated to more events, activities, and cultural celebrations. Take time to explore the best of Seattle with a private walking tour or if you’re a foodie, a mouthwatering Pike Place food tour !

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Festivals

Wondering when is the best time to visit Seattle Washington for the energetic festival scene? That’s a tough choice because festivals are held in Seattle year-round!

Capital Hill Block Party, a three-day music festival featuring local and international music acts, typically kicks off during summer (July to August). It’s the most popular time of the year for music festivals in and around Seattle.

Related Post: Free Things to Do Seattle – 19 Must-Try Activities

Meanwhile, the Seattle International Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the United States, occurs during late spring (May to June). And of course, we also have the Northwest Folklife Festival happening around the same time, a major event that celebrates the Pacific Northwest’s ethnic art and culture.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Fewer Crowds

Want to explore Seattle but without the crowd? The best time to travel to Seattle is anytime from late October to April. This is generally when the Seattle crowds clear out. Families will usually go back to school and work, and then some of them to warmer countries for vacation.

Although late Fall to Winter is the Seattle best time to visit to explore with fewer visitors, remember that there’s a reason why the crowds disperse during this time. The rainy season will be in full force, which means more rainy days than ever. Don’t expect clear skies, especially when temperatures begin to drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 Celcius). This is probably the best time to hit up breweries and get cozy in a coffee shop.

With fewer crowds in Seattle, you can also take advantage of hotel prices. Hotel deals run rampant, a couple of the best rates available on Tripster. It’s not a great time for sightseeing, but you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the day, and then snuggle up in a Seattle hotel of your choice.

If you happen to be in Seattle in early spring, head over to the Quad at the University of Washington! It’s arguably the most famous spot in Seattle for cherry blossoms. The Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom against the backdrop of the university’s historic architecture are a favorite subject for outdoor photography.

Seattle Vacation Packages for Your Ideal Time to Visit

No matter what time of the year you want to visit Seattle, you can always count on Tripster’s vacation packages to offer budget-friendly deals! Bundle a stay at a hotel of your choice with discount tickets to places you really want to explore.

With a tailored vacation package, you decide where to stay and what fun stuff to do. No matter if it’s sunny or rainy, your Seattle trip can be just how you want it.

What Did We Miss?

Have anything to add to our guide? Leave us a comment below!

Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...

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When to visit Washington State to enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest

Apr 3, 2024 • 8 min read

Washington State has a special magic at any time of year © RyanJLane / Getty Images

Washington ’s nickname, the Evergreen State, fits it well. This is a place rich in alpine meadows and old-growth forests, lakes and rivers, waterfalls and wildflowers. And what makes all this green beauty possible? Rain – lots of it. This corner of the Pacific Northwest (and its largest city, Seattle ) have a well-earned reputation for wet, drizzly weather.

But that’s only half the story. The Cascade Mountains divide Washington into two distinct parts. On the west side, green forests stretch to the Pacific Ocean, but east of the mountains it’s typically warmer and drier. While the Olympic Peninsula rainforests might see up to 150 inches of rain a year, the eastern parts of the state get less than 10 inches. Meanwhile, the Cascade Mountains get around 200 inches of snowfall each winter.

In Western Washington, daytime temperatures rarely go above 80°F in summer or below 45°F in winter (though winter nights can dip below freezing). Eastern Washington temperatures are hotter in summer and colder in winter, and this part of the state can see 300 days of sunshine a year. Wherever you're headed in Washington, here are the best times to visit.

The July–September high season is the best time for warm, dry days

July and August are the warmest and driest months in Washington and its high season – even Seattleites get a little sun. Most visitors opt to visit in summer and early fall (July through September). Hotel prices go up, and there are more people in popular neighborhoods and at big tourist attractions. Note that Washington State ferries add a summer surcharge to fares from May to September.

National parks and campgrounds are open, temperatures are mild and the rain has eased, creating beautiful conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping or sipping a beer on the patio. Coastal storms have calmed down, and the ruggedly beautiful Washington coast beckons. Early fall is the best time to visit wineries, ideally by bicycle.

The November–March low season is best for winter sports fans

November to January is the coldest and wettest period in Washington (averaging 5-6 inches of precipitation per month). Campgrounds are usually closed, and many back roads are inaccessible. On the plus side, hotel prices tend to be lower.

This is technically the low season, but it’s prime time for winter sports. Ski season begins as early as mid-November and continues through to March, though snow lingers at higher elevations into July. Washington has some top-notch alpine ski resorts, as well as countless opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  

The shoulder seasons (April–June and October) are quiet and damp

The shoulder seasons – covering the early spring and fall – can be an ideal time to visit if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, and are willing to take your chances on the weather. It’s likely to rain on you, but you may also get lucky with a few glorious spring or fall days. You can probably find space at campsites without making reservations, and there won’t be long lines at major attractions. 

January sees plenty of powder on the slopes

Western Washington in January can be pretty gloomy, with many unbroken cloudy days and lots of cold rain. But if you’re a skier or snowboarder, this is a great time to head for the hills, where the high elevation turns all that precipitation into fluffy powder. In cities, it’s perfect weather for snuggling into a cozy pub or coffee shop with that new book you got for Christmas. For nature lovers, this is the peak time to take an eagle-watching excursion along the Skagit River. Key Events:   Lake Chelan Winterfest

Stay indoors and eat in February

The cloudy days continue, but at least February is a short month! Seek out Valentine’s Day specials at wineries and fine restaurants, like a three-course dinner at the Hotel Sorrento or the all-vegan Cafe Flora in Seattle. Rent a house with a fireplace on Long Beach Peninsula, or avoid the hassle of winter driving and take an Amtrak train to the mock-Bavarian town of Leavenworth.

March sees spring start to poke through the snow

Little hints of spring begin to pop up in March, especially in the eastern half of the state. In Seattle, Pike Place Market celebrates spring with Daffodil Days, alongside food tours and cooking classes. Hotel prices and airfares are relatively inexpensive, and the summer crowds have yet to arrive. Spend a rainy day at the Museum of Pop Culture , or play some pinball at the Racket in Bellingham. Key Events: Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival , Taste Washington

April is the time to get out and explore

April is considered the beginning of the end of winter in the Cascade Mountains; snow might continue to fall, but most of the year’s big powder dumps have already been delivered. Elsewhere, flowers are blooming, temperatures are warming and locals are emerging from the winter gloom. A pro tip: Pack your rain gear and your sunglasses, because, well, you never know.

Snow-packed roads mean it’s not the best time for exploring the wilderness, but April usually brings perfect weather for scenic drives at lower elevations – check out the colorful fields of tulips in the Skagit Valley, or visit the intensely green and mysterious Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula . Key Events: Seattle International Film Festival , Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

May sees spring – and whales – sweep into Washington

Spring in Washington can be delightful, though it's also frequently damp. Wildflowers and orchard blossoms are going strong by now, and as long as you remember your raincoat you can basically live a normal life. Whale-watching boat tours are a great family activity for May, and visiting any of the San Juan Islands is almost mandatory, whether you're camping or glamping or on a cycling, driving or sea kayak tour. Key Events: Poulsbo Viking Fest , Northwest Folklife Festival

June is the start of the camping season

Springtime continues to morph into summer as more campgrounds and trails open up and early tourist activities begin. If you’re lucky, you’ll get summer-like weather without the summer crowds. Outdoor festivals are everywhere; head to Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood for a definitive dose of Pacific Northwest street life. Key Events: Orcas Island Lit Fest , Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration , Fremont Solstice Parade , Seattle PrideFest

July is proper summer in Washington

July is officially summer, with warmer temperatures, sunnier days, and bigger crowds to prove it. This is an excellent time for a water-based adventure such as sea kayaking around the San Juan Islands or paddling Puget Sound. July is also great for backpacking into the Mount Rainier wilderness; head to the trailheads at Paradise for a range of great hiking options.

By now, roads into the mountains are plowed, so it’s also a great time to visit scenic viewpoints in the Cascades. It’s hard to beat the drive to Artist Point along the Mt Baker Scenic Byway from Bellingham. Key Events: Capitol Hill Block Party , Seafair , Sequim Lavender Festival

August is the time to go camping on the coast

Summer continues as temperatures rise and rainclouds disappear, and arts and music festivals pick up. On the east side of the Cascades, heat can be extreme and wildfires are a concern. Riverside and coastal campgrounds are an excellent way to beat the heat, but reserve ahead as they do book up quickly. If you were lucky and wise, you planned ahead and scored a campsite at stunning Kalaloch Beach on the Olympic Coast. Key Events: Emerald City ComicCon , Makah Days , Washington State International Kite Festival

September is great for quieter hiking

The beginning of fall means more or less reliably beautiful days with cooling temperatures and impressive fall colors. Most hiking trails and campgrounds are still open, and are much less crowded than they are in summer, especially after the Labor Day weekend.

The weather is still warm enough for a backpacking trip into the Goat Rocks Wilderness or a day hike in the Enchantments. On four wheels, take a drive up to the Johnson Creek Observatory overlooking Mount St Helens to admire the views. Key Events: Bumbershoot , Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

You may get lucky with the weather in October

Sometimes there’s an amazing “second summer” in October, with gorgeous warm days, fall colors, and few crowds. Even if the weather doesn’t get that warm, this is a beautiful time of year in the Pacific Northwest. It's usually a little cold at night for camping, but it can still be worth it if you’re prepared. Harvest season makes this a great time for food and wine; check out the annual Fall Festival at Seattle’s Pike Place Market . Key Events: CrabFest , Leavenworth Oktoberfest , Issaquah Salmon Days

November ushers in the ski season

In a good snow year, ski resorts are open by Thanksgiving. If it’s not one of those years, or you’re not a skier, wear layers and focus on indoor activities. This is the time to bundle up and scurry between museums, cafes, pubs, and bookstores (including the beloved Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle). Or try some interesting wines in Walla Walla, a cute town packed with tasting rooms. Key Events: Short Run Comics & Arts Festival

December sees Washington gearing up for the holidays

Holiday parades and tree-lighting festivals brighten up the dreary days and long nights of December. In Seattle, look for floating light shows at the Christmas Ship Festival . In the winter-loving mountain town of Leavenworth, all of Front Street is aglow, and the year-round Christmas decorations shop finally makes sense. Look for cheap flights for the ski season; The Summit at Snoqualmie is just an hour’s drive from Seattle. Key Events: Christmas Ship Festival, Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival

Keep planning your trip to Washington:

Explore the state without spending a penny with  10 free things to do in Washington state Hit the trails with the 10 of the best hikes in Washington Discover all the Washington highlights with  The top 10 road trips in Washington State Plan like the professionals with  Copy My Trip: nature, luxury and mind-blowing cuisine in the USA’s Pacific Northwest

This article was first published August 2022 and updated April 2024

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The Best Time to Visit Seattle

Seattle Travel Guide › When to Visit Updated: March 7, 2024 By Santorini Dave

• Where to Stay in Seattle
• Best Family Hotels in Seattle

When is the best time to visit Seattle?

As a Seattle resident, I think the best time to visit the city is from June to September. It’s when you can expect sunny skies, minimal rain, and numerous outdoor events and festivals. April, May, and October offer great deals and consistently pleasant sightseeing weather. From November through February, you’ll likely find the city chilly, gray, and wet – but great for museums, restaurants, and the covered shops at Pike Place Market.

Me, my two sons, and some high school friends in downtown Seattle.

• Best time for outdoor recreation : Seattle has consistently dry, sunny, and warm weather from early July through September – perfect for local hiking, biking, and boating. April, May, June, and October are often unpredictable and swing from rainy and chilly to warm and sunny so be prepared for anything if visiting. November through March is generally cool and damp, and many Mount Rainier hiking trails are closed for the winter. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing season in nearby mountain areas usually lasts from late November until April or May. Even in summer Puget Sound waters are not ideal for swimming, as they rarely get above 13°C.
• Best time for food and wine : The best Seattle restaurants and the winery tasting rooms in nearby Woodinville are great to visit at any time of year (though they can be very busy in the peak season months of July and August). The region’s famous Copper River salmon arrives in Seattle’s restaurants and markets in May and is generally available through mid-June. Many of Seattle’s best restaurants create and sell special three-course dinners at a discount during Seattle Restaurant Week, held twice-yearly in April and October. The Bite of Seattle, Seattle’s biggest food festival, takes place under the Space Needle in mid-July. Taste Washington, a regional wine and food event, is held in late March or early April.
• Best time to visit Pike Place Market : With dozens of covered stalls, restaurants, bars, and galleries, any time of year can be a good time to visit Pike Place Market. Blooming flowers and blue skies mean that the Market is at its loveliest (and most crowded) during the warm, sunny days of late spring, summer, and early fall. Winter months at the Market are just as charming, without being as busy. Generally pleasant weather and the thinner non-summer crowds make the months of May and September a best bet. And keep in mind: there are several great hotels near Pike Place Market .
• Best time for whale watching : Whale watching season near Seattle falls between March and October, with the species of whale you’re likely to see varying by month within that range. The first gray whales appear in the region in March and April. Orcas are common in the summer months of May through September, and humpback whales are most often seen in October and November.
• Best time to view flowers : Seattle is abloom in the springtime, making it the perfect time of year to see beautiful flowers during your visit. The University of Washington’s famous blossoming cherry trees bloom yearly in March, and April brings the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Prime blooming season at the Rhododendron Species Garden is mid-March through mid-May, and of course bright bouquets of blooms can be found year-round in the stalls of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.
• Best time for music fans : Summer in Seattle is bookended by two large and popular music festivals that take place in the shadow of the Space Needle: The Northwest Folklife Festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend (the last weekend in May), and the Bumbershoot Festival happens over Labor Day weekend, the first weekend of September. October brings the Earshot Jazz Festival. The Seattle Symphony’s season runs from mid-September through mid-June, and the Seattle Chamber Music Festival takes place annually in January.
• Best time to visit Mount Rainier : July, August, and September are the best months to visit Mount Rainier National Park, when the snow has melted and hiking trails are open. Mountain wildflowers are at their peak around early August, and fall colors are best in the first half of October. Many park areas and roads are closed throughout the winter (mid-October/early November through June), though the road to Paradise stays open year round for those who wish to see the mountain by car.

Seattle Travel Seasons

• High Season (June to August) : Sunny, dry, and warm, with daytime highs generally around 24°C and low humidity. Flights, ferries, and tours all run with greater frequency during this time. Hotel and travel prices will be higher, and availability will turn scarce – make reservations well in advance. This is cruise ship season, with many sea-going tourists in town as they journey to and from Alaska via the Port of Seattle. Expect crowds, especially on weekends, as local music and art festivals mean that both tourists and locals are out en masse.
• Shoulder Season (April to May, September to October) : Crowds dwindle with the possibility of rain, though the weather is often wonderfully pleasant – especially in May and September – with plenty of sun and daytime highs around 15-20°C. The combination of lower travel prices and the lack of summer sightseers can make shoulder season an ideal time to visit Seattle if your plans do not require a guarantee of dry weather.
• Low Season (November to March) : Tourists generally stay away from Seattle during the colder months. The weather is often wet, breezy, and chilly (usually around 4-10°C.), but breaks in the gloom are common and it’s not unusual to have gorgeous days (though still cool) throughout winter. Museum-lovers and those heading to the mountains to ski can find some great deals on airfare and hotel rooms during this period.

Seattle Weather by Month

The best weather in Seattle is from late June to early September. July and August are the busiest months when hotels are full and restaurants are crowded. May, June, September, and October usually have nice weather and fewer tourists making them great months to visit if you’re not after hot summer weather. Most of Seattle’s best attractions lend themselves to enjoying even with a little rain which makes Seattle a good year-round destination.

• January weather in Seattle : January falls squarely in the middle of Seattle’s rainy season. Temperatures are cold (though usually not cold enough for snow), it’s raining much of the time, and the air is damp. Most locals choose to stay indoors or escape to the mountains for snow activities. (Average Max Temperature: 8.3°C. Average Rainfall: 142mm.)
• February weather in Seattle : Temperatures in Seattle remain chilly in February, though rainfall tends to be a bit lighter and we begin to see a few more dry days. Nevertheless, Seattle remains grey and windy, and everything is usually wet. It’s a great time to visit Seattle’s many museums and restaurants. (Average Max Temperature: 9.4°C. Average Rainfall: 89mm.)
• March weather in Seattle : March sees about the same amount of breezy rain as February, but daytime temperatures begin to creep above 10°C. The sun also begins to poke through the clouds a bit more on dry days and bits of blue sky are seen amid the grey. Daffodils and cherry trees are in bloom, making March a good time to explore Seattle’s charming neighborhoods and parks. (Average Max Temperature: 11.6°C. Average Rainfall: 94mm.)
• April weather in Seattle : Temperatures continue to rise in April, and we start to see a significant drop in rainfall compared to the previous two months. The sky is more often blue, but breezes remain chilly and the air can be damp, so you’ll want to pack layers. (Average Max Temperature: 14.7°C. Average Rainfall: 68.5mm.)
• May weather in Seattle : May is generally a beautiful month in Seattle, with temperatures into the late teens and more days of sun and blue skies than rain. Even so, the evenings in May are chilly, and periods of rain are not uncommon, so a jacket and an umbrella are still a good idea. (Average Max Temperature: 18.2°C. Average Rainfall: 48mm.)
• June weather in Seattle : Seattle’s fickle June weather marks the change from the rainy to dry season. While some days are sun-filled, warm, and summer-like, others can feel more like March or April: gloomy, cold, and damp. Approaching the solstice on the 21st, the sun doesn’t set in Seattle until almost 10pm, providing long days perfect for outdoor recreation. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Rainfall: 40.6mm.)
• July weather in Seattle : Summer truly arrives in Seattle in July. A pleasant and predictable pattern sets in with little rain, daytime temperatures in the mid-20’s, low humidity, and plenty of sun (especially in the middle and latter part of the month). Outdoors is the place to be. High tourist season is well underway, so expect crowds on dining patios and hiking trails, and book outdoor excursions well in advance. (Average Max Temperature: 24.3°C. Average Rainfall: 17.8mm.)
• August weather in Seattle : Dry, warm, sunny summer weather continues throughout August, traditionally Seattle’s warmest month. Daytime temperatures hover pleasantly around the mid-20’s, rarely getting above 30°C. Marine air cools the city at night, so packing a light jacket is advisable. And while the sun may shine hot, Puget Sound water temperature hovers at a brisk 13°C during the summer months, so most folks enjoy being on the water, rather than in the water. (Average Max Temperature: 24.6°C. Average Rainfall: 22.8mm.)
• September weather in Seattle : Days shorten and the air begins to feel crisp at night, but Seattle Septembers still feel summerlike. Expect warm temperatures, little rain, and plenty of sunshine this month. Tourism begins to slow after Labor Day Weekend, and the combination of thinning crowds and pleasant weather make September an ideal time to visit Seattle. (Average Max Temperature: 21.4°C. Average Rainfall: 38mm.)
• October weather in Seattle : Late October is traditionally the beginning of Seattle’s rainy season. While the beginning of October is often sunny and dry, the average air temperature cools significantly throughout this month, and we begin to see the return of clouds, fog, and wet weather. Leaves turn colors and autumn begins: early October is the best time to view the fall foliage on Mount Rainier. (Average Max Temperature: 15.4°C. Average Rainfall: 89mm.)
• November weather in Seattle : Seattle’s wettest month is November, with heavy rain and winds. While not ideal for outdoor activities, the discounted hotel and travel rates that accompany the rainy season can make October a great time to visit – staying warm and dry in Seattle’s many museums, galleries, and restaurants. (Average Max Temperature: 10.5°C. Average Rainfall: 167.6mm.)
• December weather in Seattle : December in Seattle is dark and windy, with almost constant rain. Days grow shorter, and the sun sets before 5pm around the mid-month. Temperatures have dropped significantly, and though snowfall is rare in the Seattle area, the surrounding mountain peaks are newly coated in the white stuff. Nearby ski resorts are now open and busy – it’s a good time to head for the hills. (Average Max Temperature: 7.6°C. Average Rainfall: 137.2mm.)

Seattle Special Events by Month

January events.

• The Seattle Boat Show – Thousands of watercraft and marine-related seminars at the West Coast’s biggest boat show.
• Seattle Chamber Society Winter Music Festival – Two weekends of world class chamber music and visiting artists, with nightly free recitals.

February Events

• Northwest Flower and Garden Show – Stunning exhibition gardens, seminars, and vendors, all warm and dry in the Washington State Convention Center.
• Wintergrass Music Festival – A celebration of American bluegrass music, with dozens of performances and workshops for all ages.

March Events

• Emerald City Comicon – The Pacific Northwest’s premier comic book and pop-culture convention.
• Seattle Irish Fest – Music, dance, and vendors galore to celebrate St. Patrick and all things Irish.
• Taste Washington – Local wineries and award winning restaurants sample their wares at the nations largest regional food and wine event.
• Moisture Festival – An annual celebration of Vaudeville, comedy, burlesque, and all things weird and wonderful. Lots of fun performances, a few of them kid-friendly, most adults only.

April Events

• Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival – Traditional and contemporary Japanese cultural performances and cuisine.
• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Acres of tulips and daffodils abloom in the charming rural farmland north of Seattle.
• Opening day of Boating Season – Sailboat races, boat parades, and the University of Washington’s Windermere Cup regatta.
• The Vigor Seattle Maritime Festival – A celebration of Seattle’s working waterfront, with demonstrations, tours, and kids’ activities.
• Seattle International Film Festival – A month of independent, International, and documentary films at one of the top film festivals in North America.
• Northwest Folklife Festival – Music, dance, food, and crafts from local and international cultures. A bit like Bumbershoot, but free and not nearly as commercial.

June Events

• Fremont Solstice Fair – A whimsical summer celebration of music, food, and art, featuring a free-spirited parade with over 1,000 nude-but-painted cyclists!
• Seattle PrideFest – The largest LGBT gathering in the Pacific Northwest: bands, DJs, drag queens, and Seattle’s annual Pride Parade.

July Events

• Seafair Summer 4th – Fireworks, food, and family fun on Lake Union.
• Seattle International BeerFest – Exotic beers and bands under the Space Needle.
• Sequim Lavender Festival – Annual street fair and self-guided tour of area lavender farms in full bloom.
• Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival – World-class chamber performances at Benaroya Hall, with free pre-concert recitals.
• Ballard SeafoodFest – Traditional salmon barbecue and local music, arts and crafts, and family entertainment.
• Bite of Seattle – Seattle’s biggest food festival, featuring local chefs, restaurant tastes, entertainment, and wine and beer gardens.
• Capitol Hill Block Party – Three-day music and arts festival, with food, beer gardens, and over 100 local and national artists in indoor and outdoor venues.
• Chinatown DragonFest – Pan-Asian cultural performances and $3 restaurant tastes in Seattle’s International District.
• Seafair Torchlight Parade – Balloons, bands, and swashbuckling pirates parade through the heart of Seattle’s downtown.

August Events

• Hempfest – Political rally, concert, and arts and crafts fair celebrating marijuana on Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
• Seattle Seafair Weekend – Air shows, picnics, and hydroplane races on Lake Washington.

September Events

• Bumbershoot – Expect crowds, along with concerts, comedy, food, and film at this monster-sized music and arts festival under the Space Needle.
• Washington State Fair – Animals, rides and games, fair food, concerts, and a rodeo, held annually in nearby Puyuallup, WA.
• PAX Prime Gaming Show – A celebration of gamer culture, with concerts, panels, an exhibition hall, and digital and tabletop game play.
• Fremont Oktoberfest – Beer gardens, live music, food and a 5K at this popular neighborhood festival.

October Events

• Seattle Children’s Festival – Global culture for kids, with live performances and interactive workshops.
• TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival – Annual celebration of queer film, accompanied by GLBT community parties and gala receptions.
• Earshot Jazz Festival – Dozens of local and international jazz acts perform at various local venues.

November Events

• Seattle International Auto Show – The lastest models from international automakers, featuring rare and high-end vehicles and on-site test drives.
• Sheraton Seattle’s Gingerbread Village – Local architects and baking teams unite to create and display holiday scenes made entirely of candies and treats. Runs through early January.
• Macy’s Holiday Parade – Floats, costumed characters, and of course Santa Claus kick off the holiday season in downtown Seattle. The Parade usually kicks off at 9am on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
• Best of the Northwest Art & Fine Craft Show – Locally crafted jewelry, clothing, painting, and sculpture for purchase and perusal. Held in Magnuson Park in Northeast Seattle.
• Magic in the Market Holiday Celebration – Holiday treats and activities, caroling contest, and tree-lighting ceremony in historic Pike Place Market.

December Events

• Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition – Festive holiday team sing-off held annually in Westlake Center, benefitting Pike Place Market’s food bank and senior center.
• Argosy Christmas Ship Festival – Enjoy on-board or ashore as a flotilla of illuminated and choir-carrying ships visit local waterfront communities for caroling and bonfires.
• Winterfest – Seattle Center’s month-long seasonal celebration, featuring performances, ice sculpting, ice skating, and a model train exhibit.

About Santorini Dave

This info has been great! We are planning a trip in October. We are hoping to stay close to public transportation in the downtown area. We do not want to rent a car and have to drive in a strange city. Any suggestions regarding hotels in that area?

The Seattle Link light rail system runs from the airport into the heart of downtown. Any hotel near the Westlake Center station will be both convenient to public transportation and walkable to Pike Place Market, shopping, restaurants, and waterfront attractions like the Great Wheel, Aquarium, and harbor tours. A few hotels that I especially like in this area are Inn at the Market (wonderful boutique hotel located actually in Pike Place Market, surrounded by great restaurants), The Thompson (newer and modern, with a popular rooftop bar), and Mayflower Park Hotel (traditional and historic, right on top of the light rail station, with an excellent Italian restaurant and charming lobby bar). But there are many other great choices.

HI! I’m going to be visiting Seattle at the end of February through the first week of March for Comic-con. I’m from Hawaii and will be staying in the downtown area. I was wondering what kind of warm clothing and shoes (gloves, scarf, etc) would be appropriate for that time of year. Keep up the great work! Galen

Be prepared for a bit of anything. Could be cold (even snow), could be sunny weather with temperatures in the 60s.

Seattle & Portland in May Great page. My wife & I are planning 3-4 days in both Seattle & Portland in May. I like the train suggestion for moving from one city to the other. Any recommendation on which city to visit first? Steve

Seattle and Portland are both great cities to visit, but they have different vibes to them. Which one you visit first will depend on what type of traveling experience you want. Do you want to jump in with both feet, visit the busier city first and then wind down with a mellower experience? Make your first stop Seattle. Alternately, if you want to begin at a slower pace and ramp up throughout the trip, Portland’s a good place to start.

Hi there! I’m planning a trip to Seattle for my girlfriend and I. We are from Southern California and have both never been to Seattle! Our plan is to spend a week, half in Seattle and half in Portland. I didn’t realize Seattle and Portland are in driving distance ! Do you recommend , flying to Seattle and then driving to Portland and then flying home as opposed to adding an extra flight from Seattle to Portland? (Maybe a train, or renting a car for a day to drive over there.) Also, were thinking dates from December 28 – January 3. Is there a lot to do in Seattle for New Years? We don’t drink by the way, so something not involving a bar or whatever. Thank you so much for your help! Also, any other suggestions on what to do and what to see are greatly appreciated! –Aleena

My favorite way to get from Seattle to Portland is to take the train . It’s an easy, pretty ride, takes about four hours, you won’t have to worry about traffic, and its cheaper than flying. Additionally, Portland has a great public transit system so it’s really easy to get around without a car, and you won’t have to worry about finding parking (which is expensive and hard to come by). Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines run between the two cities; if it works with your timing, take the Coast Starlight down – it’s bigger and has a great Observation car with floor to ceiling windows that everyone has access to.

The Bolt Bus also runs multiple daily trips between Seattle and Portland, and can be a great option if you’re looking to save a few bucks and want someone else to do the driving. Tickets generally cost between $15 and $30 each way, with some trips being offered for a mere $1. The Bolt Bus has wi-fi and outlets to charge your devices, and while it’s not luxurious, it’s comfortable and clean. Just like traveling by car, though, taking the bus leaves you vulnerable to delays caused by heavy traffic.

Seattle’s biggest New Years event is the annual fireworks show at the Space Needle. You can buy tickets to one of the parties inside, join the crowd at the Needle’s base for free, snag a hotel room with a Space Needle view ( The Westin , Pan Pacific , Hyatt House , Holiday Inn , Holiday Inn Express , and Hampton Inn & Suites – be sure to ask for a view room), or watch from another location . There are generally a host of special concerts, cruises, and whatnot – it’s too early at this point to know what’ll be happening this year, but here’s a good list of what was on last year so you can get a general idea. Many restaurants have special, prix-fixe menus for the evening, and if you’re up for it, there’s the Polar Bear Plunge on New Years’ Day, in which hundreds of hearty souls brave the frigid winter waters of Lake Washington to start the New Year off with a bang.

Love your page! I’m needing help planning and would love some tips on traveling with a little one (7 yr old) for the first time to Seattle. We will be flying in Saturday morning March 11th, and leaving Wednesday the 15th around midday. We are staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel and looking for places that are kid friendly and a mixture of indoor and outdoor things to do for first timers! We won’t have a car so anything that is accessible by local transportation or possibly taxi. Also any tips on what to pack and good places to eat on a budget would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

You’ll definitely want to visit Pike Place Market – just half a block from the Green Tortoise; it’s a great activity with kids, rain or shine. Pike Place highlights with a 7 year old include Daily Dozen Doughnuts, the Giant Shoe Museum (not a museum as much as it is a small attraction), and the Market Magic shop (ask nicely, and they’ll perform a trick for you). And no trip to the Market would be complete without a visit to the famous Gum Wall – which is kinda gross, but you certainly won’t find it anywhere else.

Other attractions I’d suggest for that age are the Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo , the Pacific Science Center , the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District (no experience needed – pay one cover and play for free all day), and the free Klondike Museum in Pioneer Square. If the weather is great, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island , or the Water Taxi to West Seattle .

As far as packing goes, plan for chilly and wet. You’ll want a warm jacket, because even if the temperature isn’t too low, it can be windy downtown right off the bay. Jeans, layers, a good jacket, a hat, and good walking shoes should suffice.

My favorite budget eats downtown are all located within Pike Place Market: Pike Place Chowder , Piroshki Piroshki , Jack’s Fish Spot , LoPriore Pasta Bar , Ellenos Yogurt , Beechers Cheese , and Biscuit Bitch . Also, the food court at Seattle Center has lots of great, cheap, locally-owned options, and Green Leaf in Belltown and the International District serves up fantastic Vietnamese at a great price.

Have a great trip!

First off, thanks so much for your super informative and helpful website. You obviously put a lot of work into it.

My husband and I are interested in moving to Washington and would like to schedule an initial trip during off-peak to get a real feel for the Seattle area and Northwest region – so tourist meets prospective residents during the least pleasant weather. Any suggestions or recommended resources?

Visiting during the “off season” is a great idea – our summers are divine, November and December are our worst months for weather (though we’re all distracted with the seasonal lights and festivities), so planning a trip during the “blah” months of January through April is your best bet to experience the “real” Pacific Northwest weather that locals love but drives some out-of-towners mad.

The Seattle housing market is one of the most expensive in the nation right now, so you’ll probably want to look not only at Seattle proper, but also tour nearby communities that are just as lovely, but gentler on the pocketbook. If you’d like to be in/near Seattle, the general rule is that things get more expensive the closer you are to the city center, with north end neighborhoods being pricier than those to the south. I’d recommend looking at cities north and east of Lake Washington, as well: consider Bothell , Kirkland , Redmond , and Woodinville – these areas won’t have the 100 year-old Craftsman homes that Seattle neighborhoods are prized for, but they have great communities, schools, and business centers. And there are always the islands! Some great deals can be found on Bainbridge and Whidbey Islands for those who don’t mind a ferry commute to the mainland.

If you don’t need Seattle to be your home base, but like the Pacific Northwesty Puget Sound/coastal vibe, other similar cities to look at would be Tacoma (45 minutes from Seattle without traffic, but there’s ALWAYS traffic), Olympia (90 minutes), And Vancouver, WA / Portland, OR (3 hours from Seattle). (Vancouver and Portland are super close – just across the Columbia river from each other.)

For trip-planning purposes, I’d schedule a few days in Seattle, sightseeing and touring the Seattle metro area (maybe four days if you’re considering islands), then head south, driving through and spending a bit of time in Tacoma and Olympia on your way down to the Vancouver/Portland area. Then spend a night in Portland to explore that area a bit.

Here are some resources you may have already come across, but that I find to be pretty accurate/helpful: Best Places to Live in Washington Curbed Seattle Redfin Moving to Seattle Guide Metafilter Thread about Seattle area v. Portland area

Hi Thank you for this great website about Seattle. Really very informative and complete. I’m thinking about planning a tour starting from Seattle. This 8-days tour includes: Seattle – Olympia – Portland – Silverton – Woodburn – Astoria – Tacoma – Olympic National Park – Snoqualmie Falls – Leavenworth – Mt Rainier National Park. I need your advice/comments about the tour/destinations and about the weather condition in Seattle and around during March. Are those places really worth to see, despite Seattle which has already been in my bucket list? Of course I also plan to stay in Seattle for a few more days to explore the city. Can I still see great things/places in Seattle during March? Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Albert N.

This is a very ambitious itinerary for eight days! You can easily make the drive from Seattle to your Oregon destinations in a day, though I’d give yourself some time to poke around in Portland, maybe to spend the night. Your can’t miss cities in WA and OR will be Seattle and Portland, and Astoria for the ocean. From Oregon, I’d head up to Mount Rainier National Park, but keep in mind that much of the park will still be closed for winter. You may be limited to using the Carbon River and Nisqually entrances. Check here for more information on seasonal closings. Snoqualmie Falls is at its best in the spring, when the river’s full and running at greatest capacity. If you can swing a night at the Salish Lodge while you’re there, I would. Leavenworth is a cute Bavarian-type village, and worth a stop if it’s on your way, but if I were you I’d skip it and head from Rainier through Snoqualmie Falls, to Olympic. Spend a night there, and then back to Seattle to explore.

Weather in Seattle in March is a bit of a mixed bag. It won’t be cold, but might be rainy and breezy. Expect high temps to be in the low 50s C, though it’s not uncommon for temps to creep up toward 60 on a sunny day. Daffodils and cherry trees will be in bloom. And don’t worry, there are lots of great things to do in Seattle year-round.

I have already booked tickets for seattle and would be there from 22nd Nov to 28th Nov. I read on different sites about the seattle weather that is normally bad for tourists during Nov but I want to go to Mt. Rainier so can anyone tell me whether it is recommended to visit Mt. Rainier during Nov end? Thanks in advance!

November is one of Seattle’s rainiest months, and late November has the potential to be pretty dark and wet. You might get lucky and see some beautiful and sunny fall days, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Additionally, some areas of Mount Rainier National Park, including Sunrise, White River, Ohanapecosh, State Routes 410 and 123, and the Stevens Canyon Road close for the season in mid-October or early-November and do not reopen again until the summer months. All campgrounds and picnic areas in the park will have closed for the season by the time you arrive. Some visitor centers at the park have already closed for the season, but if you happen to hit some nice weather in late November, there are still a few that will be open. Here’s a regularly updated list that will tell you what’s open and closed . Here’s a link to current and forecasted weather conditions at the park.

My friends and I are going to Seattle November 18-20. I know its really rainy and lots of attractions are shut but what do you recommend to see or do you know of anything going on that weekend?

There’s still a lot to do in Seattle during rainy weather. Here are my rainy day recommendations: Pike Place Market (all the stalls are covered), the Pioneer Square Underground Tour , an Argosy boat cruise (I like the Harbor/Locks tour best), and museums: my favorites are Seattle Art Museum (they’ve got a great Yves Saint Laurent fashion exhibit on now), Chihuly Garden and Glass , EMP , and the Museum of History and Industry . If you and your friends appreciate a good cabaret show, check out the Can Can Kitchen or the Saturday night cabaret at the Pink Door – both located in Pike Place Market. Or go all out and do the dinner show at Teatro Zinzanni . And any time of year is good for a food or wine tasting tour.

As far as the specific weekend you’ll be in town, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is in town at the Paramount Theatre on the 18th, doing vintage-style rendition of modern pop/rock songs ( this is one of my favorite examples ), the Museum of History and Industry kicks off its newest exhibit, Edible City , on the 19th, and there’s a cool Sherlock Holmes exhibit on now at the Pacific Science Center.

We have booked a trip to Seattle for February 9th – 12th. Are there any attractions that close due to weather? Like the boat tours? What else would you recommend?

You can expect a few tours/attractions to be unavailable during the winter months (whale watching cruises don’t generally start up until February, for example, and Tillicum Village is closed for the season), but most of Seattle’s best attractions are designed to be enjoyed all year, even in the wetter months.

The stalls of Pike Place Market are covered, and much less crowded throughout the winter months, so that’s something you can definitely do. Below the market on the waterfront, the Great Wheel ‘s pods are all entirely inclosed, and the new Wings Over Washington ride takes place indoors. The Seattle Aquarium , also on the waterfront, makes for a fun hour or two. The Underground Tour in Pioneer Square is great at any time of year. Argosy boat cruises are still running (I like the Harbor/Locks tour best), and it can be a great time to catch a ferry over to Bainbridge Island, and explore the museum and shops . There are lots of great museums in Seattle, as well: my favorites are Seattle Art Museum , Chihuli Garden and Glass (conveniently located next door to the Space Needle and EMP Museum ), and the Museum of History and Industry . If many of these attractions appeal to you, consider saving some money by purchasing a CityPass .

More good news for you is that February is generally the month in which Seattle starts to dry up a bit. The heavier storms of November through January are done, and if there is rain it tends to be of the drippy or misty variety. February sees a bit more sun than the previous months as well, and the daffodils are beginning to bloom around the city.

Can we still take the ferry to the San Juan Islands in November? I just booked November 12th-19th for our golden anniversary. My hubby has never been there but I have and loved the ferry ride to Orca Island after a Seattle visit and tour. If I remember the 10+ years ago girlfriend trip we ended back somewhere near the original Dungeness crab restaurant, does that sound familiar? We will have a car rental. What about going up Mt. St. Helen’s? I was there in August and realize weather may be a factor trying to revisit these awesome places. Your assistance is greatly needed. You are a great resource for us travelers….. Sincerely, Donna White

You can definitely take a ferry to the San Juans in November (and you can even reserve your spot ). Expect the weather to be chilly (50’s) and rainy at this time of year, though the ferry will be warm and dry, and the islands will be just as beautiful. An inn or lodge on Orcas Island would make a cozy anniversary getaway, and you’re likely to find some good deals on hotel/lodge rates in the San Juans at this time of year – I’d do a San Juan Island search on Booking.com to see what’s available. I don’t know the particular restaurant you’re referring to, but you’ll be spoiled for choice of great seafood in the San Juans.

Mt. St. Helens might be a different story, as that experience is more likely to be impacted by the cold and wet. If you’re set on going, it can be a good idea to take an organized tour and leave the driving to someone else. Evergreen Escapes offers a great Mt. St. Helen’s day tour – check it out (as well as other tour options) at Get Your Guide .

My wife and I will be visiting Seattle for the first time this year early December. According to my readings December is not a popular time of the year to be visiting, but the Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks seem like a super exciting match up! I would like to know what are we in for on this trip weatherwise? Any other tips and places you recommend would be appreciated!

Weather wise, December in Seattle is not great. It’s wet and chilly (daily max temperature are in the upper 40s), and windy at times. We rarely get snow, but some people find the damp chill worse. You’ll want to pack warm clothes and waterproof shoes.

There’s lots to do inside when the weather’s lousy. Pike Place Market is entirely covered, and a great spot to visit year-round – take a tour (and drink a pint) at Pike Place Brewery . Down on the waterfront, a trip to the Seattle Aquarium makes for a great afternoon, and Seattle’s newest attractions, the Great Wheel and Wings over Washington , are both completely enclosed. Just north of downtown, Seattle Center is home to fantastic museums ( Experience Music Project , Chihuly Museum ) and the Space Needle . The Underground Tour in Pioneer Square is a good option for bad weather because it’s, well, underground. (And also Seattle’s best and most fun historical tour.)

Quick note, Emerald City Comicon is happening in March next year, 2nd-5th, not April.

Good to know – I’ll update the page.

What a great and through resource. I’m going to bookmark it so I can send it to our (frequent) visitors. I did notice one error – the Seattle International Auto Show is listed as occurring n October. This year it’s actually in November. Could you please make that change? I do the PR for the Auto Show as well as the January Boat Show, so if you have questions about either of those events, don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks!

Thanks so much for letting me know, Lisa – I’ll get that updated ASAP!

Thanks so much!

Husband and I visiting Seattle for 1st time in early October. Wanting to visit Pikes’ Market, Needle and take a tour of Mt. Rainer. Staying in downtown area. How convenient is the monorail for airport? Other public transportation for getting around the town/ downtown area? Not familiar with Seattle at all, but would like to visit interesting neighborhoods. Pedestrian friendly areas? Proper attire for October 3rd-7th?

Link light rail is the train system that runs from SeaTac Airport through downtown and up to the University of Washington in Northeast Seattle. It has station stops at the sports stadiums, the International district, Pioneer Square, downtown, and Capitol Hill. The airport station is about a 5 minute walk from the main terminal and baggage claim, trains depart every 5-10 minutes or so, and the trip into downtown takes about 35 minutes. (This is longer than a taxi ride in the best conditions, but can be quicker if there’s heavy traffic – which there often is, nowadays.) You didn’t mention which hotel you’re staying in downtown, but most are within a few blocks of an underground light rail station. You can find a downtown station map here (you’ll have to zoom in to see downtown. I think it’s a pretty convenient way to go, and you can’t beat the price – $3/person.

Other transit: The Seattle Street Car has two different lines, one running from downtown to South Lake Union, and one from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill, via the International District. The Monorail runs from Westlake Center in downtown Seattle to the base of the Space Needle in Seattle Center. Buses go everywhere. You’ll likely want to use a combination of all of these options to get around Seattle, and it’s easy to do so. Payment is coordinated between transit lines through an Orca card – you can use it for just about all Seattle public transit, including ferries. With an Orca card, you won’t have to worry about having exact change, and transfers are free within a certain time frame. The one exception to this is the Monorail, which is privately owned and you’ll have to pay for separately. You can pre-load your Orca card with funds use like cash, or with a regional day pass, good for unlimited rides under $3. Having an Orca card will save you money; you can use it to transfer across transit lines for free – without one, you’ll pay multiple fares. You can buy one in advance online, or at the airport light rail station prior to boarding. You can find lots more information and links to maps here .

Most of downtown is pedestrian friendly, and it’s pretty easy to get around. If you want to get outside of downtown into the neighborhoods, two of the easiest to get to (and most interesting) are the International District and Capitol Hill – both can be reached via the Seattle Street Car line that begins in Pioneer Square. The 62 bus will take you directly to funky Fremont, and the D Rapidline bus goes to charming old Ballard. You can plan your transit route to/from any point easily here .

As for weather, the beginning of October tends to be sunny and dry, with temps in the 60s Fahrenheit. While it will feel quite pleasant in the day, you’ll want a light jacket or heavy sweater for the evenings or cooler mornings. And as October is a transitional month for us, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella along – you might encounter some early season rain.

Hi. My two teenage kids and my mom and I will be traveling to the Seattle area from 10/8 through 10/15 this year. We currently have a hotel in Renton and will only be renting a car for a few days. This will allow us to take the train into Seattle as well as rent a car for Mt. Ranier and hopefully Mt. St. Helens too. We are also interested in checking out the Hurricane Ridge area and maybe take the ferry to Victoria as well. Would it be better to stay in a hotel in that area for a night to see both of those? How doable is this and what kind of weather might we be hitting in this time frame? Any other suggestions would be welcome.

You can do just the Hurricane Ridge area in a day, especially if you’re willing to leave early in the morning. Likewise Victoria (the Clipper passenger ferry is an easy way to get up and back in a day). To hit both, a hotel will be required.

It’ll take about 3-4 hours to get up to the Hurricane Ridge area from Renton, and it’s a 90 minute ferry from there to Victoria. This is what I recommend if you want to see both: leave Renton early in the morning to arrive at Hurricane Ridge by late morning/mid-day. Spend the early afternoon doing an easy hike and perhaps checking out the views around Lake Crescent . Drive back down to Port Angeles in late afternoon, to take the 5:20 Coho ferry to Victoria. Spend the night in at a hotel in Victoria (maybe splurge a little: the monetary exchange rate is currently working in our favor) and explore Victoria the next day ( Butchart Gardens , maybe high tea at the Empress Hotel) before catching the 3pm ferry back to Port Angeles and making the drive home.

As far as the weather in mid-October goes, expect highs in the mid-upper 50’s Fahrenheit, with a mix of sun and some light to moderate rain. This is right around the time the weather begins to turn, so you could luck out and hit a late-season patch of sunny days, or lots of cloud cover and light rain. You shouldn’t hit any major storms, though – those don’t generally begin until late November.

Take care, and have a wonderful trip.

If you want to visit Canada, make sure everyone including the kids brings a passport.

Good point, Michael. Travel between the US and Canada requires a passport these days – even for the very little ones.

Thanks for your post, it’s very helpful. Can you pls let me know when it will the autumn starts in this October? I planned to go to Seattle at the middle of Oct, is it good for sight-seeing? Thanks, Annie Ng

Autumn usually arrives in Seattle around the middle of October. October generally starts sunny and dry, with leaves just beginning to change color. The air temperature cools throughout this month, and by the end of the month we begin to see the return of clouds, fog, and wet weather. Mid-October is usually lovely. The air will be crisp, with temperatures in the 60’s Fahrenheit (Mid 15’s Celsius) – great for sightseeing. Still, the possibility of rain will increase as the month wears on, so bringing an umbrella is a good idea.

Good morning,

I will be traveling solo to Seattle from the USVI in January of next year. I know it will be colder than I’m used to, but I’m having a hard time knowing what to pack. Will I need a scarf and hat? Will I see snow? What do you recommend I pack so that I can don’t freeze my tush off?

Snow is rare in January, but expect cold – temperatures average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at that time of year. And rain – January is one of Seattle’s rainiest months. In addition to a parka or well-lined overcoat, you’ll want waterproof boots or shoes that can take some puddles. A scarf and hat are a good idea as well, especially downtown where the breeze comes in off the sound.

We are coming Spokane in August and staying with friends till 9th, then I’m considering either Seattle or Vancouver till 12th. Our ship leaves from Seattle on 12th to Alaska. Not sure which is better to spend few days in before the cruise. We are from Australia so have no idea about hotels,food,bars things to do.

Since you’ve only got a couple of days, I’d definitely stay in Seattle. In addition to the extra time it would take to get up to Vancouver from Spokane, you’d be heading back down to Seattle on a Friday in the summer – and that means lots of heavy traffic on the interstate. Probably not something you want to deal with when you have a cruise ship to catch. You could take the Clipper ferry down to Seattle from Victoria BC, but it’ll take you 3 1/2 hours just to get from Vancouver to the ferry terminal, and you wouldn’t get into Seattle until mid-afternoon.

Seattle is a walkable city with decent public transit, so you won’t need a car. (Parking is expensive, anyway.) Stay downtown if you can, see the Space Needle , and be sure to visit Pike Place Market . Maybe take a ferry to Bainbridge Island .

We will be visiting Seattle in August. Will the temperature at night be cool enough for us to be sleeping in a non air conditioning room? Or you think it would be better if we book a room with air conditioning. Thank you.

Seattle does cool down at night, but a few consecutive days of really hot weather can heat a room up enough that getting it back down to a comfortable sleeping temperature can be tough without air conditioning. I can’t say at this point what the weather’s going to look like this summer, but the past few summers have each had at least a few spates of really hot weather (90’s F).

Additionally, most hotels without AC are located downtown, so fully open windows at night will mean that you’ll be dealing with a considerable amount of street noise that will also make sleeping difficult. In August, I would book a room with air conditioning, if possible.

I’m a midwesterner visiting Seattle for the first time this August, driving up the Pacific Coast from California with my daughter. I’m having a hard time knowing what to pack. I know it doesn’t rain as much in the summer months, but will it still be chilly and damp? Should I pack an umbrella? Will it be noticeably colder than California, because it’s further north? Will I need a jacket? Thanks.

You most likely won’t need an umbrella in August in Seattle – that’s right in the middle of our annual summer drought. Think warm, sunny, and dry; average high temps in Seattle in August are in the mid 70s F (low/mid 20s C). Seattle weather is not quite as warm as California at any time of year – you’ll most likely notice a slight cooling as you travel up the coast.

As for whether to pack a jacket, a light one is definitely a good idea. There’s a cooling off in the evening that occurs all up and down the Pacific Coast (we get down into the mid/upper 50s F here in Seattle), and our Seattle summer days often begin under a cloud cover that burns off by around noon.

Planning a trip to Seattle. It will be a 2 or 3 night visit and our main interest is exploring Pike Place Market. Is there a best time or month to experience the market?

Pike Place Market is great at any time of year; there’s always something going on, and it remains vibrant and charming in even the most dreary of weather. That said, it’s easiest and most fun to explore when the weather is pleasant and you can wander Post Alley and the outside shops without worrying about getting wet. In the dry summer months, you’ll pay for the great weather with heavy crowds of tourists, though, which can be just as unpleasant. The shoulder season months of May and September (even into early October) offer your best chances for the hard-to-come-by combination of pleasant weather and thinner crowds that can make exploring the market much more enjoyable.

Looking to avoid the rain as much as anything. We are from New York and planning a 10 day trip that includes Vancouver, BC and Portland. When would you recommend visiting Seattle for the best weather and smallest crowds (with the priority being on good weather)?

Either May or September would be a great choice for your trip. Both fall during shoulder season, so the city will be quieter than in the height of summer, and both have generally great weather with more sun than rain. That said, the two months are different enough that the question is worth exploring a bit further.

May: You’re a bit more likely to encounter rain, but most likely just a passing shower. At this time of year we’ll have just come off the rainy season, to lovely result; grass and trees will be a brilliant green, flowers will be blooming like mad, and the surrounding mountains will still be wearing a stunning mantle of snow.

September: The hallmarks of Seattle summer – warm (but not hot) temps, sunshine, and low humidity – are still very much in effect. September’s generally warmer than May, and with a lower likelihood of rain, but it also marks the end of the dry season, and that’ll show: much of the city’s characteristic green will have browned over the summer, and the haze in the air is yet to be washed away.

Bottom line? If it’s drier, higher temperatures you’re looking for, I’d go with September. But if you’re willing to compromise on weather (just a bit) in order to see the city at it’s most breathtaking, for my money it’s tough to top May.

Considering a visit to Seattle in late February. Will it be nothing but rainy and grey? We don’t mind a little rain but the thought of being stuck indoors for our weekend is not appealing. Thoughts?

While February is typically a wet grey month it’s rare that it rains all day – or even most of the day. I’m a walker and there are few days (even in winter) when I’m not out for a good walk. And with a little luck you could get a few very nice days – sunny and balmy – they’re not common in February but they’re not unheard of either.

Best Time to Visit Seattle 2024

Experience the best of Seattle by planning your visit during the best time of year. Enjoy the spectacular sights and unique attractions this vibrant city has to offer.

• Mild Summers and Festivals (June-August): Seattle's summer, from June to August, is renowned for its mild temperatures and extended daylight hours.
• The city comes alive with numerous outdoor festivals, including the iconic Seattle International Film Festival and the lively Seafair celebrations.
• Fall Foliage and Cultural Events (September-November): Autumn in Seattle is a treat for those who appreciate vibrant fall foliage.
• Explore the city's cultural scene with events like the Seattle Symphony's opening season and various film and music festivals.
• Winter Magic and Holiday Festivities (December-February): Seattle's winters are mild, making it an ideal time to experience the city's holiday charm.

Seattle, the Emerald City in Washington, USA , is a vibrant metropolis bordered by water, mountains, and evergreen forests. Renowned for its tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, the city thrives on innovation and entrepreneurship. Its iconic Space Needle punctuates the skyline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding beauty. It's renowned for being one of the best cities with some of the finest natural landscapes that you can visit in USA . Seattle's cultural scene is diverse, boasting world-class museums, music venues, and a thriving coffee culture that birthed Starbucks.

Seattle, with its diverse seasons, offers a range of experiences throughout the year. Each season brings its own unique appeal, whether it's the mild summers perfect for outdoor activities or the festive winters adorned with holiday lights. In this guide, you'll discover a wealth of information about Seattle's seasons and their unique charms, helping you pinpoint the best time to experience this dynamic city. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle 2024

The best time to visit Seattle depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your visit. However, the most popular time to visit Seattle is during the summer months of June, July, and August.

During the summer, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 Celsius), making it an ideal time for enjoying the best USA natural experiences such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring the city's many parks. The days are also longer, providing more time to explore and enjoy the city.

In addition to the pleasant weather, summer is also the peak tourist season in Seattle, which means that there are plenty of events and festivals taking place, including the Seattle International Film Festival, Seafair, and the Capitol Hill Block Party. However, keep in mind that summer is also the busiest time in Seattle, which means that you can expect higher prices and larger crowds.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and higher prices, you might consider visiting Seattle during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is still mild, and there are fewer tourists, which means you can enjoy the city's attractions without feeling overwhelmed.

Overall, the best time to visit Seattle depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your visit, but summer is the most popular time to visit due to the pleasant weather and abundance of events and activities.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Hotel Prices

The best time to find lower hotel prices in Seattle is during the low season for tourism, which is typically from November to April. Hotel rates are generally lower during these months compared to the peak summer tourist season.

Additionally, booking your hotel room well in advance can also help you to find lower prices. It's also worth noting that prices may vary depending on the location of the hotel. Popular tourist destinations such as Downtown Seattle, and Pike Place Market may have higher prices than less developed areas.

Consider alternative accommodation options such as vacation rentals, hostels, or bed and breakfasts. These options can provide a more authentic experience and can be more budget-friendly. Some areas in Seattle such as Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont offer a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.

Additionally, consider traveling during shoulder seasons, which are the months of April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is still good, and the crowds are fewer, which can help you to find lower prices.

For those with a passion for global exploration during the month of May, allow our article where to travel during May to kindle your innate wanderlust and serve as a compass directing you toward an extraordinary journey.

Best Time for Activities in Seattle

The best time for activities in Seattle depends on the specific activity you're interested in:

Outdoor activities: Summer (June to August) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and visiting the city's many parks. The weather is warm and sunny during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Food and Drink: Seattle is known for its diverse culinary scene, and there are many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to explore. Any time of the year is good for exploring the local food and drink.

Cultural Attractions: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are considered the best time to visit for those looking for milder weather and fewer crowds. The weather is mild and comfortable during these times, making it a great time to explore the city's many cultural attractions and festivals.

Winter Activities: Winter (December to February) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. During this period, the weather can be quite cold and snowy, making it ideal for winter sports.

The best time to visit Seattle depends on what activities you want to do, and the season you prefer. Seattle offers a variety of activities, and it has mild weather, so you can choose what fits your preferences.

Best Time for Flights Prices in Seattle

The best time to find lower flight prices to Seattle is typically during the low season for tourism, which is from November to April. Flight prices are generally lower during these months compared to the peak summer tourist season. Additionally, booking your flight well in advance can also help you to find lower prices.

It's also worth noting that prices may vary depending on your departure location, the time of the week, and the airline. So, it's important to shop around and compare prices from different airlines and travel agencies.

Also, you could use fare comparison websites or set price alerts to be informed of any fare drops. Keep in mind that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport that serves Seattle and the surrounding area, but there are other nearby airports such as Bellingham International Airport (BLI), which is located about 90 miles north of Seattle, and Portland International Airport (PDX), which is located about 140 miles south of Seattle.

Consider traveling during shoulder seasons, which are the months of April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is still good, and the crowds are fewer, which can help you to find lower prices.

Best Time for Good Weather in Seattle

The best time for weather in Seattle depends on personal preference. Seattle has a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The city is known for its rainy weather, so it's always a good idea to bring an umbrella and rain gear, regardless of the season.

Summer (June to August) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The city experiences its warmest temperatures during this period, with average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C). • Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are considered the best time to visit for those looking for milder weather. The temperatures during these seasons are generally mild and comfortable, with average highs in the mid to high 60s Fahrenheit (18-22°C).

Winter (December to February) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy the cold and snowy weather. The city experiences its coldest temperatures during this period, with average lows in the high 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (3-9°C). It's worth noting that Seattle is known for its unpredictable weather, and the city can experience rain even during the summer. Additionally, Seattle can experience occasional heat waves and cold spells.

Overall, the best time for weather really depends on what you're looking to do and see, and your own comfort level with different temperatures. Seattle offers a variety of activities and it's a great city to visit year-round, so you can choose what fits your preferences.

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Best Time To Visit Seattle

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What is the best time to visit Seattle?

Seattle is one of those places which can be visited anytime throughout the year without considering the weather conditions. Each month has something to offer to the tourists. However, the best time to visit Seattle is between July and mid-October when the average temperature ranges between 15℃ to 23℃. During these months, the skies are clear with minimal rain, and one can opt for several outdoor activities. It also implies that these months are the high season of Seattle. The time between mid-October to February is best for visiting museums, restaurants, and Pike Place Market. The summer crowd will have left by then, and you can find plenty of discounted rooms during this time. Apart from this, if you wish to go on a sightseeing spree then, April and May is the best time for it.

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Seattle   Travel Guide

The 27 Essential Things to Do in Seattle, Washington

If you're a first-time visitor to Seattle, no trip would be complete without stopping by some of the city's most iconic attractions. Browse the bustling stalls of fresh produce and flowers that make up Pike Place Market and take in

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Pike Place Market Pike Place Market free

Since 1907, this bustling market near the downtown waterfront has been the go-to place for local produce. Today, you can find almost everything, from local artwork to vinyl records. Plus, the flower market and fish tossing are particular must-sees, according to reviewers. Though Pike Place Market is one of the most tourist-heavy attractions in Seattle (plan to run into crowds, especially on the weekends) that's no reason to scratch it off your to-do list. Recent visitors said the abundance of vendors and lively atmosphere make it an experience you shouldn't pass up, no matter how busy it gets. 

The streets surrounding Pike Place Market are peppered with restaurants and coffee shops, and there's an information booth just west of the marketplace at First Avenue. If you want a little help navigating the massive market, guided tours and food tours are available from third-party companies.

Chihuly Garden and Glass Chihuly Garden and Glass

U.S. News Insider Tip: Utilize the museum’s interactive mobile guide , which provides a map, schedules of live talks and demos as well as an audio guide for insight into the pieces that make up the exhibition. – Vivian Chung

Bursting with artwork spanning the colors of the rainbow, Chihuly Garden and Glass offers visitors a look at creative, glass-blown pieces crafted by renowned Pacific Northwest artist, Dale Chihuly. The permanent exhibition opened in 2012 and has since attracted the admiration of Seattleites and tourists alike. 

Space Needle Space Needle

If there's one thing Seattle is known for (aside from coffee), it's the 605-foot-tall Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle has dominated Seattle's skyline ever since with its unique UFO-like design. The tower's 520-foot-high round observation deck offers spectacular views of the city and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The Loupe, a seasonal cocktail lounge, features a revolving glass floor. If you're not a fan of heights, check out the SpaceBase gift shop at the bottom of the tower.

Past visitors agreed that the Space Needle is a must for first-time visitors to Seattle, and recommend either purchasing your ticket online in advance or showing up early to avoid long lines. Several said they bought the combo ticket that also includes access to Chihuly Garden and Glass . 

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Kerry Park Kerry Park free

This small viewpoint park, which offers amazing views of Elliott Bay and the Central City (and occasionally Mount Rainier), is a favorite with photographers. Sunset is a particularly popular time to visit, when the city lights up and the Space Needle is a beacon in the night. While the park is tiny, you can see the sculpture Changing Form and a children's play area at the Bayview-Kinnear Park just below the viewpoint of Kerry Park.

Recent visitors said the views are astounding and advise others to come on a clear day and be prepared for crowds.

Capitol Hill Capitol Hill free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Opened in December 2014, a trip to the world’s first Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill is a must for coffee connoisseurs. Situated just nine blocks from the original 1912 Starbucks at Pike Place, the Reserve offers exclusive beverages and merchandise. – Vivian Chung

Perched on a hill and bordered by Interstate 5 to the west, 15th Avenue to the east, Roy Street to the north, and Madison Street to the south, diverse and vibrant Capitol Hill stands out as one of Seattle's most popular nightlife and entertainment districts. Marked by rainbow crosswalks and flags, it also serves as the city’s LGBTQ+ epicenter. Infused with cool, hip vibes and a youthful energy, the district is packed with music venues and trendy establishments. 

Museum of Flight Museum of Flight

Seattle is one of the most important cities in the world of aviation and home to several facilities belonging to the Boeing Company, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. You can find out more about the city's unique and fascinating history in aviation at one of its best museums, the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. The museum is located less than 10 miles south of downtown Seattle. 

The facility is especially enticing for families with young children, who can climb in and around various aircraft. Also recommended is the Red Barn, Boeing's original airplane factory, which features exhibitions chronicling the history of flight. The nearby six-story T.A. Wilson Great Gallery also holds vintage aircraft, offering travelers a unique look into Seattle's prolific technological history. One of the most popular attractions is the SAM 970, which served as Air Force One for presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, as well as other vice presidents and VIPs until its retirement in June 1996.

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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) free

These locks – operated by the Army Corps of Engineers – are popular among Seattle visitors and locals. The locks allow boats to pass between Puget Sound and the Lake Washington Ship Canal, offering a live demonstration of Seattle's maritime lifestyle (many have compared the locks to a miniature version of the Panama Canal). After you've watched a couple barges pass by, head to the south side of the locks where fish ladders help salmon migrate during the summer months; if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a sea lion looking for a quick bite to eat. The fish can be seen up close from special viewing windows. The Chittenden Locks are also home to the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, which feature a variety of 1,500 plants from around the world and beautiful views.

Many visitors suggested taking one of the free hourlong tours offered to learn more about the history of the locks. Tours depart from the visitor center. You can also learn more about the locks on one of Seattle's best boat tours . Recent visitors also mention that parking can be difficult to find and the area can feel crowded on the weekends.

Mount Rainier Mount Rainier

Enveloped by lush forests, alpine meadows and glacial landscape, 14,410-foot-tall Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano and the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, takes center stage at Mount Rainier National Park . The park encompasses five developed areas, including Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, Carbon River and Mowich, with Paradise being the park’s most sought-after. Here, hike the popular 5.5-mile Skyline Trail, which offers views of meadows blanketed by vibrant wildflowers in the summer months. In the winter, Paradise beckons powderhounds to explore its snowy terrain on snowshoes, cross-country skis and snowboards. For scenic viewpoints, head to 6,400-foot-high Sunrise Point to catch daybreak, the highest point in the park accessible by vehicle. And along Stevens Canyon Road, see reflections of Mount Rainier in the tranquil waters of Reflection Lakes.

Despite the two-hour drive from Seattle, recent visitors praise the park’s spectacular natural landscapes, deeming the journey well worthwhile. Additionally, many suggest bringing extra layers, even during the summer, as the park's elevation and mountainous terrain contribute to constant and unpredictable weather changes.

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Museum of History and Industry Museum of History and Industry

If you want to learn about the history of Seattle, pay a visit to this museum. The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) collects and preserves items related to innovation in the Puget Sound region. Permanent exhibits that highlight that effort include the "Bezos Center for Innovation," "Maritime Seattle" and "True Northwest: The Seattle Journey." Its collection includes art, toys, furniture, vehicles, clothing and other locally made or invented products. In addition to its exhibits, MOHAI also houses a cafe and a store featuring products made by Puget Sound artisans.

"Fascinating," "informative" and "engaging" are among the adjectives visitors frequently use to describe MOHAI. As an added bonus, the building offers a nice view of Lake Union, from the maritime history exhibit, appropriately enough.

Seattle Art Museum Seattle Art Museum

Spread across three locations, the Seattle Art Museum houses one of America's premier art collections. Among its collection of more than 25,000 pieces, the museum displays everything from European masterpieces to contemporary sculptures. The Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park are also part of the complex. 

The museum received some mixed reviews from recent visitors for its small size, but most appreciated its eclectic collection and recommended setting aside a few hours. Recent travelers were particularly impressed with the museum's permanent collection of African art and its display of Northwest Coast Native American artists. 

Olympic Sculpture Park Olympic Sculpture Park free

There's no better way to get a healthy dose of culture than to enjoy some fine art, especially when the art is outdoors and free to peruse. In other words, you should plan on visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park, a 9-acre space one mile north of the Seattle Art Museum (with which it's affiliated) that's filled with works by such sculptors as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Roxy Paine and Tony Smith. Once you've had your fill of art, turn your attention to the view, which stretches over Elliott Bay to the Olympic Mountains and is a big hit with recent visitors.

Past visitors said it's an enjoyable way to experience the art and ambiance Seattle offers, and appreciate that it’s crowd-free, despite its proximity to downtown. However, they say that unless you’re in the area, you shouldn’t make a special trip to the park as it’s not a “top 10” attraction.

Museum of Pop Culture Museum of Pop Culture

Set in an eye-popping complex designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Museum of Pop Culture celebrates rock music in a myriad of ways. Exhibits at this Seattle Center museum like "Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses" and "Wild Blue Angel: Hendrix Abroad, 1966-1970" are excellent and comprehensive looks at these two iconic music phenoms, while the "Guitar Gallery" chronicles the history of the instrument and the musicians who played them. Music isn’t the only aspect of pop culture on display here. The "Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame" exhibit features artifacts from sci-fi literature, film, television and art, including pieces from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Empire Strikes Back." There are also exhibits dedicated to video games and horror films. 

According to recent visitors, the interactive exhibits appeal to a variety of ages, and the museum is worth spending a couple of hours exploring, though reviewers did not appreciate the high admission price. Recent visitors were also impressed by the architectural design of the museum’s building. 

Gas Works Park Gas Works Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Birdwatching enthusiasts will find Gas Works Park to be a haven for various bird species. Bring a pair of binoculars for the chance to spot double-crested cormorants, goosanders and American coots, particularly along the shores of Lake Union. – Vivian Chung

Encompassing 19.1 acres, Gas Works Park features preserved structures and remnants of the historic Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, which operated from 1906 to 1956. Its expansive green spaces make this park a favored spot among locals for picnics and kite flying, while Kite Hill, known as the Great Mound, offers a picturesque vantage point for observing seaplanes take off and land on Lake Union. The park also transforms into a vibrant hub each Fourth of July, when crowds come to witness a spectacular fireworks display.

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Discovery Park Discovery Park free

If you're looking to get outdoors without getting out of the city, this is the place. Sprawling across more than 500 acres in northern Seattle, Discovery Park is the city's largest green space. You'll find hiking trails, meadows, beaches and sand dunes abound. One must-see is the West Point Lighthouse – one of 18 active lighthouses in Washington State – which can be reached by following the North Beach Trail, while the South Beach Trail leads to a spectacular view of Puget Sound.

And if you're not one for hiking, keep in mind that Discovery Park also features a tennis facility, a cultural center and a kids' play area that includes swings, climbing structures and a zip line. Many park visitors say this is one of Seattle's finer gems, with something for everyone to enjoy. Hikers commented that there is a trail suitable for every experience level and particularly enjoy the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier on clear days.

Smith Tower Smith Tower

The Space Needle isn't the only way to enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of Seattle. Smith Tower is Seattle's oldest skyscraper, and when it was built in 1914 it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The 35th-floor observatory that was part of the original construction remains open today, offering 360-degree views of the city. The same floor also has a cocktail bar. In addition to office space, the tower also houses ground-floor retail, special event spaces and historical exhibits.

While the stunning views are the reason to go to the top of the tower, the food and beverages win high marks from reviewers as well, though some find the selection to be limited. Recent visitors also appreciated the self-guided tour showcasing historical information about the tower before enjoying the elevator ride to the 35th floor. For more information about the tower’s past, including its Wishing Chair, consider signing up for one of the 45-minute guided “Talking Tours.”

Alki Beach Alki Beach free

Elliott Bay's Alki Beach is a popular attraction for bicyclists, joggers and anyone seeking to spend a day in the sun. What's more, from its perch on the bay, the beach offers photogenic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound, as well as passing ships. Amenities include fire pits, restrooms, hand-carry boat access, picnic tables and volleyball courts. On Alki Point, there's a monument marking the spot where European settlers first arrived in 1851.

Beachgoers rave about the skyline views seen from the beach, though they do warn that you shouldn’t visit this beach expecting to swim (water temps are chilly, ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s). They also appreciate the many restaurants in proximity to the shore. History buffs wanting a break from the sun (or wishing to learn more about those aforementioned settlers) can visit the nearby Log House Museum, which is operated by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and offers pay-what-you-can admission.

Woodinville Wine Country Woodinville Wine Country

Oenophiles in search of a memorable glass of vino should head about 20 miles northeast of Seattle to explore Woodinville Wine Country. This area within the Sammamish River Valley is home to more than 130 wineries, as well as breweries, shops, hotels and restaurants. To orient yourself, read up on Woodinville's four districts.

The Downtown District, generally regarded as a convenient spot to begin or end a trip to Woodinville – offers numerous options for eating and drinking. 

Mount Si Mount Si free

If you don't have time to make the drive to Mount Rainier (which sits about two hours southeast of downtown Seattle), Mount Si provides a popular alternative. Sitting about 40 miles east of the city center, Mount Si offers several opportunities to strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails. 

On a clear day, views from the summit stretch across the city to the Olympic Mountains. The Mount Si trail to the summit is about an 8-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 3,100 feet. Many recent travelers said the hike is strenuous and definitely not for novices, though the views up top made it worth the journey. They also suggest bringing plenty of snacks and water. Note: There are outhouses located at the bottom of the trail, but no formal facilities along the path.

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Seattle Great Wheel Seattle Great Wheel

U.S. News Insider Tip: Elevate your experience by gathering a group of two to four for an exclusive dinner in one of the Great Wheel’s gondolas. In collaboration with its sister business, Fisherman’s Restaurant, you’ll indulge in a four-course dinner while suspended 200 feet in the air. – Vivian Chung

This colossal, 175-foot-tall Seattle Great Wheel punctuates the city’s skyline and has become an iconic landmark in downtown Seattle since its opening in June 2012. A single ride in one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas involves three full revolutions of the wheel, lasts up to 20 minutes and offers unobstructed views over downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. Illuminated by over 500,000 LED lights, the Seattle Great Wheel hosts vibrant light shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from sundown to 10 p.m. during summer evenings.

Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To shop local produce and artisan goods from local makers, visit on a Saturday between April and the end of November when the Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market operates between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Town Square. – Vivian Chung

Best known for its picturesque scenery and charming small-town vibes, this island 10 miles west of downtown Seattle beckons outdoor adventurers, oenophiles, and art and culture lovers. 

Sky View Observatory Sky View Observatory

Billed as the tallest building in Seattle, the Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center provides stunning panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscapes. To enjoy cocktails and light bites like flatbreads and wraps, head to the onsite Sky View Cafe & Bar.

Recent travelers strongly recommend choosing a visit here over the Space Needle, thanks to more affordable admission and fewer crowds that result in little to no wait time. Plus, with its viewing platform at 902 feet, the Sky View Observatory provides a notable height advantage over the Space Needle (which stands at 605 feet). For the mesmerizing sight of an illuminated city, reviewers suggest visiting the observatory in the evening.

T-Mobile Park T-Mobile Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Book a guided tour of the ballpark, which offers exclusive access to areas not often seen by the public, including the dugout, press box and All-Star Club. On select game days, tour participants may even have the opportunity to watch batting practice. – Vivian Chung

Home to the Seattle Mariners baseball team, this stadium features a retractable roof and accommodates up to 47,929 attendees. Immerse yourself in the excitement of live baseball, where crowds cheer and fast-paced action unfolds on the diamond against a striking backdrop of Seattle's skyline. For a more comprehensive experience and to gain a deeper understanding of baseball’s significance to Seattlites and the Pacific Northwest, explore the onsite Mariners Hall of Fame, where its curated collection of memorabilia and exhibits celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Seattle Mariners. 

Washington Park Arboretum Washington Park Arboretum free

The Washington Park Arboretum's 230 acres on the shores of Lake Washington contain a diverse array of plants, some of which can't be seen anywhere else in the region. Its themed gardens include the Pacific Connections Garden, which features plants from five countries connected to its namesake ocean (specifically Australia, China, Chile, New Zealand and the U.S. Pacific Northwest); Rhododendron Glen, one of the arboretum's oldest sections, dating to the late 1930s; and a traditional Japanese garden. It also has a winter garden ideally viewed from late November through March. The City of Seattle and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens jointly manage the arboretum.

Activities in the arboretum include guided hourlong tours via tram and nonmotorized boating. Kayaks and canoes can be rented nearby. Private walking tours are also available.

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Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience

Situated in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, the Wing Luke Museum is devoted to the art, culture and history of Asian Pacific Americans. The 60,000-square-foot facility, which is housed in a historic building constructed in 1910 by Chinese immigrants, features multiple galleries for both traveling and permanent exhibits. Among the latter are "Wing Luke and the Museum," dedicated to the institution's namesake, who was the first Asian American elected to public office in the Pacific Northwest, and "Honoring Our Journey," which highlights the Asian Pacific American immigrant and refugee experience. 

Recent visitors typically found the Wing Luke Museum highly informative and strongly recommend participating in the Historic Hotel Tour for a walk through the history of the East Kong Yick Building, which houses the museum. The tour comes free with your admission and provides a deeper insight into the museum’s mission.

Pioneer Square Pioneer Square free

If you like history, Pioneer Square should be on your your to-do list. This neighborhood was one of the first settlements in the Northwest U.S. (hence the name), and it has maintained much of its Old West identity. Today, you'll find the cobblestone area peppered with art galleries, restaurants and shops, not to mention an ornamental pergola, which provides shelter to those waiting to hop on the First Hill Line streetcar.

No visit to Pioneer Square is complete until you tag along on the Beneath the Streets tour, one of the best Seattle tours . On this one-hour excursion, expert guides will lead you through underground passageways dating back to the 1890s, sharing historical information, along with stories of the Klondike Gold Rush, the city's architecture and the Coast Salish tribes who originally inhabited the area. Reviewers applaud the well-versed guides and recommend the experience. If you prefer to explore above ground, visit the nearby Smith Tower and its 35th-floor observatory.

Seattle Aquarium Seattle Aquarium

For a glimpse under the sea, head to the Seattle Aquarium, which sits along the waterfront just a few blocks west of the Seattle Art Museum. It may not be as impressive as other cities' aquariums , but Seattle's facility offers a wonderful introduction to northwestern sea life, such as local bird, fish, seals and otters. The highlight of your visit will most likely be the "Window on Washington Waters" exhibit, which houses aquatic animals native to the surrounding area in a 120,000-gallon tank.

Other points of interest include a coral reef tank and a kid-friendly touch tank, where your little ones can shake hands with starfish and sea cucumbers. And don't miss your chance to get the fish-eye view from the aquarium's underwater observation dome.

Woodland Park Zoo Woodland Park Zoo

Founded in 1899, Woodland Park Zoo stretches across 92 acres and is home to more than 900 animals and 250 species, some of them endangered. Its exhibits include the African Savanna, featuring lions, giraffes, hippos and zebras; Humboldt Penguins, with penguins from coastal Peru; Tropical Asia, which includes orangutans, tigers, sloth bears and various birds; and the seasonal Butterfly Garden. The zoo also welcomes temporary exhibits, and in the past has hosted "Dinosaur Discovery," which displayed more than 20 full-size dinosaur replicas, including a 40-foot-long T. Rex. Woodland Park also houses two western lowland gorilla families. 

Recent visitors generally appreciated the zoo's size and the number of animals on display, though some reviewers were disappointed to find that some animals were not viewable due to exhibits being unexpectedly closed.

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The Best Time to Visit Seattle to avoid the rain (maybe)

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Best Time to Visit Seattle in 2024 – (By Local Guide – Avoid Rain)

About Seattle: An overview

Seattle, a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, stands out for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and significant economic influence. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition, where the echoes of grunge music coexist with the headquarters of tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. With iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle and the lively Pike Place Market, Seattle offers a blend of urban dynamism and scenic beauty.

Surrounded by the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountains and adorned with serene water bodies, the city provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Its culinary scene, thriving coffee culture, and commitment to sustainability further add to its allure. Seattle embodies a unique blend of modernity and natural charm, fostering a welcoming community proud of its heritage while embracing progress and diversity.

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How to Get Seattle

Getting to Seattle is relatively convenient due to its status as a major transportation hub in the Pacific Northwest. Here are several common ways to reach Seattle.

By Air: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), commonly known as Sea-Tac Airport, serves as the primary airport for the city. It operates numerous domestic and international flights, connecting Seattle with major cities worldwide.

By Train: Amtrak’s passenger train service, including the Amtrak Cascades and long-distance trains like the Coast Starlight, connects Seattle to various destinations within the United States. Seattle’s King Street Station serves as a major hub for Amtrak services.

By Bus: Several bus services, such as Greyhound and BoltBus, offer affordable and convenient travel options to Seattle from various cities within the United States and Canada.

By Car: Seattle is accessible by major highways like Interstate 5 (I-5) running north-south and Interstate 90 (I-90) connecting the city to the east. If you’re driving from nearby cities or regions, highways and road networks provide straightforward access to Seattle.

Cruise Ships: Seattle’s port serves as a popular embarkation point for cruises to Alaska and other destinations. Several cruise lines operate from the Port of Seattle, offering travelers an alternative and scenic way to reach the city.

Once in Seattle, the city boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars, making it relatively easy to navigate and explore the area without a personal vehicle.

Understanding Seattle Seasons

Winter: December to February

Spring: march to may., summer: june to august, fall: september to november., month-by-month guide for traveling in seattle.

January in Seattle

Weather: January in Seattle tends to be chilly and damp. Temperatures typically range from highs in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (7-9 degrees Celsius) to lows in the mid-30s Fahrenheit (1-2 degrees Celsius). Rainfall is common, with occasional snowfall, though snow accumulation is generally minimal.

Events and Activities:

• New Year’s Celebrations: The city starts the year with New Year’s festivities, including fireworks displays at the Space Needle and various parties and events across town.
• Indoor Attractions: With the cooler and wetter weather, indoor attractions thrive. Visitors can explore museums like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Seattle Art Museum, or enjoy the exhibits at the Pacific Science Center.
• Seattle Restaurant Week: January often hosts Seattle Restaurant Week, offering great dining deals at various restaurants throughout the city, allowing visitors to savor local cuisine at a more affordable price.
• Winter Sports: Outdoor enthusiasts can head to nearby ski resorts like Snoqualmie Pass for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, as they’re within a day trip’s reach from Seattle.
• Coffee Culture: Embrace Seattle’s renowned coffee culture by visiting local cafes and enjoying a warm drink in the cozy ambiance.

Tips for Travelers:

• Pack for Rain and Cold: Bring waterproof attire, including a good rain jacket and comfortable waterproof shoes, as rain is frequent during January.
• Indoor Exploration: Plan to visit indoor attractions, museums, and cultural venues to make the most of the city despite the weather.
• Check for Seasonal Events: Look out for special events or exhibitions happening in museums or galleries, as Seattle’s cultural scene remains active even during the winter months.

January in Seattle offers a mix of indoor cultural experiences, New Year’s celebrations, opportunities to explore the city’s culinary scene, and the chance for some nearby winter sports adventures for those willing to venture outside the city.

February in Seattle

Weather: February in Seattle continues with chilly temperatures, averaging highs in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (7-9 degrees Celsius) and lows in the mid-30s Fahrenheit (1-2 degrees Celsius). Rainfall remains common, with occasional snowfall, though typically not substantial.

• Valentine’s Day Celebrations: Seattle offers various romantic dining options, events, and special Valentine’s Day-themed activities.
• Seattle Boat Show: This annual event showcases a wide array of boats, yachts, and maritime equipment, drawing boating enthusiasts to explore the latest marine offerings.
• Museum Visits: Explore indoor attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium, the Museum of Flight, or the Wing Luke Museum, offering insights into aviation, local history, and cultural diversity.
• Winter Outdoor Adventures: February continues to offer opportunities for winter sports near Seattle, such as skiing or snowboarding at nearby mountain resorts.
• Cultural Performances: Attend concerts, theater productions, or other cultural performances happening in various venues across the city.

Tips for Travelers

• Plan Indoor and Outdoor Activities: Prepare for both indoor and outdoor activities, as Seattle offers a mix of cultural indoor attractions and occasional outdoor adventures despite the weather.
• Valentine’s Day Reservations: If planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day, make dinner reservations in advance, as popular restaurants tend to get booked quickly.

March in Seattle

Weather: March marks a transition towards spring. Temperatures start to slowly warm up, with highs averaging in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (12-15 degrees Celsius) and lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (7-9 degrees Celsius). The rainy season continues, but there are more sunny days compared to winter months.

• St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Seattle hosts various St. Patrick’s Day parades, events, and parties around the city.
• Cherry Blossom Viewing: March often sees the beginnings of cherry blossom season, with parks like the University of Washington’s Quad and the Washington Park Arboretum offering stunning displays of cherry blossoms.
• Spring Festivals: Look out for early spring festivals, markets, or cultural events celebrating the arrival of spring, offering local foods, crafts, and entertainment.
• Outdoor Explorations: As the weather starts to improve, take advantage of more pleasant conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting parks, or taking scenic walks along the waterfront.
• Cultural Offerings: Enjoy ongoing cultural events, art exhibits, and performances happening in Seattle’s theatres and galleries.
• Dress in Layers: The weather can still be cool, so dress in layers for fluctuating temperatures, and be prepared for some rain despite the improving weather conditions.
• Cherry Blossom Timing: Check for updates on cherry blossom blooms for optimal viewing, as the timing can vary based on weather patterns.

April in Seattle

Weather: April sees a further transition towards spring. Temperatures start to rise, with highs averaging in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12-16 degrees Celsius). The city experiences fewer rainy days compared to winter, with occasional showers.

Events and Activities

• Cherry Blossom Peak: April usually marks the peak of cherry blossom season in Seattle, presenting stunning displays of blooming cherry trees at various parks and gardens.
• Spring Festivals: Enjoy spring-themed events, garden tours, and seasonal festivals celebrating local produce, arts, and culture.
• Outdoor Exploration: With improving weather, indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, visiting parks, or exploring the city’s neighborhoods on foot.
• Cultural Offerings: Museums, galleries, and theaters continue to offer diverse cultural experiences, including art exhibitions, performances, and live shows.
• Cherry Blossom Viewing: Plan to visit parks like the University of Washington’s Quad or the Washington Park Arboretum for picturesque cherry blossom viewing.
• Rain Gear: Though there are fewer rainy days, it’s advisable to have rain gear handy for occasional showers.

May in Seattle

Weather: May brings more consistent spring weather. Temperatures continue to rise, with highs averaging in the upper 60s Fahrenheit (around 20 degrees Celsius). Rainfall further decreases, providing more sunny days.

• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, biking, or picnicking in parks and green spaces as the weather becomes increasingly pleasant.
• Cinco de Mayo Celebrations: Join in various celebrations around the city, featuring cultural events, food, music, and parades in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
• Arts and Cultural Events: Attend art walks, cultural festivals, and live performances held in various neighborhoods and venues across Seattle.
• Market Visits: Explore local farmer’s markets for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts.
• Outdoor Exploration: May offers ideal weather for outdoor activities, so plan for excursions to parks and trails.
• Cultural Events: Check for schedules of local events, festivals, or concerts to make the most of Seattle’s vibrant cultural scene.

June in Seattle

Weather: June welcomes summer with milder temperatures. Highs average in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius), with longer daylight hours and a lower chance of rain.

• Summer Solstice Parade: Seattle celebrates the summer solstice with lively parades, music, and art events, notably the Fremont Solstice Parade.
• Outdoor Festivities: June offers an abundance of outdoor festivals, including music festivals, food fairs, and cultural celebrations.
• Parks and Recreation: Enjoy outdoor activities in parks, on the waterfront, or take scenic walks while relishing the pleasant weather.
• Tourist Attractions: Visit popular landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, or take harbor cruises along the waterfront.
• Summer Clothing: As summer officially begins, pack lightweight clothing suitable for warmer temperatures.
• Festival Planning: Research and plan for specific festivals or events of interest happening across the city during this vibrant season.

July in Seattle

Weather: July in Seattle brings warmer temperatures, with highs averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28 degrees Celsius). It’s typically one of the driest months, with more sunshine and minimal rainfall.

• Independence Day Celebrations: Seattle celebrates July 4th with fireworks displays, parades, and various events around the city.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or picnicking in parks as the weather is warm and pleasant.
• Summer Festivals: July hosts a variety of summer festivals, including music festivals, food fairs, and cultural celebrations.
• Waterfront Activities: Explore the waterfront, take harbor cruises, or visit the Seattle Aquarium for marine exhibits and educational experiences.
• July 4th Planning: If visiting during July 4th, plan for festivities and consider finding vantage points for fireworks displays.
• Outdoor Gear: Pack sunscreen, hats, and comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and outdoor excursions.

August in Seattle

Weather: August continues with warm and pleasant weather. Highs average in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28 degrees Celsius). It’s generally a dry month with more sunshine.

• Seafair Festival: August marks the Seafair Festival, a major event celebrating Seattle’s maritime heritage with boat races, parades, and community events.
• Outdoor Explorations: Take advantage of the fantastic weather for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or exploring city parks.
• Cultural Offerings: Attend various art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and live performances happening across the city.
• Food and Drink Festivals: Taste local cuisine and enjoy food fairs and beer festivals featuring regional specialties.
• Seafair Festival Planning: Consider participating in or watching events associated with the Seafair Festival.
• Outdoor Gear: Similar to July, pack appropriate clothing and gear for outdoor adventures and summertime activities.

September in Seattle

Weather: September marks the transition to fall. Temperatures begin to cool down, with highs averaging in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius). There’s a slight increase in rainfall compared to the summer months.

• Labor Day Weekend: Celebrate Labor Day with various events and festivals across the city.
• Fall Festivities: Visit pumpkin patches, enjoy apple picking, or explore fall-themed events celebrating the changing season.
• Cultural Events: Attend art exhibitions, theater performances, or music concerts showcasing Seattle’s cultural scene.
• Outdoor Explorations: Despite the cooler temperatures, continue exploring parks or take scenic drives to enjoy the changing foliage.
• Fall Preparation: As the weather starts to transition, consider packing layers and rain gear.
• Fall Festivals: Look out for fall-themed events or harvest festivals offering seasonal experiences.

October in Seattle

Weather: October marks the onset of fall with cooler temperatures. Highs average in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (13-16 degrees Celsius), and there’s an increase in rainfall.

• Halloween Celebrations: Seattle offers various spooky events, haunted houses, and costume parties around the city.
• Fall Foliage: Enjoy the changing colors of fall foliage in parks and gardens, providing picturesque scenes for nature walks or hikes.
• Cultural Events: Attend art exhibitions, film festivals, or live performances as Seattle’s cultural calendar remains active.
• Indoor Exploration: With the cooler and wetter weather, visit museums, galleries, or cozy cafes for indoor experiences.
• Halloween Planning: Consider joining Halloween-themed events or activities if visiting around this time.
• Weather Preparedness: Pack accordingly for cooler temperatures and rain.

November in Seattle

Weather: November in Seattle brings cooler temperatures, with highs averaging in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit (4-10 degrees Celsius). Rainfall increases as the month progresses.

• Thanksgiving Festivities: Celebrate Thanksgiving with special dinners and events offered at various restaurants across the city.
• Fall Harvest: Explore farmer’s markets for seasonal produce, attend food fairs, or indulge in fall-themed treats and beverages.
• Indoor Attractions: Visit museums, and art galleries, or attend theater performances for indoor cultural experiences.
• Holiday Preparations: As November ends, Seattle starts gearing up for the holiday season, with festive decorations appearing around the city.
• Thanksgiving Plans: If in Seattle during Thanksgiving, plan for special dinners or events.
• Warm Clothing: Pack warm clothing and rain gear for the cooler and potentially wetter weather.

December in Seattle

Weather: December in Seattle continues with cool temperatures, averaging highs in the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9 degrees Celsius). Rainfall persists, and occasional snowfall might occur.

• Holiday Festivities: Seattle sparkles with festive lights and decorations. Enjoy holiday markets, ice skating, and special events across the city.
• Winter Celebrations: Embrace the holiday spirit with concerts, performances, and seasonal shows offered by local theaters and performance venues.
• Shopping: Explore Pike Place Market and local shops for unique holiday gifts and seasonal treats.
• New Year’s Eve: Seattle welcomes the New Year with fireworks displays, parties, and various events on New Year’s Eve.
• Holiday Planning: Take part in festive events and celebrations happening around the city.
• Winter Gear: Pack warmly for colder temperatures and potentially snowy conditions.

When is the Best Time to Visit Seattle?

When to Visit Seattle with Good Weather

The best time to visit Seattle largely depends on personal preferences and the type of experience you seek. However, if you’re looking for the most favorable weather conditions, the ideal time to visit Seattle with good weather is typically during the summer months, specifically from late June to early September.

Summer (Late June to Early September):

• Weather: Seattle experiences its warmest and driest weather during this period. The temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 degrees Celsius) on average, with longer daylight hours and minimal rainfall.
• Outdoor Activities: Summer is perfect for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, and enjoying the city’s parks, waterfronts, and outdoor events.
• Tourist Attractions: All major tourist attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Seattle’s various parks, are at their peak and bustling with activity during this time.
• Festivals and Events: The city hosts numerous festivals, music concerts, and cultural events, providing a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of entertainment options.

While summer offers the most consistent and favorable weather for exploring Seattle, it’s also the peak tourist season.

When to Visit Seattle for Hiking + Outdoor Adventures

Late Spring (May):

• Weather: May offers milder temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 13-18 degrees Celsius), with fewer rainy days compared to the winter months.
• Hiking Conditions: Trails start to dry up from spring showers, and the lush greenery and blooming flora add beauty to hiking trails in and around Seattle.

Summer (Late June to August):

• Weather: Summer provides the most predictable and favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities. With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 degrees Celsius), minimal rainfall, and longer daylight hours, it’s perfect for hiking.
• Hiking Opportunities: The summer months offer ideal conditions to explore hiking trails in the nearby Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. Parks like Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park provide various hiking options suitable for different skill levels.

Early Fall (September to Early October):

• Weather: Early fall sees mild temperatures, with highs in the 60s Fahrenheit (around 15-20 degrees Celsius) and relatively fewer rainy days than the later fall months.
• Scenic Trails: The changing foliage in September provides picturesque landscapes, offering hikers beautiful autumnal scenes while exploring the trails.

During these months, trails are generally more accessible, weather conditions are more favorable, and the natural beauty surrounding Seattle is at its peak. Keep in mind that weather patterns can change, and it’s always advisable to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on hiking adventures.

Beyond the Seasons: Worst Time to Visit Seattle

Seattle’s least favorable weather conditions generally occur during the winter months, particularly from November to February. This period is often considered the worst time to visit Seattle due to several weather-related factors:

Heavy Rainfall: Seattle is known for its rainy reputation, and during the winter months, the city experiences frequent rainfall. November to February tends to have the highest precipitation levels, with long spells of rain and gray skies.

Strong Winds: Along with the rain, winter in Seattle can also bring strong winds, making outdoor activities less enjoyable and affecting travel plans, especially for those sensitive to inclement weather.

Occasional Snowfall: Although not as common as rain, Seattle can experience occasional snowfall during the winter months. Snow accumulation is usually limited, but it can disrupt transportation and activities in the city.

Shorter Daylight Hours: During the winter, Seattle experiences shorter daylight hours, which can limit outdoor exploration and sightseeing opportunities for visitors.

Due to these weather conditions, the combination of heavy rain, wind, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor activities less enjoyable and limit the overall experience for travelers. Consequently, November through February is often considered the least ideal time to visit Seattle for those who prefer milder and more predictable weather conditions.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Time

Choosing the perfect time to visit Seattle depends on various factors, including weather preferences, desired activities, budget considerations, and personal preferences. Here are some expert tips to help you determine the ideal time for your visit to Seattle:

• Consider Weather Preferences: Determine your preferred weather conditions. If you enjoy milder temperatures and minimal rain, aim for late spring, summer, or early fall. If you don’t mind cooler weather and want to avoid crowds, late fall or early spring might be suitable.
• Research Seasonal Activities: Identify the activities or events you’d like to experience. For outdoor adventures, hiking, and festivals, summer offers the most diverse options. Fall provides beautiful foliage, while winter might be suitable for indoor cultural experiences.
• Budget and Crowd Considerations: Factor in your budget and tolerance for crowds. Shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) often offer a balance between good weather and fewer crowds, potentially providing cost-effective travel options.
• Check Event Calendars: Research and check Seattle’s event calendars to align your visit with specific festivals, concerts, or cultural events that interest you. Summer typically hosts numerous events, but other seasons also offer unique festivals and activities.
• Accommodation Availability: Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer months). This ensures availability and potentially better rates.
• Pack Accordingly: Regardless of the season, prepare for Seattle’s changeable weather by packing layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and, during colder months, warmer clothing.
• Flexibility in Travel Dates: If possible, maintain flexibility in your travel dates. Being flexible allows you to adapt your plans based on weather forecasts or unexpected changes in circumstances.
• Consult Local Resources: Seek advice from locals or use Seattle-based travel resources to get insider tips on the best times to visit and any specific seasonal highlights.

By considering these factors and aligning them with your preferences, you can choose the most suitable time to visit Seattle that aligns with your interests, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience in the Emerald City.

visiting Seattle offers a diverse and dynamic experience year-round, with each season presenting its distinct appeal. The city’s weather patterns significantly influence the type of activities and ambiance it offers to visitors. During the summer, Seattle shines with its warm and pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor adventures, festivals, and exploring its natural beauty.

Fall brings picturesque landscapes with colorful foliage, making it a scenic time for leisurely walks and cultural events. However, the winter months, particularly from November to February, might present less favorable conditions due to heavier rainfall, occasional snowfall, and cooler temperatures, making indoor attractions more enticing.

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Best time to visit Seattle FAQ’s

What is the rainiest month in seattle.

The rainiest month in Seattle is typically November, followed closely by December and January. These months experience higher precipitation levels and more rainy days.

What is the best month to go to Seattle?

The best month to visit Seattle depends on personal preferences. Generally, late spring (May) through early fall (September) offers pleasant weather and numerous outdoor activities.

Will Seattle have a hot summer in 2024?

Weather patterns can vary, but Seattle's summers typically experience mild to moderately warm temperatures rather than extreme heat.

How many days in Seattle is enough?

The ideal duration for a Seattle visit depends on the traveler's interests. A stay of 3 to 5 days allows for exploring the city's main attractions, but longer stays can accommodate more in-depth exploration.

Do you need a car in Seattle?

Seattle has efficient public transportation, making it possible to explore the city without a car. However, having a car might be useful for exploring areas outside the city.

What is the best way to travel in Seattle?

Seattle has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses, light rail, streetcars, and ferries, making it convenient to get around. Ride-share services and walking are also popular options.

Is Seattle a walkable city?

Seattle's downtown and many neighborhoods are walkable, offering pedestrian-friendly streets. However, some areas might require transportation due to their distance or elevation changes.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Seattle?

The cost of living in Seattle can vary widely based on lifestyle choices, housing, and other expenses. It's advisable to budget for housing, transportation, food, and entertainment based on personal needs.

Is Seattle walkable for tourists?

Yes, many parts of Seattle are walkable and provide an enjoyable experience for tourists. Exploring downtown, waterfront areas, and certain neighborhoods on foot can be rewarding.

When to Visit Seattle to Avoid Crowds/Best for Families and Kids/On a Budget/Best time for Festivals and Events:

These questions have been addressed in previous responses, highlighting various times for specific preferences, such as avoiding crowds (late fall), family-friendly visits (summer), budget-conscious travel (late fall to early spring), and attending festivals and events (summer, late spring, and early fall).

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Seattle Kayaking: Best Spots in the Puget Sound Area

K ayaking around the Seattle Area is a great way to experience the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in Seattle and on the Olympic Peninsula , I can say that the best way to get outdoors and fall in love with the Puget Sound area is from the water. Seattle is such an outdoorsy city that kayaking all around the Sounds is a normal activity.

Seattle is loaded with kayaking locations. Lakes, rivers, and the many bays await paddlers of all experience levels. The Seattle area is chocked full of paddle companies that can accommodate everything from beginner lessons to multi-night excursions. The views include downtown Seattle, far off Mount Rainer, salmon in the Ballard Locks, seals, and even whales sometimes. The diversity of Seattle kayaking opportunities makes it a must-visit for all paddlers. Just be sure to plan enough time to see it all!

If we haven’t included a Seattle kayaking spot you enjoy, feel free to leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to share more and include recommendations from others!

Easy Kayaking Spots in Seattle

Since Seattle is surrounded by water, it’s really easy to find places to kayak around Seattle and the rest of the Puget Sound area. Whether you want to kayak on Lake Union or Lake Washington, get out on Puget Sound or kayak in Olympic National Park, there are some wonderfully easy places to go paddling in Washington. Kayaking is just one of the many wonderful things to do in Seattle , WA!

Kayaking at Magnuson Park on Lake Washington

Along the shores of Lake Washington, Magnuson Park provides an excellent place for beginner paddlers to enjoy their day. This area is a perfect opportunity for viewing birds and fish throughout the waters. For those looking to expand their paddling skills, REI offers lessons out of the Sail Sand Point boathouse within the park. Stay out of the way of speed boaters though, because they love to make a wake.

Watching for great blue herons and bald eagles when you’re kayaking in the Seattle area, and especially at Magnuson Park. Lake Washington is huge and its shores are both the home to and the migratory stops for all sorts of birds.

Where to launch:

• Magnuson Park Beach

Foss Harbor in Tacoma

A little below Seattle, Tacoma, is Foss Harbor. It’s an excellent paddle location for a leisurely afternoon. Based on Commencement Bay, these calm waters are void of larger ships and waves. Checking out the tide flats can provide an excellent opportunity for viewing wildlife. 

If you want to plan a longer paddle, you can kayak all the way to Point Defiance, which is beautiful. Because this does get much closer to the shipping lane and even gets some ferry wake from the Vashon ferry, you’ll need to exercise extra safety/caution, and sea kayaks are recommended if you’re heading further out.

• Foss Harbor Marina

Titlow Beach and Park

Similar to the calmer waters in Foss Harbor, the clear sandy waters of Titlow Beach are also an excellent location for a relaxing paddle. Here paddlers can enter the water near the end of Titlow Park. A paddler will enjoy views of the Olympic Peninsula and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

This is a wonderful option for kayaking in the summer when you can pair beach time with a Seattle area kayaking trip. You’ll find that Tacoma is a really cool city and there’s lots to do, and kayaking is just one of the great summer activites.

• Titlow Beach Park

Alki Beach in West Seattle

Alki beach is a great place for beginners to get a leisurely paddle in with excellent views. With open waters, this paddle makes for incredible sunset views. Here you can paddle around Elliot bay or out to the Alki Lighthouse. 

While you can go out of Alki for kayaking around Seattle in winter, know that the breeze is FREEZING and even on a beautiful day, you’re gonna freeze. For a better winter paddle, head south around the corner toward the West Seattle Bridge for more sheltered areas and different views.

• Bronson Way Launch

Experienced Kayak Launches in the Seattle Area

As you head out from the city on your mission to find the best kayaking in Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area , you’ve got the option to head north up to the San Juan Islands or you can stay local. The challenge with some of these kayaking spots isn’t necessarily whitewater or having to portage, but it’s general safety and awareness, particularly for our picks for in-city kayaking. These places are AWESOME though!

San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are the number one place to whale watch from the water. Located between Washington and Vancouver Island , this area is recommended for strong paddlers. Kayaking in the San Juans should be approached keeping in mind that you’re doing a lot of open water kayaking.

Here, the ocean waves can quickly become overpowering for those unprepared. Paddlers can explore shorelines, Doughty State Park, or organize longer multi-day paddles. If you are lucky enough to see an Orca on your paddle, remember that legally, you are required to stay 300 yards away and not approach. 

Kayaking Seattle’s Lakes to Locks Trail

The Lakes to Locks trail is a day-use trail near Seattle. It covers Lake Union, Lake Washington, and Lake Sammamish and eventually meets the saltwater of Puget Sound. While much of this 100 miles of water is calm, paddlers must ensure that they are prepared to pass through the locks appropriately. 

I recommend doing this in segments throughout the summer. This paddling trail is long and actually pretty complex. It’s beautiful and you’ll love how different the view of Seattle and Mount Rainier are when you’re kayaking, but it’s quite the epic trek.

Bonus: if you’re kayaking from Seattle’s Ballard Locks into Lake Union, stay to the right and keep your eyes peeled for the Sleepless in Seattle house. It’s still there and it’s still perfect, but it’s privately owned, so don’t show up looking for Sam and Jonah (they’re fictional).

Ballard Kayaking Spots

Ballard can often be busy waters complicated by waves and wakes from other boats. Paddlers may find more accessible waters by staying close to shore in Shilshole Bay. One of the best spots for kayaking in Seattle, paddling from Golden Gardens to Carkeek Park is generally recommended for more experienced paddlers due to the shipping wakes and wind, but at both ends you can have some beach time, and you can even arrange to be picked up at either end by a friend with a kayak rack on their car.

If you want to be more urban, kayaking from just after the Ballard Locks through the Ship Canal is really cool. There are lots of recreational boats going through this channel, so be aware of the many different sorts of boaters. Watch for salmon heading for the fish ladder, sea lions looking for an easy meal ( RIP, Herschel ) and eagles, as there are several in nearby Discovery Park. I lived in Ballard through college at the University of Washington and came down here several days each week, and there was ALWAYS an eagle or two hanging out.

Kayaking Seattle’s Elliott Bay

Elliott Bay offers expansive views of downtown Seattle and Mt. Rainier National Par k in the distance. The most common area to put in is Elliot Bay Marina . This bay does lead to the incredibly busy Puget Sound, therefore, paddlers need knowledge of basic boating rules to be prepared for the traffic. Don’t let this discourage you though! Kayaking on Elliott Bay and seeing the Seattle skyline from the water is so special and unique!

Wildlife viewing in Elliott Bay can be a bit more sparse than if you’re kayaking up in the Skagit Valley or along the Olympic Peninsula , but there are some beautiful creatures to watch for. Eagles, osprey, harbor porpoises, otters and sometimes orcas or rogue dolphins find their way into Elliott Bay. It’s part of what makes Seattle such a cool place for kayaking.

National / State Park Kayaking Spots near Seattle

There are plenty of state park options when kayaking the Seattle and Puget Sound area. We’ve shared a few of our favorites here, but there are so many more. Washington State Parks use the Discover Pass, so if you’re visiting any of them or many of the state lands launches, be sure you have a Discover Pass on display in your vehicle. And it’s the same with National Parks , but with the Interagency Pass for NPS and National Wildlife Refuge sites for kayaking or hiking. 

Mount Rainier National Park

Not far outside of Seattle is Mount Rainier, National Park. Here, there are several paddling opportunities. Lake Mowich in the northwest corner of the park is a popular place for beginner paddlers bringing their own gear. One of the more challenging areas is the Cowlitz River flowing from the southwest side of the park, which features several paddling opportunities depending on where you put in and take out. There’s a part of the Cowlitz One portion of the river offers a 7.5 mile run with class II rapids.

Further on is a more family-friendly section that allows for a float down calmer waters for nearly ten miles after Packwood. This section also offers opportunities for overnight camping for those looking to extend their stay on the River. The Mount Rainier Visitor Association has more about these paddles and other favorites to visit. Yes, this is a ways outside of Seattle, but if you’re looking to see the waterfalls of Mount Rainier or just leave the city behind, there are some cool options for kayaking.

Olympic National Park Kayaking

Across the Puget Sound lies one of our favorite places for kayaking in the Seattle area. Olympic National Park features quiet, remote waters, and intermediate to advanced paddlers will find plenty to explore. Besides the beautiful Lakes Crescent, Quinault and Ozette, there are rivers and beach areas for kayaking.

The Hoh and Queets Rivers offer adventures with Class II and III sections of rapids. Lake Crescent , Washington’s’ second deepest lake, is also a popular destination. Olympic National Park’s remoteness is the perfect opportunity for paddlers to step into the backcountry and explore. However, it should be noted that much of the Olympic National Park Lakes are big, windy, and very cold. Many paddlers wear dry suits year-round for protection. 

Check out our guide to kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula for details!

Lake Sammamish East of Seattle

Here, paddlers can explore any of the nine (9!)put-ins that Lake Sammamish State Park has. This park is an excellent place for families to spend time hiking, paddling, and camping. It should be noted that visitors looking to boat here will need a launch permit or Discover Pass for entry. Lake Sammamish is about a half hour from Seattle, so hit it up on the way to Eastern Washington or Leavenworth !

Dash Point State Park in Federal Way

Dash Point State Park is an excellent place to hike, camp, and paddle in southern Puget Sound. A perfect place for paddlers looking for a quiet experience, this state park only allows for non-motorized boats to put in. Some paddlers use Dash Point as a stop-over to spend the night on more oversized multi-day paddles circling the whole Puget Sound.  Despite being just off the shipping lane to Tacoma, the wakes here aren’t bad and the views are beautiful!

Recommended Kayaking Tours in Seattle

There are dozens of opportunities for kayak tours and rentals around Seattle. We’ve got suggestions for the north Puget Sound, directly in Seattle on Elliott Bay, on the lakes and more.

San Juan Kayak Expeditions

This Touring Company offers everything from sunset tours to complete or half-day trips and multi-day excursions. Those who don’t enjoy camping but enjoy extended paddles offer an Inn to Inn tour that allows participants to sleep each night indoors. Their most popular, two-night Orca Quest, while it’s not guaranteed to see whales, this area is most known for sightings.  Book this Kayaking in Friday Harbor here!

Alki Kayak Tours

Paddling around the famous Elliot Bay has plenty to offer. Alki Kayak Tours has a lighthouse paddle, full moon paddles, orca month guided paddles, etc. This touring company is also famous for beginner classes for SUP and Kayaks and rentals for those looking to venture on their own. 

Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard 

Join Ballard Kayaks to paddle through the locks, sunset tours, etc. Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard also offers classes and rentals for those looking to learn more. Ballard is also the top provider for group paddle events; contact them to plan and schedule custom group events. 

When to Visit Seattle

Because of its location on the Northwest Coast, summer will generally be the best time of year to visit if you plan to go kayaking in the Seattle area. This city is a very, very rainy city. July and August are the driest months and likely the best times to visit. 

Weather in Seattle

Seattle has temperate weather, with summers averaging in the 60-and 70s. It rains 50% of the time in Seattle, which is an essential factor to consider when planning a paddle trip. Kayaking in Seattle may be put on hold any time of year because of rain and wind. Yes, there are those beautiful moments in May and September, but between perpetual gray and then smoke season in the summer, Seattle weather is a mixed bag.

Need to Know for Seattle

Have we mentioned the rain in Seattle? Nearly every local in the city carries a tiny umbrella with them, even if you don’t automatically see them pull it out. Additionally, while July and August are the warmer, dryer months, it is essential to be still prepared for cooler temperatures. Paddling on the open sea is often much more chilly than the temperatures on land at the same time. Being equipped with multiple layers will be necessary for comfortable paddling. 

While the rain and cooler weather can complicate kayaking plans, Seattle is a must for every avid paddler. The opportunities for wildlife viewing are endless, and the views of the city and surrounding area are indeed one of a kind. 

Are you ready to do some kayaking when you visit Seattle? If we haven’t included a Seattle kayaking spot you enjoy, feel free to leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to share more and include recommendations from others!

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12 things to do around the Seattle area this weekend

Welcome to the weekend! From our new guide to Seattle’s Vietnamese cuisine to where to admire spring flowers during May, here’s our latest on local things to do.

Eats and drinks

• Explore Seattle’s vibrant Vietnamese food scene with these Top 10 dishes picked by our food team. You can also check out the city’s buzziest Vietnamese restaurant debut in recent memory or this tried-and-true 25-year-old gem . (For something you may not tasted before, our critic recommends a secret menu item .)
• Head to Bellevue for a delicious (and entertaining) meal. From a blowtorched cheesy beef stew that’s drawing long lines to a freshly griddled Turkish pide, these Eastside spots both play on an open-kitchen concept.
• Be the star of your next picnic or barbecue with this bright, flavorful and quick-to-make corn salad from our recipe writer.

Outdoors and travel

• Try one of these five Seattle-area outings to admire late spring flowers, from rhododendrons to peonies.
• Go on an adventure to find some of the best big trees in Western Washington. Not all of them stand at the end of hiking trails, but these areas are worthy of pilgrimages to see the cedar, spruce, firs and more.

Movies and TV

• Heading to the theaters? Check out what our reviewers thought of Bill Skarsgård’s “Boy Kills World,” the steamy love triangle “Challengers” featuring Zendaya, the bloody horror movie “Abigail” and other recent releases .

Performance arts

• “Fat Ham” at Seattle Rep , running through May 12, is a must-see, our reviewer says. The tragicomic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play isn’t a typical re-imagining of Shakespeare. It’s witty, raunchy — and also opens up some raw, honest truths.
• Two concerts inspired by nature play at Benaroya Hall this week. Northwest Symphony Orchestra teams up with Washington Trails Association to celebrate the state’s landscapes on Friday, while Seattle Symphony performs “Antarctic Symphony” tonight, Saturday and Sunday.
• The new book “Truly, Madly, Deeply” by Alexandria Bellefleur is an enemies-to-lovers story that takes place in Seattle.
• Here are four new cozy mysteries and eerie thrillers to get lost in. They’ll take you trudging around a peculiar forest or second-guessing a trip to an isolated, historic castle.
• Seattle author and illustrator Haley Weaver’s new memoir explores her unlikely friendship with her own anxiety.
• If you haven’t yet explored our guide to Seattle’s books scene, check out local, independent bookstores, book groups and more here .

Most Read Entertainment Stories

• K-pop star Jay of ENHYPEN talks about WA roots, Fate Plus world tour
• Long-lost Klimt painting sells for $37 million at auction
• HGTV's 'Ugliest House in America' has some thoughts on WA homes
• Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after his return to New York from upstate prison
• Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

I Visited Pompeii: How To Make The Most Of It As A First-Timer

Pompeii is one of the best peeks into ancient Rome, but there's a lot to know before planning a trip. Here's how to make the most of it.

• Travelers should be prepared to walk a lot while visiting Pompeii.
• A guided tour is an excellent way to learn about Pompeii; alternately, do your research ahead of time to fully appreciate the sights.
• Consider venturing to other sites near Pompeii if visiting for multiple days.

Two years ago, I was traveling overland (and ferry) from Warsaw in Poland to Tunisia in North Africa. As I journeyed down through Italy, I couldn't help but visit Naples (originally the ancient colonial Greek city, Neopolis ). There are countless ancient Roman archeological sites in and around Naples, but arguably the most dramatic attraction is the ash-covered Roman city of Pompeii .

I have seen countless archeological sites all around the world and many ancient Roman sites and I can say that Pompeii really does live up to the hype. Here's what to know to make the most of your trip.

Pompeii Is One Of The Very Best Ancient Roman Archeological Sites

Pompeii lives up to the hype and visitors can see a well-preserved mid-sized roman city frozen in time.

The day I visited Pompeii was a stiflingly hot summer's day. But I made the most of seeing Pompeii and walked all through it. I discovered that to really explore everything in Pompeii, visitors need to spend two or three days there.

My only regret in Naples is not seeing more of the many ancient Roman and Greek attractions in the area (and spending more time in Pompeii). Still, I visited Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Archeological Museum of Naples . These are three of the top ancient ruins in and around Naples. As a minimum, tourists really should plan to visit all three of these.

Pompeii is the 'big' city preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, Herculaneum is the ancient Roman resort town (and where many of the major archeological discoveries have been made), and the Archeological Museum of Naples is where many of the recovered artifacts are on display.

When visiting the Archeological Museum of Naples, ask to see the " Secret Room " where 250 of the erotic artifacts deemed too explicit for a younger audience are on display.

Top Roman Attractions In & Around Naples:

• Herculaneum
• Archeological Museum of Naples
• Baia Archaeological Park
• Flavian Amphitheater (Pozzuoli)

The site really is massive. It was a Roman city of around 10,000 inhabitants and around two-thirds of Pompeii has been excavated (and most of that is open to the public). Some of its monuments are brilliantly preserved. The stone Amphitheater of Pompeii is the largest monument in Pompeii, and visitors are free to walk through its corridors and around its arena.

Key Attractions In The Pompeii Archeological Site:

• Amphitheater Of Pompeii: The Oldest Stone Amphitheater
• Theater Of Pompeii: Well-Preserved & Located In The Center
• Villa of Mysteries: Located Just Outside The Herculaneum Gate (but within the archeological site) & Noted For Its Remarkable Frescoes
• Forum Of Pompeii: Near The Main Entrance & Once The Heart Of The City
• Gladiator Barracks: Believed To Be Where The Gladiators Lived & Trained
• Lupanar: The Famous Ancient Brothel of Pompeii

In my opinion, the excellent state of preservation of Pompeii (and other Vesuvius sites) is much better than other famous sites like Ephesus in Turkey.

Pompeii Forum: What To Know About Visiting The Former Beating Heart Of The City

What to know about visiting pompeii for the first time, pompeii is easy to reach from naples, but it is a large site with plenty of walking.

The easiest way to get to Pompeii from downtown Naples is by taking the suburban train bound for Salerno (the train departs from Napoli Centrale aka the Naples Central Station). Just get off at the train stop "Pompeii" and the entrance to the archeological site is across the road.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (closes 5:00 pm in winter)
• Admission Fee: 22 Euros (about USD 24) - one day

The entry fee is approximately USD 24 for one day for the Pompeii archeological site, but it can be worth booking a multi-day entry ticket and one that includes entry to other sites (such as Stabiae and Oplontis). A great source of English language information for the Pompeii archeological site is Pompeii.org .

Take water, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection when visiting Pompeii.

Visitors should take water with them (there are refilling stations around the site), wear walking shoes, and have protection from the sun (especially if visiting in the summer).

Villa Of The Mysteries: What To Know About One Of The Best-Preserved Roman Villas Of Pompeii

Guided tours are a great way to get introduced to pompeii (or read up in advance), guided tours are encouraged; alternatively, do plenty of research on the history and monuments of pompeii before visiting.

Most people visiting Pompeii explore by themselves on self-guided tours. But I would encourage first-time visitors to take a guided tour — just to help bring the many ancient buildings and various structures to life. Without a tour guide, many of the key historical buildings full of history and significance are just passed over as 'another' ruined building.

A tour guide can point out hidden attractions (like ancient graffiti and what it says), how the Romans lived (e.g. the ancient snack bars of the city), and why Pompeii was once thought of as a sin city (see the many brothels and erotic art in the city).

• Guided tours can either be booked in advance or requested at the site between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at the main entrance (near the train stop).

A compromise is to take an audio tour (available for rent) or to read extensively about ancient Pompeii before visiting. There are very few information panels explaining the significance of monuments and attractions around the ancient city.

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The Onion Is Sold by G/O Media

The satirical news website was bought by a new firm in Chicago that took inspiration for its name, Global Tetrahedron, from a book written by The Onion’s staff.

By Katie Robertson

G/O Media announced on Thursday that it had sold The Onion, a satirical news site, to a group of digital media veterans.

The Onion, which started in 1988 in Wisconsin as a weekly satirical newspaper and later became a website, is known for its parodies of current events. For the last decade, it has republished the same headline after nearly every mass shooting: “‘No Way to Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.”

In an email to G/O Media staff that was obtained by The New York Times, Jim Spanfeller, the chief executive, said the company was “undergoing an extensive review of our portfolio with the intention of coring down to our leading sites in terms of audience and revenues.” He said G/O Media had agreed to sell to “a new Chicago-based firm called Global Tetrahedron.”

“This company is made up of four digital media veterans with a profound love for The Onion and comedy-based content,” Mr. Spanfeller wrote. “The site’s new owners have agreed to keep The Onion’s entire staff intact and in Chicago, something we insisted be part of the deal.”

The name Global Tetrahedron is, in true Onion fashion, a winking reference to a sinister fictional company featured in the book “Our Dumb Century,” which was written by The Onion’s staff and published in 1999.

The real-life Global Tetrahedron is owned by Jeff Lawson, a co-founder and former chief executive of the technology communications company Twilio. The chief executive is Ben Collins, who was a senior reporter at NBC News until recently. Leila Brillson, a former TikTok executive, and Danielle Strle, previously at Tumblr, round out the executive team.

In an interview, Mr. Lawson said that he had long wanted to buy The Onion and had pursued the project at various points in time before linking up with Mr. Collins, who started pondering the idea early this year.

“The world needs laughter; it needs satirical criticism more than ever,” Mr. Lawson said. “And that’s why we think this is the right time and the right way to help The Onion continue to grow, continue to flourish, and frankly I’m concerned if we hadn’t done this, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Mr. Collins said audiences had a longstanding connection to The Onion and noted that many of the website’s writers and editors had been there for years.

“Our goal is to be stewards for this thing,” he said. “We’re keeping all the writers, we’re going to work with the union, we’re going to make it so they can hopefully get paid a little bit more money, and we’re going to give them the room to grow.”

The new owners said they planned to improve user experience on the website and expand into multimedia, but otherwise wanted The Onion’s staff members to continue to do the work they’ve been doing.

Mr. Lawson and Mr. Collins, who were in Chicago Thursday to meet The Onion’s editorial staff, declined to disclose the deal price. Noah Shachtman, the former editor in chief of Rolling Stone, has advised on the project, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

“The Onion is just an institution,” Mr. Lawson said, adding: “It should be preserved and it should be great.”

The website is the latest to be shed by G/O Media, which still publishes a few stalwart internet brands like Gizmodo, The Root and Quartz. In recent years, the company sold off Jezebel , Lifehacker , Deadspin and the A.V. Club . G/O Media was formed in 2019 by the private equity firm Great Hill Partners after it bought a collection of websites that were once part of Gawker Media.

Katie Robertson covers the media industry for The Times. Email:  [email protected]   More about Katie Robertson