Best Time to Visit Seattle
The best time to visit Seattle is September. You get the highest probability of clear skies without the peak summer crowds or the extreme heat of July and August. The city is still dry, the outdoor patios are open, and hotel prices begin to dip as families head back to school. While summer offers the best weather, the shoulder season provides the best value. If you want the full Emerald City experience—blue water, mountain views, and walkable neighborhoods—aim for the window between late summer and early autumn.
Month by month
January
January is Seattle’s coldest and grayst month. Temperatures hover between 37°F and 47°F. Expect consistent drizzle and overcast skies. This is the off-season, so hotel rates hit their annual lows. It is the best time for indoor culture. Use the rain as an excuse to visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or the Seattle Art Museum. The Seattle Boat Show usually kicks off late in the month for those interested in maritime culture.
February
Weather remains chilly and damp with highs around 50°F and lows near 37°F. While February is statistically one of the driest winter months, you should still carry a waterproof shell. Crowds are non-existent, making it easy to get table reservations at top restaurants. February is Museum Month in Seattle; if you stay at a participating downtown hotel, you get 50% off admission to over 40 museums and cultural sites.
March
March marks the transition into spring. Temperatures rise slightly to a range of 40°F to 54°F. You will see more "sun breaks," though rain is still frequent. The city begins to bloom, starting with cherry blossoms at the University of Washington. This is a prime time for budget travelers before the cruise ship season begins. Visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival just north of the city as the fields begin to color.
April
Spring is officially in flight. Temperatures hit a comfortable 43°F to 59°F. Rainfall starts to taper off, though you should still expect sudden showers. This is a shoulder month—prices are moderate, and popular spots like Pike Place Market are manageable. April is the time to visit the Washington Park Arboretum for peak floral displays or catch a Mariners game during the MLB opening weeks at T-Mobile Park.
May
May is when Seattleites start heading outdoors. The mercury stays between 49°F and 66°F. The gray begins to lift, and the days get significantly longer. Tourism starts to pick up, so book your flights early. Memorial Day weekend hosts Northwest Folklife, a massive, free arts and music festival at the Seattle Center. It’s an ideal month for hiking the lower-elevation trails in the Issaquah Alps before the summer heat.
June
June weather can be unpredictable, often dubbed "June Gloom" due to morning clouds that burn off by afternoon. Highs reach 70°F while lows stay around 54°F. This is the start of peak tourist season. Prices rise accordingly. June is the best time for pride celebrations; Seattle Pride is one of the largest in the country. The city’s waterfront becomes a central hub for activity as the cruise ships arrive in full force.
July
July is the driest month of the year. Expect clear, blue skies and temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F. This is peak Seattle. The city is expensive, and everything is crowded, but the weather is near-perfect. The Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Union are a major draw. Boating, kayaking on Lake Union, and outdoor concerts at venues like Marymoor Park are the primary draws during this month.
August
August is the hottest month, with temperatures often pushing past 80°F. Humidity remains low, but wildfire smoke from the Cascades or Canada can occasionally affect air quality. This is the busiest time for tourism and the most expensive time to book a hotel. Seafair is the major August event, featuring hydroplane races and the Blue Angels air show. If you want to hike in the North Cascades, this is the best window.
September
September is the local favorite. Temperatures are mild (54°F to 71°F), and the summer heat fades into crisp, clear air. Rainfall remains low through the first three weeks. Labor Day brings Bumbershoot, one of the nation's longest-running music and arts festivals. You get the benefits of summer weather with significantly fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs. It is the best month for whale watching in the San Juan Islands.
October
The rain returns in October, but it usually starts as a light mist. Temperatures cool to a range of 48°F to 60°F. The fall foliage in the city’s parks, especially Volunteer Park, is spectacular. Crowds drop off sharply, and hotel deals are easy to find. October is the best time for foodies; the seasonal harvests bring excellent produce to the markets and local menus. Check out the Earshot Jazz Festival for world-class performances.
November
November is the wettest month in Seattle. Temperatures drop to between 40°F and 52°F. High winds and heavy rain are common as Pacific storms roll through. This is a low-traffic month for tourism. Prices are cheap outside of the Thanksgiving holiday. If you are here in November, focus on the culinary scene. It’s a great time to explore the brewery clusters in Ballard or spend time in the Seattle Central Library.
December
December is dark and damp, but festive. Expect temperatures between 36°F and 46°F. While snow is rare, the city occasionally hits a standstill if even an inch falls. Tourism spikes slightly around the holidays as people visit for shopping and light displays. The Christmas Ship Festival, where decorated boats sail through the Puget Sound singing carols, is a unique local tradition. Hotel prices rise for New Year’s Eve at the Space Needle.
Cheapest time to visit Seattle
For the lowest prices, visit Seattle in January or February. With the exception of holiday weekends, winter is the true off-season. You will find hotel rates up to 40% lower than their July peaks. Flights to Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) are also cheapest during these months. If you don't mind the "Big Dark"—Seattle's nickname for the long, rainy winter nights—you can afford luxury downtown hotels that are usually priced for corporate travelers. Mid-week stays in November and early March also offer significant savings.
When to avoid Seattle
Avoid Seattle in August if you dislike crowds and high prices. This is the peak of the cruise ship season, meaning thousands of passengers flood the downtown core and Pike Place Market daily. It is also the time when air quality is most likely to be affected by regional wildfires. Additionally, avoid the week of the MLB All-Star game or major city-wide conventions like PAX West (usually Labor Day weekend) if you haven't booked a hotel months in advance. Prices triple during these windows.
Best time for good weather
The most reliable weather occurs between July and September. During this window, you have a 90% chance of rain-free days. Seattle’s summer is rarely humid, making it one of the most comfortable climates in the United States. If your goal is to see Mount Rainier, these are the only months where the mountain is consistently "out" and not obscured by cloud cover. July provides the most daylight, with the sun setting after 9:00 PM, giving you more time for outdoor exploration.
Best time for fewer crowds
Late April, May, and October are the best times for fewer crowds. These shoulder seasons provide a balance between decent weather and elbow room. You can walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park or grab a seat at a popular Starbucks Reserve Roastery without a massive wait. During these months, the cruise ships are either just starting or just finishing their seasons, so the waterfront is notably quieter. Small-group tours to Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier are also much easier to book on short notice.