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Best time to visit Seattle
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Andrea Leopardi on Unsplash
Best time to visit Seattle, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3-8°C, overcast with frequent rain | low | low |
⚠ Short daylight hours. | |
| February | 4-9°C, overcast with frequent rain | low | low |
⚠ Still very wet and dark. | |
| March | 7-12°C, intermittent rain and clouds | low | low |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable. | |
| April | 9-15°C, mix of clouds and sun, occasional showers | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Spring bloom begins. | |
| May | 12-18°C, mostly sunny with some clouds | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than summer. | |
| June | 15-21°C, mostly sunny with occasional fog near the coast | high | high |
⚠ Longest daylight hours of the year. | |
| July | 17-23°C, generally sunny and dry | peak | peak |
⚠ Peak tourist season, book accommodations well in advance. | |
| August | 18-24°C, consistently sunny and warm | peak | peak |
⚠ Hottest and driest month, ideal for outdoor activities. | |
| September | 15-21°C, sunny with crisp autumn air | high | high |
⚠ Weather remains excellent, crowds begin to thin slightly after Labor Day. | |
| October | 10-16°C, cloudy with increasing chances of rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Transition to wetter weather. | |
| November | 7-12°C, frequent rain and overcast skies | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainy season begins in earnest. | |
| December | 4-9°C, very rainy and often overcast | high | high |
⚠ Short daylight hours and significant rainfall. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
April
Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrates the blooming cherry trees with parades and cultural events.
May
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
One of the largest and most respected film festivals in North America.
July
Seafair
A month-long summer festival featuring air shows, parades, and boat races.
August
Bumbershoot
A major music and arts festival held annually over Labor Day weekend.
October
Oktoberfest Northwest
A local celebration of German culture with beer, food, and music.
December
Winterfest at Seattle Center
Festive holiday decorations, ice skating, and entertainment.
Insider timing tips
- •Seattle's 'dry season' is a relative term; even in summer, expect occasional coastal fog, especially in the mornings.
- •While summer (July-August) offers the most reliable sunshine, the shoulder months of May and September provide a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- •The PNW's notorious rain is most prevalent from October through March, impacting outdoor activities and daylight hours significantly.
- •Many local festivals, like Bumbershoot, occur over Labor Day weekend, which can extend summer crowds and prices into early September.
- •Day trips to areas like the Olympic Peninsula or Mount Rainier are best undertaken between June and September due to snow levels and accessibility.
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