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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, frequent rain and overcast skies | low | low |
⚠ Short daylight hours. | |
| February | 4-9°C, rainy with occasional sun breaks | low | low |
⚠ Still very wet, can feel gloomy. | |
| March | 6-12°C, mixed rain and sun, increasing daylight | low | low |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable. | |
| April | 8-15°C, showery, but more sunshine | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Spring can be very wet before it dries out. | |
| May | 11-18°C, pleasant with a mix of sun and clouds | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The city starts to warm up, but rain is still possible. | |
| June | 14-20°C, largely sunny with occasional light rain | high | high |
⚠ Long daylight hours, perfect for exploring. | |
| July | 16-23°C, mostly sunny and dry | peak | peak |
⚠ Peak tourist season, book accommodations well in advance. | |
| August | 17-24°C, warm and sunny | peak | peak |
⚠ Still very busy, but slightly less crowded than July. | |
| September | 14-21°C, crisp and sunny, with cooler evenings | high | high |
⚠ Can still have warm days, but the rainy season is approaching. | |
| October | 9-16°C, increasing rain and cloud cover | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rain becomes more consistent, daylight hours shorten. | |
| November | 6-11°C, frequent rain and overcast | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Very wet and dark, similar to winter conditions. | |
| December | 4-9°C, cold, wet, and often overcast | high | high |
⚠ Short daylight hours, high chance of rain. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Seattle Restaurant Week
A city-wide event offering special prix-fixe menus at numerous restaurants.
May
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
One of the largest and most respected film festivals in North America.
July
Seafair
A summer festival featuring air shows, boat races, and parades culminating in the Blue Angels performance.
August
Bumbershoot
A major music and arts festival held annually over Labor Day weekend.
Second Thursday of every month
West Seattle Art Walk
A monthly event showcasing local artists in galleries and businesses across West Seattle.
Insider timing tips
- •The 'Seattle Freeze' is less about weather and more about social dynamics; don't let the rain deter you from seeking out local interaction.
- •Summer (July-August) offers the most reliable dry weather, but also the highest prices and crowds. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September) provide a good balance.
- •Seattle's coffee culture is year-round, offering a warm refuge during the frequent rainy months.
- •The Cascade Mountains and Olympic Peninsula offer stunning day trips, but road access can be limited by snow well into late spring.
- •Public transportation, including the Link light rail and King County Metro buses, is efficient and can mitigate the need for a car, especially in downtown areas.
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