Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Seattle
🇺🇸 Seattle, United States · North America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
8°
2°
Poor
Feb
9°
2°
Fair
Mar
11°
3°
Good
Apr
14°
5°
Good
May
18°
8°
Good
Jun
21°
11°
Good
Jul
25°
14°
Great
Aug
25°
14°
Great
Sep
21°
12°
Great
Oct
15°
8°
Good
Nov
10°
4°
Fair
Dec
7°
2°
Poor
Month-by-Month Weather in Seattle
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 2°C | 18 | 4h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
| February | 9°C | 2°C | 14 | 6h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
| March | 11°C | 3°C | 18 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| April | 14°C | 5°C | 16 | 10h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 13 | 11h | 65% | 10 | Good | View |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 10 | 12h | 65% | 10 | Good | View |
| JulyRecommended | 25°C | 14°C | 6 | 13h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 25°C | 14°C | 5 | 12h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 21°C | 12°C | 8 | 10h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| October | 15°C | 8°C | 15 | 7h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 10°C | 4°C | 18 | 5h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
| December | 7°C | 2°C | 18 | 4h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Seattle
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 14°C high, 5°C low
Spring in Seattle brings gradually cool temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 14°C (57°F) while nights cool to 5°C (41°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 24°C high, 13°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Seattle, with temperatures reaching 24°C (75°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 15°C high, 8°C low
Fall in Seattle is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 15°C (59°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 8°C high, 2°C low
Winter in Seattle brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid Seattle
The least favorable time to visit Seattle is January and December. During this period, you can expect cold weather, heavy rainfall.
January
Challenges: cold weather, heavy rainfall
December
Challenges: cold weather, heavy rainfall
February
Challenges: cold weather, frequent rain
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Seattle
Packing recommendations for visiting Seattle during the best travel months (August, July, September), when temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Seattle Year-Round Climate Overview
Seattle has a Mediterranean climate (Koppen classification: Csb). The warmest month is August with highs of 25°C, while the coldest month is December at just 7°C. Annual rainfall averages 1296mm across approximately 159 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| Low °C | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Rain Days | 18 | 14 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 18 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 175 | 119 | 136 | 111 | 76 | 59 | 25 | 34 | 64 | 129 | 192 | 176 |
| Sun h/day | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Seattle? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Seattle?+
The best time to visit Seattle is August, July, September. During these months, temperatures average 24°C (75°F) with 12 hours of daily sunshine and only 6 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Seattle?+
The least ideal time to visit Seattle is January and December. During this period, you can expect cold weather, heavy rainfall. While Seattle can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Seattle good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Seattle (June to August) brings temperatures of 24°C (75°F) highs and 13°C (55°F) lows, with about 12 hours of sunshine and 7 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Seattle?+
The rainy season in Seattle runs from January to December, when average rain days increase to 18 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 158mm.
What should I pack for Seattle?+
When visiting Seattle during the best travel months (August, July, September), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is August a good time to visit Seattle?+
Yes, August is one of the best months to visit Seattle. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), 12 hours of daily sunshine, and only 5 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Seattle
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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