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Seattle in April

Seattle Weather in April

🇺🇸 United States

14°C
High
5°C
Low
16
Rain Days
10h
Sunshine
65%
Humidity

North America › 🇺🇸 United States › Seattle

Updated: March 2026

Is April a Good Time to Visit Seattle?

4/10
Fair

April is a fair time to visit Seattle (4/10). With 10 daily sunshine hours and only 16 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 5th sunniest of the year in Seattle. April suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 16 potential rain days. March offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 16 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.

vs March:11°C avg high

Seattle in April rewards travelers with average highs of 14°C and overnight lows around 5°C. Expect around 16 rainy days, so a compact umbrella is worth carrying. With 10 daily sunshine hours on average, conditions are cool and bracing, well suited for active days on foot.

14°C

Avg High

5°C

Avg Low

16 days

Rain Days

10h

Sunshine

65%

Humidity

Temperature in Seattle in April

The 9°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 15 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 57°F average high, 41°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in April

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Seattle in April

Morning5°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon14°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening8°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Seattle in April means dressing for 14°C days and 5°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 14°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 5°C, a modest 9°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 16 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.

💡

Local tip: Seattle sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.

Events in Seattle in April

April has no major festivals or public holidays in Seattle, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Seattle in April

Based on 14°C average highs and 16 rainy days

  • Warm jacket (down or fleece)
  • Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
  • Sweaters and lined trousers
  • Scarf and lightweight gloves
  • Compact folding umbrella
  • Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
  • Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Small day pack for city exploration
  • Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Seattle in April

  • Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 14°C, conditions are pleasant for unhurried exploration on foot
  • Visit hilltop viewpoints for panoramic city viewsLate afternoon (4-6pm)Low sun angle creates dramatic light for photography while temperatures remain comfortable
  • Bicycle rental for a half-day city circuitMid-morning startMild 14°C temperatures are ideal for extended cycling without excessive effort
  • Boat tour of the river, bay, or canal networkLate morning departureComfortable weather makes open-deck boats viable without wind-chill concerns
  • Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 16 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
  • Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
  • Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
  • Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningApril brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
  • Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months

Why is Seattle cool in April?

April marks the transition into warmer conditions in Seattle, as the sun angle climbs and day length extends. Temperatures averaging 14°C by day and 5°C overnight reflect a city shaking off winter: the morning air still carries a cool edge, but afternoons are noticeably warmer than even four weeks prior. At 48 degrees north latitude, spring is one of the most dynamic periods in the annual cycle, with weekly temperature changes that can be larger than the month-to-month shifts of summer. This volatility is part of the appeal: Seattle in April has a freshness and energy that peak-summer heat tends to mute. Layers remain essential, but there are reliable pockets of warmth that reward patience. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Seattle in April

In April, Seattle experiences average highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). Expect around 16 rainy days and 10 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 9°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Seattle typically sees 16 rainy days in April, with total precipitation of around 111mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Seattle typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than April.
Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Seattle in April. Temperatures can drop to 5°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 16 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.
April is a reasonable time to visit Seattle. Expect 16 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 14°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 10 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Seattle in April is 14°C (57°F), and the average low is 5°C (41°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 10°C (49°F). The day-to-night range of 9°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Seattle is generally July. July offers the most sunshine at 13 hours per day and only 6 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around July gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
April is shoulder or low season in Seattle, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 10 sunshine hours and 16 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In April, Seattle suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 14°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 10 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

April ranks 5th sunniest of the year in Seattle, with an average 10 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are August, July, and September. July is the hottest month (25°C avg high); December is the coolest (7°C). From here, temperatures rise 4°C into May. Compared to last month (March: 11°C high, 18 rain days), April is warmer and drier. April sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Seattle, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Year-Round Climate

MonthHighLowRain DaysSunDetails
January8°C2°C184hView
February9°C2°C146hView
March11°C3°C188hView
April14°C5°C1610hView
May18°C8°C1311hView
June21°C11°C1012hView
July25°C14°C613hView
August25°C14°C512hView
September21°C12°C810hView
October15°C8°C157hView
November10°C4°C185hView
December7°C2°C184hView

Other Months in Seattle

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan Your Trip to Seattle

Best Time to Visit SeattleSeattle vs Vancouver in April

Data Sources for Seattle

Seattle on WikipediaOpen-Meteo Climate APINOAA National CentersUK Met OfficeWMOGeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.