Can I Visit Seattle Anytime of the year?

Planning a vacation involves more than just finding a place to go. Mountains, beaches, lakes and cities all have something different to offer depending on the time of year. So, can you visit Seattle anytime of the year?

The answer is yes. Anytime of the year, you could theoretically visit Seattle. That being said, each season offers vastly different opportunities and attractions! If you’re wanting to make the most out of your visit, you should consider what you’re looking for before deciding when to go. Read ahead for our regional review of what each season has to offer so you can select the best time for your visit.

Spring

Spring, which begins in March and goes all the way until May is probably one of the most sought after times to visit Seattle. With the weather warming up, you can explore many of Seattle’s outdoor attractions. The average temperature in the Spring is around 58°F (14°C) giving you the perfect balance between warm and cool.

Outdoor activities

In Spring, Seattle becomes vibrant with bright green parks and places like Kerry Park, where visitors can take in views of Mount Rainier, the Space Needle and a display of blooming cherry blossom trees.
Maritime enthusiasts can explore Bainbridge Island’s waterfront harbor and enjoy the blooming tulips in Pike Place Market.

Indoor activities

March marks the return of Seattle’s interactive EMP Music Festival, while May brings the Northwest Folklife Festival. Experienced Seattleites know how to navigate around April’s continuous rain showers thanks to dozens of indoor activities like shopping hikes at Nordstrom, exploring the bustling Pike Place Market or visiting one of Seattle’s world-class museums like MoPop or the Museum of Flight.

Summer

The midyear months of June – August are some of the prettiest in Seattle with temperatures peaking in the low 70’s (21°C). June is officially Seattle summers, but it isn’t until late July or early August that you’ll be able to really experience those great days and warm nights in Seattle.

Outdoor activities

Summer is undoubtedly Seattle’s swimming season. Swimming enthusiasts can reveal in outings to Tillicum Village and Golden Gardens while on sunny days they can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and even underwater exploration at Alki Beach Park. With over 100 miles of bicycle lanes throughout Seattle, stretching from Ballard to Georgetown and reaching places like Kerry park and all around Lake Washington, urban biking is one of Seattle’s best summer activities.

Indoor activities

Seattle’s bustling café culture makes up for all of that warmth you’ll feel outside. Find solace at countless speciality coffee bars like La Marzocco cafe, Victrola Coffee roasters, Espresso Vivace Roasteria and many many others–each serving as a unique cultural experience as well as a great cup of coffee.
Visit VisitSeattle.org for an exhaustive list of activities that are going on in town during summer–from breweries and concerts to wall climbing gyms and trendy art galleries.

Autumn

October – November is Seattle’s most classic season with cooler temperatures and great views all around this unique city.
Weather-wise–the weather in October is similar to Spring but slightly cooler, with temperatures often dropping down into the high-50s (15°C). As Winter approaches, expect more rain and cooler temperatures.
And when it rains, it pours – literally! Seattle experiences 12-21 days with rain in October and November, drastically increasing in December when it gets cold and wet around most parts of the city. But never fear – Seattle is prepared for it with waterproof outerwear (think – stylish rain-boots and perfect navy zip-ups and a few cozy coffee shops sprinkled across town along with countless places still ready to explore outdoors!

Outdoor activities

The beauty of fall living in Seattle cannot be denied. Start by visiting beloved spots like Bellevue Botanical Garden filled with florae and fauna displaying their seasonal colors or catch a performance at one of Seattle’s iconic theatres such as The Intiman or Balagan Theatre! During October numerous pumpkin patches open up around town where kids of all ages can pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving just in time for the upcoming Halloween holiday!

Indoor activities

Autumn’s warm colors make an effortless backdrop to explore Northwest wine country tastings in Woodinville or down-tempo weekend activities like West Seattle’s Junction Farmer’s Market or truffle making classes at Savor Seattle Culinary Tours. Visit Hotel Max Seattle for events happening around town during this time of year from music festivals to film screenings!

Winter

Winter brings cooler temperatures to Seattle but fun still awaits. From December through February the average daily temperature hovers between 43°F (6°C). Be sure to pack a raincoat –rainfall typically hits its peak during this season–bringing an average of 8 days rain in December – an important part of what makes Western Washington so stunningly green.

Outdoor activities

Pack your skis or snowboard and head up to Snoqualmie Pass – less than an hour’s drive away – for skiing and other snow-activies at the Stevens Pass or Crystal Mountain ski resorts. Experience mountain biking with a twist! Arcades at SeaTac Airport or Dupont have gone vertical with indoor skydiving – it’s like snowboarding with no snow! Wrap up for a romantic boatride around Lake Union or brave The Great Wheel for some breathtaking views of Puget Sound!

Indoor activities

Seattle also has plenty of indoor entertainment such as EMP Museum devoted to Rock ‘n’ Roll history and interactive music exhibits, billiards at Six Arms on Capitol Hill or roam Pike Place Market’s hallways filled with local artisan craftsman boutiques while listening to live street music. Or get cozy inside Thorton Creek Alley where old-time movie theatres like Cinerama are still bringing audiences movies since 1963. Visit Seattle Magazine for more ideas on how to best spend a cozy winter indoors in Seattle!

To sum up everything briefly–Seattle has something to offer no matter what season you decide to visit! Each season brings its own unique attractions and activities making your trip one you won’t forget anytime soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if you, like many other visitors before you come back wanting more–after all there’s always something new and exciting occurring in the Emerald City!