Seattle is known for its temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers. But what's the weather like in Seattle month by month? If you're planning a trip to the Emerald City, it's helpful to know what kind of weather to expect so you can pack accordingly and make the most of your time. This guide will give you a detailed look at the weather in Seattle by month, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Seattle's climate is influenced by its location on the Puget Sound, which is a large body of water that helps to moderate the city's temperatures. The Olympic Mountains to the west also play a role in shaping Seattle's weather, as they block much of the cold air from the Pacific Ocean. As a result, Seattle has a relatively mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F in January to 75°F in August.
Now that you have a general overview of Seattle's weather, let's take a closer look at what to expect month by month.
Seattle Weather by Month
Mild winters, cool summers.
- January: Chilly and rainy
- February: Cool and wet
- March: Variable, can be sunny or rainy
- April: Showers and sunshine
- May: Mild and pleasant
- June: Warm and sunny
- July: Hottest month
- August: Warm and dry
September: Sunny and crisp
October: Rainy and cool
November: Chilly and wet
December: Cold and rainy
January: Chilly and rainy
January is the coldest month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 36°F to 46°F. It's also the wettest month, with an average of 5.5 inches of rain. Snow is rare in Seattle, but it can happen in January, especially at higher elevations. Overall, January is a chilly and rainy month in Seattle, so be sure to pack warm, waterproof clothing if you're visiting during this time.
If you're looking for things to do in Seattle in January, there are still plenty of options. The city's many museums and art galleries are open year-round, and there are also a number of indoor activities, such as bowling, laser tag, and escape rooms. If you're feeling brave, you can even take a walk or hike in the rain. Just be sure to dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes.
One of the best things about Seattle in January is the lack of crowds. This is a great time to visit the city's popular tourist attractions without having to wait in long lines. You can also find some great deals on airfare and hotels during this time of year.
Overall, January is a great time to visit Seattle if you're prepared for the cold and rain. Just be sure to pack accordingly and have a few indoor activities planned in case the weather gets too bad.
Here are some additional tips for visiting Seattle in January:
- Pack warm, waterproof clothing, including a hat, gloves, and scarf.
- Wear layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
- Be prepared for rain by bringing an umbrella or raincoat.
- Consider bringing a pair of waterproof boots or shoes.
- Check the weather forecast before you head out each day.
February: Cool and wet
February is the second coldest month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 37°F to 47°F. It's also the second wettest month, with an average of 4.8 inches of rain. Snow is still rare in February, but it's more likely than in January. Overall, February is a cool and wet month in Seattle, but it's also a time of transition. The days start to get longer and the sun starts to shine more often, hinting at the spring to come.
If you're visiting Seattle in February, be sure to pack warm, waterproof clothing. You'll also want to have a few indoor activities planned in case the weather gets too bad. But don't let the rain keep you from exploring the city. There are still plenty of things to do in Seattle in February, both indoors and out.
One of the best things about Seattle in February is the Lunar New Year celebration. This festival, which is also known as Chinese New Year, is a major holiday in Seattle's large Asian community. There are many events and activities held throughout the city during Lunar New Year, including parades, lion dances, and cultural performances.
Another popular event in February is the Seattle Restaurant Week. This annual event features prix-fixe menus at some of the city's best restaurants. It's a great opportunity to try new restaurants or to enjoy a special meal at a discounted price.
Overall, February is a great time to visit Seattle if you're prepared for the cold and rain. Just be sure to pack accordingly and have a few indoor activities planned in case the weather gets too bad.
March: Variable, can be sunny or rainy
March is a transitional month in Seattle, with the weather changing rapidly from day to day. It can be sunny and mild one day and cold and rainy the next. The average temperature in March is 42°F to 52°F, and the average rainfall is 3.8 inches.
- Mild temperatures: The weather in March is generally mild, with average temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. However, there can be occasional cold snaps or warm spells.
- Variable weather: March is known for its variable weather, which can change rapidly from sunny and mild to cold and rainy. It's important to be prepared for all types of weather when visiting Seattle in March.
- Increased daylight: The days start to get longer in March, with the sun rising earlier and setting later. This makes it a great time to get outdoors and explore the city.
- Signs of spring: Although it's still early in the spring, there are signs of new life everywhere in March. The trees start to bud, the flowers start to bloom, and the birds start to sing.
Overall, March is a great time to visit Seattle if you're prepared for the variable weather. Just be sure to pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to the changing temperatures. And don't forget your umbrella!
April: Showers and sunshine
April is a month of transition in Seattle, as the weather starts to warm up and the rain starts to decrease. The average temperature in April is 46°F to 58°F, and the average rainfall is 2.5 inches.
- More sunshine: April is one of the sunniest months in Seattle, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day. This makes it a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the city's many parks and beaches.
- Decreasing rain: The amount of rain in April is typically less than in the winter months, but it can still be rainy. Be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case.
- Warmer temperatures: The average temperature in April is in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, making it comfortable to be outdoors. However, there can still be occasional cold snaps, so it's important to pack layers of clothing.
- Spring flowers: April is a great time to see spring flowers in bloom in Seattle. The cherry blossoms are particularly beautiful, and they can be seen in many parks and gardens throughout the city.
Overall, April is a great time to visit Seattle. The weather is generally mild and sunny, and there are many things to see and do in the city. Just be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case.
May: Mild and pleasant
May is one of the best months to visit Seattle, with mild and pleasant weather. The average temperature in May is 52°F to 65°F, and the average rainfall is just 1.8 inches. This makes it a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the city's many parks, beaches, and hiking trails.
Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy during a visit to Seattle in May:
- Mild temperatures: The weather in May is typically mild and comfortable, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and hiking.
- Decreasing rain: The amount of rain in May is typically less than in the winter and spring months. However, it's still a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case.
- Beautiful flowers: May is a great time to see flowers in bloom in Seattle. The rhododendrons are particularly beautiful, and they can be seen in many parks and gardens throughout the city.
- Outdoor festivals and events: May is a popular time for outdoor festivals and events in Seattle. Some of the most popular events include the Seattle International Film Festival, the Northwest Folklife Festival, and the Seattle Cinco de Mayo Festival.
Overall, May is a great time to visit Seattle. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, and there are many things to see and do in the city. Just be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case.
Here are some additional tips for visiting Seattle in May:
- Be sure to pack layers of clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong in May.
- Consider bringing a raincoat or umbrella, just in case.
- Check the weather forecast before you head out each day.
June: Warm and sunny
June is the warmest and sunniest month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 58°F to 72°F. The average rainfall is just 1.4 inches, making it a great time to enjoy the city's many outdoor activities.
Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy during a visit to Seattle in June:
- Warm temperatures: The weather in June is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
- Long days: The days are long in June, with the sun rising early and setting late. This gives you plenty of time to explore the city and enjoy the outdoors.
- Outdoor festivals and events: June is a popular time for outdoor festivals and events in Seattle. Some of the most popular events include the Bite of Seattle festival, the Seattle Pride Parade, and the Fremont Solstice Parade.
- Beautiful scenery: June is a great time to see the natural beauty of Seattle. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the mountains and forests are a stunning backdrop to the city.
Overall, June is a great time to visit Seattle. The weather is generally warm and sunny, and there are many things to see and do in the city. Just be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong in June.
Here are some additional tips for visiting Seattle in June:
- Be sure to pack light, summer clothing.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong in June.
- Consider bringing a hat or visor to protect your head from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
July: Hottest month
July is the hottest month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 62°F to 79°F. The average rainfall is just 0.7 inches, making it a great time to enjoy the city's many outdoor activities.
Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy during a visit to Seattle in July:
- Warm temperatures: The weather in July is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
- Long days: The days are long in July, with the sun rising early and setting late. This gives you plenty of time to explore the city and enjoy the outdoors.
- Outdoor festivals and events: July is a popular time for outdoor festivals and events in Seattle. Some of the most popular events include the Seafair Summer Festival, the Capitol Hill Block Party, and the Bite of Seattle festival.
- Beautiful scenery: July is a great time to see the natural beauty of Seattle. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the mountains and forests are a stunning backdrop to the city.
Overall, July is a great time to visit Seattle. The weather is generally warm and sunny, and there are many things to see and do in the city. Just be sure to pack light, summer clothing and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong in July.
Here are some additional tips for visiting Seattle in July:
- Be sure to pack light, summer clothing.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong in July.
- Consider bringing a hat or visor to protect your head from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
August: Warm and dry
August is typically a warm and dry month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 61°F to 78°F. The average rainfall is just 0.6 inches, making it a great time to enjoy the city's many outdoor activities.
Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy during a visit to Seattle in August:
- Warm temperatures: The weather in August is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
- Long days: The days are still long in August, with the sun rising early and setting late. This gives you plenty of time to explore the city and enjoy the outdoors.
- Outdoor festivals and events: August is a popular time for outdoor festivals and events in Seattle. Some of the most popular events include the Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, the Seafair Summer Festival, and the Bite of Seattle festival.
- Beautiful scenery: August is a great time to see the natural beauty of Seattle. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the mountains and forests are a stunning backdrop to the city.
Overall, August is a great time to visit Seattle. The weather is generally warm and sunny, and there are many things to see and do in the city. Just be sure to pack light, summer clothing and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong in August.
Here are some additional tips for visiting Seattle in August:
- Be sure to pack light, summer clothing.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong in August.
- Consider bringing a hat or visor to protect your head from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the weather in Seattle by month:
Question 1: What is the warmest month in Seattle?
Answer 1: July is the warmest month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 62°F to 79°F.
Question 2: What is the coldest month in Seattle?
Answer 2: January is the coldest month in Seattle, with average temperatures ranging from 36°F to 46°F.
Question 3: What is the wettest month in Seattle?
Answer 3: November is the wettest month in Seattle, with an average of 6.4 inches of rain.
Question 4: What is the driest month in Seattle?
Answer 4: July is the driest month in Seattle, with an average of just 0.7 inches of rain.
Question 5: What is the best time to visit Seattle?
Answer 5: The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months (June, July, and August), when the weather is warm and sunny.
Question 6: What should I pack for a trip to Seattle?
Answer 6: Be sure to pack layers of clothing, as the weather in Seattle can be unpredictable. You should also pack a raincoat or umbrella, as it can rain at any time of year.
Question 7: Are there any special events or festivals in Seattle during the summer months?
Answer 7: Yes, there are many special events and festivals in Seattle during the summer months, including the Seafair Summer Festival, the Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, and the Bite of Seattle festival.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the weather in Seattle by month. For more information, please visit the Seattle tourism website.
Now that you know more about the weather in Seattle by month, here are some tips for planning your trip:
Tips
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Seattle, based on the weather by month:
Tip 1: Dress in layers. The weather in Seattle can be unpredictable, so it's important to dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. This is especially important during the spring and fall months, when the weather can change rapidly from warm to cold.
Tip 2: Bring a raincoat or umbrella. It can rain at any time of year in Seattle, so it's always a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella. This is especially important during the winter months, when it rains frequently.
Tip 3: Check the weather forecast before you head out each day. The weather in Seattle can change quickly, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before you head out each day. This will help you plan your activities and dress appropriately.
Tip 4: Take advantage of the city's many indoor activities. If the weather is bad, there are still plenty of things to do in Seattle. The city has many museums, art galleries, and indoor attractions, such as the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
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By following these tips, you can be prepared for any type of weather in Seattle and make the most of your trip.
Now that you know what to expect from the weather in Seattle by month and have some tips for planning your trip, you're ready to start planning your adventure in the Emerald City!
Conclusion
Seattle is a city with a temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The weather in Seattle varies by month, but there is something to enjoy in every season. Here is a summary of the main points to keep in mind:
- The winter months (December, January, and February) are cold and rainy, with average temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit. Snow is rare, but it can happen.
- The spring months (March, April, and May) are variable, with mild temperatures and a mix of sunshine and rain. The days start to get longer and the flowers start to bloom in the spring.
- The summer months (June, July, and August) are warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit. This is the best time to enjoy Seattle's many outdoor activities.
- The fall months (September, October, and November) are cool and rainy, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. The leaves change color in the fall, making it a beautiful time to visit Seattle.
No matter what time of year you visit Seattle, be sure to pack layers of clothing and a raincoat or umbrella. The weather can change quickly, so it's always good to be prepared.
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Seattle is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone, no matter what the weather is like. So come and experience the Emerald City for yourself!