Best time to go to Seattle Average weather of Seattle, United States
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Seattle?
The best time to visit Seattle, known for its unpredictable yet charming weather, largely depends on your personal preferences. However, taking both weather and tourist crowds into consideration, it can be said that the months from May to September generally offer the best balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
The months of July, August, and September are particularly ideal for enjoying the weather. These months typically offer long sunny days, moderate temperatures, and little rain, making it the perfect time to explore the city's many parks, take a cruise on Lake Washington, or attend an outdoor concert.
In terms of tourist crowds, Seattle experiences its peak season from May to October and in December. During these months, expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates, but also a city bustling with activities, including numerous festivals, outdoor markets, and cultural events.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting outside of the peak season. Even though the weather may be wetter and cooler, Seattle has much to offer during the quieter months. The city's museums, art galleries, and cozy cafes provide plenty of shelter from the cool weather, and the surrounding nature is beautifully lush and green.
Ultimately, no matter what time of year you choose to visit Seattle, you will find a vibrant and welcoming city offering a range of activities for all tastes and climates.
So, when is the best time to go to Seattle? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Seattle are May, June, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- The coldest months are February and December
- The rainiest months are January, November and December
Annual weather in Seattle
Weather details in Seattle month by month
Weather and climate in Seattle
Seattle, a major city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States located in the state of Washington, is known for its famous Space Needle tower, thriving artistic scene, and unique climate. With a Mediterranean-summer temperate climate (according to the Köppen-Geiger classification), Seattle offers a mix of mild and wet winters and moderately warm and dry summers. Explore the details of each season to plan your trip according to your climate preferences.
Seattle in Winter (December - February)
Winter in Seattle is characterized by cool and wet weather, with temperatures typically ranging between 3°C (38°F) and 9°C (49°F) . The months of December to February are the coldest of the year, but still milder than most other American cities. The sky is often overcast, with frequent showers and some snowy days.
Seattle in Spring (March - May)
Spring in Seattle sees a gradual increase in temperatures and a decrease in precipitation. March can still be quite wet, but April and May generally have more sunny days and less rain. Daytime temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) in May, making it a pleasant season to explore the city.
Seattle in Summer (June - August)
Summer in Seattle is often considered the best time of year to visit the city. The summer months are typically dry, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 27°C (81°F) . It's the perfect time to enjoy the city's numerous parks, boat tours on Lake Washington, and outdoor concerts.
Seattle in Autumn (September - November)
Autumn in Seattle is a transitional season, with temperatures gradually dropping and an increase in precipitation. Daytime temperatures can range from 23°C (74°F) in September to 11°C (52°F) in November. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy fall colors and indoor activities like visiting museums and art galleries.
In conclusion, Seattle's climate offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. Whether you prefer the cool and wet weather of winter, the renewal of spring, the dry and sunny summer, or the colors of autumn, Seattle has something to offer in every season.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Seattle
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Seattle: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Seattle
Find out when Seattle has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Seattle
- Very low season in Seattle
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and February. - Low season in Seattle
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, April, May, October, November and December. - High season in Seattle
The number of visitors to Seattle is high in: September. - Peak season in Seattle
The largest number of tourists visiting Seattle is during: June, July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Seattle month by month
Best time for low prices in Seattle
Average prices of hotels in Seattle month by month
Generally, February is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Seattle. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Seattle
A return flight between London and Seattle is generally cheaper if you go in february ($ 626 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 443 more for your airline ticket to Seattle if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Seattle
Average price of hiring a car in Seattle
On average, it costs $ 102 per day to hire a car in Seattle. This price varies by $ 29 depending on the month. In october, hiring a car costs an average of $ 90 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 118.
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