The shoulder seasons provide the best value, with more affordable places to stay and plenty of viable attractions to fully enjoy the city. Deals can also be found for attractions and things to do in Seattle during the winter, although certain activities are potentially hampered by the dismal gray weather (like the view from atop the Space Needle). The summer, though, tends to have the best deals for flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Winter typically provides better deals on hotels in Seattle. If the wildfire smoke is heavy enough, it's ill-advised to engage in rigorous outdoor activity. While it's hard to predict months in advance when wildfire smoke will blow through, it's worth monitoring a week or so prior to traveling. A few smoky days are nearly guaranteed during the Seattle summer, and how many depends on several variable conditions. Cultural events like the Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival occur throughout the fall.Ī small caveat to summer travel in Seattle is wildfire smoke that blows in from across the American West and British Columbia. Increased precipitation should be expected later into October. Hotel availability tends to go up after Labor Day Weekend, and the weather remains warm throughout the beginning of the season. To avoid the biggest summer rush, the autumn months are the best time to travel to Seattle. Seattle skyline from Gas Works Park in August | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane
WETTER WASHINGTON FULL
Everyone in the city tries to take full advantage of the sunny weather this time of year after a wet winter and spring. The summer season in Seattle really begins any time after the clouds break in July. The truth is that rain can extend well into the first couple of weeks of July. Some say that summer in Seattle starts on July 5th, just in time for fireworks to dry out from the 4th of July. Seattle is in full swing in the summer, with millions of tourists checking out top attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. The city comes to life this time of year, with sunny skies, outdoor festivals, and blooming mountain landscapes. The best time to go to Seattle is in the drier season between mid-June and mid-October. Events & Things to Do in Seattle Month by Month.Best Time to Visit Seattle for Outdoor Adventure.Best Time to Visit Seattle for Whale Watching.
Figure out the best time for you to visit Seattle with this helpful guide. Each season brings a balance of crowds, degrees of sunlight, and always memorable experiences. With plenty of things to do throughout the year, the best time to visit Seattle really depends on the type of vacation desired. Winter is also the best time to visit Seattle for snow sports in the mountains surrounding the city. The city is still very much abuzz this time of year with concerts, coffee shops, and less-crowded museums. Winter in Seattle is the time to go for the cheapest hotel rates and fewest crowds. Seattle also has plenty of culture and indoor activities to enjoy on a gray day. Rain in Seattle is rarely a nonstop downpour, but rather a constant drizzle, making the wetter seasons an enjoyable time to visit with the right clothing choices. This is the time of year when a consistent sunny forecast turns the city into something of a paradise.Īnd despite Seattle's association with rainy forecasts the other half of the year, which is true, it's not all grunge and gloom in the Emerald City outside of summer, not by a long shot.
But for those who like to plan ahead, and plan for the best travel conditions, the easy answer for the best time to visit Seattle is the summer, specifically mid-July through August. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )Īs the cultural capital of the Pacific Northwest, the best time to visit Seattle is as soon as you can. Written by Brad Lane Updated Oct 21, 2021