Best time to visit Seattle (by conditions)
Seattle, United States
Seattle can feel very different depending on how much you’re outside versus indoors on the same day.
Rather than labeling months as good or bad, it’s more practical to sort conditions that fit you.
Facts only
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar
Avg low 1–5°C / high 7–11°C · Rainy days: 12–18 / ~80–160 mm (varies by year)
Apr · May · Jun
Avg low 4–10°C / high 12–20°C · Rainy days: 8–15 / ~40–90 mm
Jul · Aug · Sep
Avg low 12–15°C / high 22–26°C (warmer on some days) · Rainy days: 3–6 / ~15–45 mm
Oct
Avg low 7–9°C / high 13–16°C · Rainy days: 12–18 / ~80–130 mm
What it feels like
Even in the same month, comfort often splits by “walking-heavy” versus “mostly indoors.”
When it tends to fit
- • If you’ll walk a lot and you’re sensitive to wind or rain, cooler/drier conditions tend to fit better.
- • For photo-and-walk trips, sunny days usually matter more than the exact temperature.
When it may not fit
- • If you struggle with humid heat, some seasons can feel tiring even when the numbers look similar.
- • In rainier periods, “walking as planned” can be harder—tight itineraries may not fit well.
What people usually wear
Not a single “correct outfit”—just common choices that cover most situations.
- • 🧭 Key idea: In Seattle, comfort is often shaped less by extreme cold and more by **dampness, wind, and frequent light rain**. A rain-ready outer layer matters.
- • 🌧️ Oct–Mar: expect many wet days. A water-resistant jacket plus layers is the most reliable setup.
- • 🌦️ Spring (Apr–Jun): sun and showers can alternate quickly—dress so you’re okay getting lightly wet.
In the end, it often depends on one or two conditions you care about most.
Explore Seattle
These pages are connected so you can compare conditions and decide for yourself.