The Best and Worst Times to Visit Seattle, According to Local Experts

Seattle is an outdoor lover’s paradise packed with things to do in all four seasons, from summer hiking and fall leaf-peeping to winter snow sports and ambling around downtown in the spring, when the rain starts to ease up and summer crowds haven’t yet arrived.

Jewelia Rosenbaum, director of the Stonington Gallery, which showcases contemporary works by Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, says mid-autumn is her favorite time in Seattle. “The rain is back, and the city becomes lush and green again. If you head up into the foothills, you can still catch the last of the salmon spawning in the streams and rivers of the Cascades.”

But for you, the best time to go might be different. A good starting point is being aware of the city’s main tourist seasons:

• High Season: June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: September to October and March to May
• Low Season: November to February

Ready to plan your trip? Keep reading for more about the best times to visit Seattle, depending on your personal preference.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Though the seasons are quite moderate, Seattle does get cold and occasionally snowy in the winter months. There are fewer crowds during this time, which means it’s great for enjoying the indoor activities that abound in a rainy city like Seattle. “The gray skies offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage, explore a museum, take in a show, or enjoy a wine tasting by the fire,” says Cory O’Born of Visit Seattle. 

Lifelong Washingtonian and hospitality expert Mikala Troupe, who has worked with local properties like Lotte Hotel Seattle, says, “We locals thrive in the rainier months, in part because we know how to dress for it. As the saying goes, ‘There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.'” A good pair of rubber boots deserves space in your carry-on.

Troupe says the best way to spend a winter day is by sipping local marbled cold brew from Caffé D’arte in Pioneer Square and walking through Occidental Square to admire the holiday lights.

Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

Late spring through the summer is the best time to enjoy warm temperatures, perfect for immersing yourself in the stunning natural splendors of the Pacific Northwest. “We have beautiful summers, and if you enjoy hiking or getting out of the city, this is a great time to visit,” Troupe says. Her favorite hikes include the easy half-mile North Bluff Trail in Carkeek Park and Mount Rainier trails “leading through beautiful meadows and breathtaking views.”

However, Phil Bevis, founder of Seattle’s beloved Arundel Books, says that his favorite month is September for both Seattle and the San Juan Islands. “The weather is often lyrically beautiful, and there are fewer visitors,” he says.

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

The best time to visit Seattle on a budget would be the low season, November to February. During Seattle Museum Month in February, visitors with passes get 50 percent off admission to museums around the city. “It’s an excellent deal for families, couples, or travel buddies to take advantage of,” O’Born says. Deals on air travel and lodging can be found at other times of the year, too, but you have to book in advance.

Best Times to Visit for Art Lovers

Fall is a great time to check out the city, especially if you’re an art lover. Washington, and the Seattle area in particular, is the glass art hub of the United States, with more than 700 artists in the region. Check out their work during the Refract Glass Experience, which takes place every October. In November, the Cloudbreak music festival gives guests staying at participating downtown hotels access to free music shows at dozens of venues across the city. 

Any time of year, you can see the massive troll sculptures built from reclaimed materials by artist Thomas Dambo. The Northwest Trolls are located in public places around Seattle, such as in Lincoln Park and in front of the National Nordic Museum.

Worst Times to Visit

While many locals revel in the rain, it’s best to avoid late fall if you’re averse to wet weather. November and December are the city’s rainiest months, which can put a damper on your vacation if you plan to spend time outdoors.

The best and worst times to go largely depend on what you’re looking for, though. Travelers hoping to hit the slopes will want to visit during the winter, while hikers hoping to trek up Mount Rainier should wait until summer. As Bevis puts it, “Seattle has pretty much everything—ranging from the outdoors and nature to sports and culture.” There really are things to do all year long.