Summary

  • Mild Summers and Festivals (June-August): Seattle's summer, from June to August, is renowned for its mild temperatures and extended daylight hours.
  • The city comes alive with numerous outdoor festivals, including the iconic Seattle International Film Festival and the lively Seafair celebrations.
  • Fall Foliage and Cultural Events (September-November): Autumn in Seattle is a treat for those who appreciate vibrant fall foliage.
  • Explore the city's cultural scene with events like the Seattle Symphony's opening season and various film and music festivals.
  • Winter Magic and Holiday Festivities (December-February): Seattle's winters are mild, making it an ideal time to experience the city's holiday charm.


Seattle, the Emerald City in Washington, USA, is a vibrant metropolis bordered by water, mountains, and evergreen forests. Renowned for its tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, the city thrives on innovation and entrepreneurship. Its iconic Space Needle punctuates the skyline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding beauty. It's renowned for being one of the best cities with some of the finest natural landscapes that you can visit in USA. Seattle's cultural scene is diverse, boasting world-class museums, music venues, and a thriving coffee culture that birthed Starbucks.

Seattle, with its diverse seasons, offers a range of experiences throughout the year. Each season brings its own unique appeal, whether it's the mild summers perfect for outdoor activities or the festive winters adorned with holiday lights. In this guide, you'll discover a wealth of information about Seattle's seasons and their unique charms, helping you pinpoint the best time to experience this dynamic city. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle 2024

When to Go Seattle - Planet Travel Advisor
Seattle City Overview - Best Time to Visit Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your visit. However, the most popular time to visit Seattle is during the summer months of June, July, and August.

During the summer, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 Celsius), making it an ideal time for enjoying the best USA natural experiences such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring the city's many parks. The days are also longer, providing more time to explore and enjoy the city.

In addition to the pleasant weather, summer is also the peak tourist season in Seattle, which means that there are plenty of events and festivals taking place, including the Seattle International Film Festival, Seafair, and the Capitol Hill Block Party. However, keep in mind that summer is also the busiest time in Seattle, which means that you can expect higher prices and larger crowds.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and higher prices, you might consider visiting Seattle during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is still mild, and there are fewer tourists, which means you can enjoy the city's attractions without feeling overwhelmed.

Overall, the best time to visit Seattle depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your visit, but summer is the most popular time to visit due to the pleasant weather and abundance of events and activities.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Hotel Prices

Best for Hotels Prices in Seattle-Best Time to Visit Seattle
Seattle Night Skyline - Best Time to Visit Seattle

The best time to find lower hotel prices in Seattle is during the low season for tourism, which is typically from November to April. Hotel rates are generally lower during these months compared to the peak summer tourist season.

Additionally, booking your hotel room well in advance can also help you to find lower prices. It's also worth noting that prices may vary depending on the location of the hotel. Popular tourist destinations such as Downtown Seattle, and Pike Place Market may have higher prices than less developed areas.

Consider alternative accommodation options such as vacation rentals, hostels, or bed and breakfasts. These options can provide a more authentic experience and can be more budget-friendly. Some areas in Seattle such as Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont offer a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.

Additionally, consider traveling during shoulder seasons, which are the months of April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is still good, and the crowds are fewer, which can help you to find lower prices.

For those with a passion for global exploration during the month of May, allow our article where to travel during May to kindle your innate wanderlust and serve as a compass directing you toward an extraordinary journey.

Best Time for Activities in Seattle

Best time for activities in Seattle-Best Time to Visit Seattle
The Seattle Great Wheel - Best Time to Visit Seattle

The best time for activities in Seattle depends on the specific activity you're interested in:

Outdoor activities: Summer (June to August) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and visiting the city's many parks. The weather is warm and sunny during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Food and Drink: Seattle is known for its diverse culinary scene, and there are many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to explore. Any time of the year is good for exploring the local food and drink.

Cultural Attractions: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are considered the best time to visit for those looking for milder weather and fewer crowds. The weather is mild and comfortable during these times, making it a great time to explore the city's many cultural attractions and festivals.

Winter Activities: Winter (December to February) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. During this period, the weather can be quite cold and snowy, making it ideal for winter sports.

The best time to visit Seattle depends on what activities you want to do, and the season you prefer. Seattle offers a variety of activities, and it has mild weather, so you can choose what fits your preferences.

Best Time for Flights Prices in Seattle

Best time for flights prices in Seattle-Best Time to Visit Seattle
Seattle Night Skyline - Best Time to Visit Seattle

The best time to find lower flight prices to Seattle is typically during the low season for tourism, which is from November to April. Flight prices are generally lower during these months compared to the peak summer tourist season. Additionally, booking your flight well in advance can also help you to find lower prices.

It's also worth noting that prices may vary depending on your departure location, the time of the week, and the airline. So, it's important to shop around and compare prices from different airlines and travel agencies.

Also, you could use fare comparison websites or set price alerts to be informed of any fare drops. Keep in mind that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport that serves Seattle and the surrounding area, but there are other nearby airports such as Bellingham International Airport (BLI), which is located about 90 miles north of Seattle, and Portland International Airport (PDX), which is located about 140 miles south of Seattle.

Consider traveling during shoulder seasons, which are the months of April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is still good, and the crowds are fewer, which can help you to find lower prices.

Best Time for Good Weather in Seattle

Best time for weather in Seattle-Best Time to Visit Seattle
Mount Rainier From Space Needle - Best Time to Visit Seattle

The best time for weather in Seattle depends on personal preference. Seattle has a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The city is known for its rainy weather, so it's always a good idea to bring an umbrella and rain gear, regardless of the season.

Summer (June to August) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The city experiences its warmest temperatures during this period, with average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C). • Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are considered the best time to visit for those looking for milder weather. The temperatures during these seasons are generally mild and comfortable, with average highs in the mid to high 60s Fahrenheit (18-22°C).

Winter (December to February) is considered the best time to visit for those looking to enjoy the cold and snowy weather. The city experiences its coldest temperatures during this period, with average lows in the high 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (3-9°C). It's worth noting that Seattle is known for its unpredictable weather, and the city can experience rain even during the summer. Additionally, Seattle can experience occasional heat waves and cold spells.

Overall, the best time for weather really depends on what you're looking to do and see, and your own comfort level with different temperatures. Seattle offers a variety of activities and it's a great city to visit year-round, so you can choose what fits your preferences.

Video for Best Time to Visit Seattle

Check this video for the BEST TIME TO VISIT SEATTLE & Travel Tips created by traveler Madison's Youtube channel