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

Seattle is an out of doors lover’s paradise filled with issues to do in all 4 seasons, from summer season climbing and fall leaf-peeping to winter snow sports activities and ambling round downtown within the spring, when the rain begins to ease up and summer season crowds have not but arrived.

Jewelia Rosenbaum, director of the Stonington Gallery, which showcases modern works by Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, says mid-autumn is her favourite time in Seattle. “The rain is again, and the town turns into lush and inexperienced once more. In case you head up into the foothills, you possibly can nonetheless catch the final of the salmon spawning within the streams and rivers of the Cascades.”

However for you, the most effective time to go is perhaps completely different. A great start line is being conscious of the town’s primary vacationer seasons:

• Excessive Season: June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: September to October and March to Might
• Low Season: November to February

Able to plan your journey? Preserve studying for extra about the most effective occasions to go to Seattle, relying in your private choice.

Finest Occasions to Go to for Smaller Crowds

Although the seasons are fairly reasonable, Seattle does get chilly and infrequently snowy within the winter months. There are fewer crowds throughout this time, which suggests it’s nice for having fun with the indoor actions that abound in a wet metropolis like Seattle. “The grey skies provide the proper alternative to get pleasure from a heat beverage, discover a museum, absorb a present, or get pleasure from a wine tasting by the hearth,” says Cory O’Born of Visit Seattle. 

Lifelong Washingtonian and hospitality skilled Mikala Troupe, who has labored with native properties like Lotte Hotel Seattle, says, “We locals thrive within the rainier months, partly as a result of we all know the way to costume for it. Because the saying goes, ‘There’s no dangerous climate, solely dangerous garments.'” A good pair of rubber boots deserves house in your carry-on.

Troupe says the easiest way to spend a winter day is by sipping native marbled chilly brew from Caffé D’arte in Pioneer Sq. and strolling by means of Occidental Sq. to admire the vacation lights.

Finest Occasions to Go to for Good Climate

Late spring by means of the summer season is the most effective time to get pleasure from heat temperatures, excellent for immersing your self within the beautiful pure splendors of the Pacific Northwest. “We now have stunning summers, and in the event you get pleasure from climbing or getting out of the town, this can be a nice time to go to,” Troupe says. Her favourite hikes embody the simple half-mile North Bluff Path in Carkeek Park and Mount Rainier trails “main by means of stunning meadows and breathtaking views.”

Nonetheless, Phil Bevis, founding father of Seattle’s beloved Arundel Books, says that his favourite month is September for each Seattle and the San Juan Islands. “The climate is commonly lyrically stunning, and there are fewer guests,” he says.

Finest Occasions to Go to for Decrease Costs

The perfect time to go to Seattle on a finances could be the off-season, November to February. Throughout Seattle Museum Month in February, guests with passes get 50 % off admission to museums across the metropolis. “It’s a wonderful deal for households, {couples}, or journey buddies to make the most of,” O’Born says. Offers on air journey and lodging may be discovered at different occasions of the yr, too, however it’s a must to guide prematurely.

Finest Occasions to Go to for Artwork Lovers

Fall is a good time to take a look at the town, particularly in the event you’re an artwork lover. Washington, and the Seattle space particularly, is the glass artwork hub of the USA, with greater than 700 artists within the area. Take a look at their work through the Refract Glass Experience, which takes place each October. In November, the Cloudbreak music competition provides friends staying at collaborating downtown inns entry to free music exhibits at dozens of venues throughout the town. 

Any time of yr, you possibly can see the large troll sculptures constructed from reclaimed supplies by artist Thomas Dambo. The Northwest Trolls are positioned in public locations round Seattle, corresponding to in Lincoln Park and in entrance of the National Nordic Museum.

Worst Occasions to Go to

Whereas many locals revel within the rain, it is best to keep away from late fall in the event you’re averse to moist climate. November and December are the town’s rainiest months, which may put a damper in your trip in the event you plan to spend time outside.

The perfect and worst occasions to go largely rely on what you are on the lookout for, although. Vacationers hoping to hit the slopes will wish to go to through the winter, whereas hikers hoping to trek up Mount Rainier ought to wait till summer season. As Bevis places it, “Seattle has just about all the things—starting from the outside and nature to sports activities and tradition.” There actually are issues to do all yr lengthy.