Located on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is one of the most popular cities in the US. Besides the economical and historical significance, this city is quite well-known among tourists. However, many people have no idea about the best time to visit Seattle.
You see, one of the crucial facts you have to consider before visiting a place is the weather. If the weather isn’t in your favor, you can’t enjoy your vacation with open arms. Even though Seattle is a port city, we can see the change in the weather.
In this case, you need complete knowledge of the place, especially when you visit for the first time. You see, some tourist spots are accessible for all seasons. And you can find special activities each season.
Seattle is like that. Be it the peak season or off-season, you can find several activities to enjoy your vacation with your loved ones. On the other hand, if you want to avoid crowds, you have to choose a less-visited season.
That’s why we are ready to help you out. In this article, we will cover the best time to visit Seattle in detail. Keep reading before making your final decision. So, let’s get started.
Best Time to Visit Seattle
Inhabited by the native Americans 4,000 years ago, Seattle is one of the most important cities in this county. Because of its geographical location and historic significance, Seattle became a popular tourist hotspot.
From the Gold Rush to the First World War, there are so many things you can explore here. Plus, Seattle is a hotspot for some adventure activities.
However, you have to know about the best time to visit Seattle before making a plan. It also depends on your activities. Make sure you read each point and find the right time for your Seattle vacation:
March to May
Looking for budget travel? Spring is the ideal time to plan your Seattle vacation. The popular time in this area is during summer. So, March to May comes under the shoulder season, so most hotels don’t raise the rate during this time.
As Seattle is a summer tourist destination, choosing the spring months can be a good idea. On the other hand, you can avoid crowds this time. However, you have to be careful with Pacific winds and rain. You have to be extra careful about your kids. Make sure you pack warm clothes.
There are some top activities you can do during this time. In this case, check on the internet if there’s a festival available during your visit. Well, you can have a great experience with these festivals:
- Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival (April)
- Moisture Festival
- Seattle International Film Festival
June to August
As we noted before, summer is the most popular time for Seattle. Thousands of tourists across the globe visit this port city from June to August. That’s why many people consider this time as the best time to visit Seattle.
But, wait. Do you really want to enjoy the crowd? Well, if your answer is yes, you can have an amazing experience. Because of the summer vacation, Seattle becomes a hotspot among tourists.
However, it’s not the complete story. Besides handling the crowds, you have to spend a lot of money on accommodation. Plus, the rate of fun activities is high during this season. So, the choice is yours.
Still, you can enjoy your Seattle vacation with several activities. Be a part of these amazing activities to know more about the tourist destination. Let’s find out:
- Seattle International Beer Fest
- Seattle Pride
- Capitol Hill Block Party
- Seafair Weekend
September to October: Best Time to Visit Seattle
Avoiding the summer season is the best thing you can do. Unless you can’t manage time or want to explore the city’s activities, you should avoid summer vacation in Seattle. In this case, September to October can be the best time to visit Seattle. Why? Let’s make everything clear.
This shoulder season comes after summer. This means you can get a lot of discounts choosing the best hotel. On the other hand, the weather is ideal for a vacation. Winter isn’t there and you can get mild summer vibes as well.
Plus, you don’t have to face rain often. In case it’s raining, make sure you pack an umbrella and some warm clothes. It’s essential as the average temperature is between 40 to 70 degrees.
Another good thing about this season is you can enjoy several winter festivals and activities here. And it will increase your excitement. Some top festivals in Seattle are:
- Earshot Jazz Festival
- Bumbershoot
- Seattle Restaurant Week
November to February
Okay, if budget is your top priority, you can visit Seattle from November to February. However, winter isn’t the right time to visit this city, especially if you want sightseeing on your vacation.
The temperature is between 30 to 40 degrees which is not suitable for tourists. Plus, be prepared for sudden rainfall and snowfall. However, there’s still bright light. You can enjoy visiting this marvelous city for winter adventures.
Yes, Seattle is quite well-known for winter sports like snowboarding, skiing, and more. On the other hand, you can enjoy some magical festivals here. Just make sure you carry heavy warm clothes.
And you can also plan some small trips to the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during winter. Make sure you participate in these awesome winter events in Seattle:
- Christmas Ship Festival
- Seattle International Comedy Competition
- Marathon & Half Marathon (December)
- Festival of Improv Theater
Conclusion
Choosing the month is essential when you visit a tourist place. If you prefer hustle-bustle, you can go for the peak season. In this case, get ready for facing crowds. On the other hand, all accommodation prices can increase during busy months.
That’s why the shoulder season can be the right time if you want to enjoy your vacation. Plus, there are so many budget accommodations available during this time. For more information regarding Seattle tourism, you can do online research.
