CuddlyNest is the world's largest vacation rental search engine, comparing millions of accommodations across 200+ booking sites. Our editorial team of seasoned travelers and local experts shares insider tips, destination guides, and travel inspiration to help you plan the perfect trip — whether you're booking a cozy cabin, a beachfront villa, or an apartment in the heart of the city.
Curious about the ideal time to visit Seattle? You may consider May or October which offer the perfect opportunity to discover the city while enjoying lower prices and the likelihood of pleasant weather.
However, traveling to the "Emerald City" during other months of the year is a good idea too. There are plenty of outdoor activities and festivals to keep you entertained all year round. Discover further information below!
Seattle has a temperate climate with short and dry summers and cold winters. Average temperatures during summer months range from 69°F (21°C)to 75°F (24°C) and in winter from 48°F (9°C) to 52°F (11°C).
Furthermore, the hottest month is August and the coldest month is December. Seattle's rainy season generally runs from October to March; the city gets around 75% of its rainfall during this period.
May and October are the best time to visit Seattle for pleasant weather. Hotels typically lower their prices and the weather is mild. May is perfect for hiking, exploring museums, attending live shows, or taking a ferry to beautiful Bainbridge Island.
Although the "Emerald City" experiences more rainfall in October, there's still plenty to do and see. There's a Great Pumpkin Beer Festival, Seattle Restaurant Week, Harvest Fest, and Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. It's also a great time to visit Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, and Ballard Locks. Don't let the rainy weather deter you from visiting Seattle!
For The Lowest Prices & Fewer Crowds
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Seattle, but avoid planning your trip during the holiday season. The prices of flights and accommodations spike around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
Nevertheless, this period marks thinner crowds at the city's most popular tourist attractions — Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Museum of History & Industry.
Seattle offers fun events all year round! Some of the biggest annual festivals are: MLK Day March & Rally (January), Chinatown-International District Lunar New Year Celebration (February), Emerald City Comic Con (March), Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April), Seattle International Film Festival (May), The Northwest Folklife (May-Memorial Day weekend), Seattle PrideFest (June), Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth (July), The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire (August), Bumbershoot Festival (September-Labor Day weekend), Fremont Oktoberfest (September-October), Short Run Comix & Arts Festival (November), and Christmas Ship Festival (December).
Furthermore, whale watching in the San Juan Islands is a popular recreational activity between May and September, so you may want to consider traveling around this time. Keep in mind that the summer months (roughly mid-June through mid-August) mark the high season with warm weather and large tourist crowds.
The Ultimate Travel Tip: Planning a trip to Seattle right now? Fun is practically guaranteed! And for an even better experience, lock in your stay with CuddlyNest for unbeatable accommodation deals. No need to search high and low — we've rounded up the 5 most amazing Seattle hotels, so you can save time and dive right into your adventure!
Find your kind of stay
Compare millions of stays — hotels, apartments, villas, and more
