Given Seattle’s rainy reputation, you’d think winter was filled with snowy days, but it rarely snows in Seattle. The city can go years without ever seeing a trace of the white stuff. Seattle averages less than 10 inches of snow from December to February. While snow may not be in the forecast, it’s still a good idea to pack warm clothing such as long pants, wool socks, gloves, a light beanie, coat and a scarf or two since temperatures dip into the mid-30s Fahrenheit and struggle to reach 50 degrees during the day. Of course, if you plan on enjoying the nearby mountains you’ll want to pack or rent snowshoes, boots and a warm puffy coat.
Spring in Seattle is unpredictable. One day it’s gorgeous and sunny enough for jeans a light cardigan and the next you’re bundled up in gloves and boots. For a trip in March through May, it’s best to pack a variety of layers and plan for anything. For women, jeans, layering tanks, light sweaters, one heavier rain-repellent coat or jacket and closed-toe shoes should suffice. Men should also dress in layers; don’t forget to top it all off with windbreaker or otherwise waterproof top layer. With highs in the mid-50s, lows in the 40s and an average 41 days of rain during March, April and May, Seattle definitely lives up to its wet reputation during the spring. However, with all that rain comes lush greenery and myriad blooming roses and rhododendron; be sure to bring your camera -- in a rain-safe bag, of course.
It’s almost as if summer wakes the city of Seattle up from its six-month long overcast slumber. Restaurants sprawl outside and the streets come alive with locals and tourists alike. Averaging about 3 inches of rain from June through August, Seattle is blanketed in sunshine during the day and is has clear, starry nights. The city experiences average highs in the mid-70s, though it’s often warmer, and lows in the mid-50s, making a sundress or shorts perfectly comfortable for a day of walking around the city and having at picnic overlooking the Puget Sound. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
Fall in Seattle shares its unpredictability with spring. September starts off warm, with average highs near 70 degrees, though the record high nearly topped 100 degrees in 1988; however, the rain and chilly temperatures start rolling in along with the tri-colored leaves in October, and they last through November. November averages 18 days of rainfall each year, second only to December in number of wet days. Pack the same types of layers you would for spring: jeans, tanks, long-sleeved shirts and a waterproof outer layer, but also bring a few winter pieces such as scarves and hats for the colder nights. Escape the chilly rain with a frothy latte at Starbucks’ flagship cafe near Pike Place Market.
