Seattle
About Seattle
Seattle, the 'Emerald City' of the Pacific Northwest, is a destination defined by its stunning natural landscapes, thriving tech scene, and a world-renowned coffee culture. Nestled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges framing the horizon, Seattle offers a temperate maritime climate. While it is famous for its misty rain, the city experiences distinct seasons that cater to different traveler types. From the glorious, sun-drenched summers that rival the clear skies of Los Angeles or San Francisco, to the moody, cozy winters perfect for museum-hopping, Seattle's appeal shifts throughout the year. Whether you are looking for peak festival season or a quiet budget getaway, understanding the city's unique weather patterns is key to a successful trip.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Seattle at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October
Fall (September–October)
November, December, January, February
Winter (November–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Seattle, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
USD daily budgets: $80–$110/day to $500+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Seattle
Best Overall
July–September
Cheapest
January–February
Busiest
July–August
Best Weather
July and August
For Events
May–September
For Families
June–August
For Couples
September–October
Budget Travel
November–March
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Seattle.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Seattle — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Seattle
January
Temp: 3°C–9°C (37°F–48°F). High precipitation with frequent drizzle and overcast skies; roughly 2-3 sunshine hours daily.
“Best for budget travelers and those who enjoy indoor cultural activities without the crowds.”
February
Temp: 3°C–10°C (37°F–50°F). Slightly drier than January but still cool and damp.
“The absolute best month for museum lovers thanks to city-wide discounts.”
March
Temp: 4°C–12°C (39°F–54°F). Transition month with unpredictable showers and the first signs of spring blooms.
“Great for foodies and those wanting to see the famous cherry blossoms.”
April
Temp: 6°C–14°C (43°F–57°F). 'April showers' are real, but interspersed with beautiful sunny intervals.
“Ideal for nature photographers and fans of spring florals.”
May
Temp: 9°C–18°C (48°F–64°F). Warming up significantly; the city starts to feel vibrant and green.
“The best 'shoulder season' month with a great balance of weather and events.”
June
Temp: 11°C–21°C (52°F–70°F). 'June Gloom' can bring morning clouds, but afternoons are often pleasant.
“Perfect for those who want to experience Seattle's quirky community festivals.”
July
Temp: 14°C–25°C (57°F–77°F). The driest and sunniest month; long days with sunset after 9:00 PM.
“The best weather of the year, but expect the highest prices and crowds.”
August
Temp: 14°C–25°C (57°F–77°F). Consistently warm and dry; occasionally hazy if there are regional wildfires.
“Peak summer vibes; ideal for outdoor adventures and water sports.”
September
Temp: 12°C–21°C (54°F–70°F). Mild and beautiful; the first half of the month often feels like summer.
“Many locals' favorite month; great weather with slightly fewer tourists than August.”
October
Temp: 8°C–15°C (46°F–59°F). Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage, though rain begins to return.
“The best month for autumn atmosphere and crisp, clear 'sweater weather' days.”
November
Temp: 5°C–11°C (41°F–52°F). The wettest month of the year; grey skies are the norm.
“Best for those who find the 'rainy Seattle' aesthetic charming and want low prices.”
December
Temp: 3°C–8°C (37°F–46°F). Cold and damp, but the city is beautifully lit for the holidays.
“Great for a festive city break with a cozy, Pacific Northwest holiday feel.”
Festivals & Events in Seattle
Seafair
A month-long summer festival featuring hydroplane races and the Blue Angels air show over Lake Washington.
Massive crowds; hotels near the water and downtown book up months in advance.Bumbershoot
One of the nation's largest urban arts and music festivals, held at the Seattle Center.
High demand for hotels near Queen Anne and Downtown; book 3+ months early.Northwest Folklife Festival
A massive community-run festival celebrating the diverse cultures and music of the Pacific Northwest.
Moderate impact; Seattle Center area becomes very busy during Memorial Day weekend.Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
One of the largest and most highly attended film festivals in North America.
Boutique hotels near screening venues (Queen Anne, Capitol Hill) see higher occupancy.Bite of Seattle
A premier food festival featuring over 50 restaurants and local vendors.
Heavy local traffic near Seattle Center; public transport is recommended.Seattle Pride
A vibrant celebration and parade through downtown and Capitol Hill.
Hotels in Capitol Hill and Downtown reach 100% capacity; book well in advance.Taste Washington
The nation's largest single-region wine and food event.
Popular with regional travelers; hotels downtown may see a price bump.WildLanterns at the Zoo
An immersive light show featuring large-scale animal lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.
Minimal impact on city-wide prices, but evening tickets sell out fast.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Seattle?
USD
Daily Budget
Peak
$300–$450/night
Off-Peak
$150–$250/night
Prices skyrocket in summer (June-August) due to the Alaskan cruise season and major conventions. For the best value, visit in February during Museum Month or in the late fall.
Where to Stay in Seattle by Season
Downtown / Waterfront
PremiumSummer
Perfect for first-time visitors who want to walk to Pike Place Market and the Great Wheel. It's the hub for cruise departures.
Capitol Hill
Moderate to HighYear-round
The heart of Seattle's nightlife, coffee culture, and dining. Great in winter for its cozy cafes and proximity to light rail.
Ballard
ModerateSpring & Summer
A historic Scandinavian neighborhood with a great brewery scene and the beautiful Ballard Locks. Perfect for a more local feel.
Queen Anne (Lower)
HighSummer & Fall
Home to the Space Needle and Seattle Center. Excellent for families and those attending festivals like Bumbershoot.
Fremont
ModerateJune (Solstice)
The 'Center of the Universe.' Quirky, artistic, and home to the Fremont Troll. Best experienced during the summer solstice.
What to Pack for Seattle
Spring
Pro tip: Locals rarely use umbrellas unless it's a downpour; a good hooded jacket is much more practical for the constant drizzle.
Summer
Pro tip: The sun is stronger than you think due to the northern latitude; don't skip the SPF.
Fall
Pro tip: Embrace the 'Pacific Northwest uniform'—flannels and vests are stylish and functional here.
Winter
Pro tip: Focus on moisture-wicking materials like merino wool rather than heavy cotton, which stays wet and cold.
FAQs: Visiting Seattle
What is the best month to visit Seattle?
July and August offer the best weather with consistent sunshine and warm temperatures. If you want a balance of good weather and lower prices, September is an excellent choice.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Seattle?
January and February are generally the cheapest months to fly to Seattle. You can also find great deals in November, excluding the Thanksgiving holiday.
Does it really rain all the time in Seattle?
Not exactly. Seattle actually gets less annual rainfall than cities like Miami or Atlanta. However, it has many overcast and misty days, particularly from November through May.
Is Seattle worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially for 'cozy' travelers. Winter is perfect for visiting the Seattle Public Library, the many world-class museums, and enjoying the city's famous coffee culture without the summer crowds.
What is the weather like in Seattle in July?
July is beautiful, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). It is the sunniest month and perfect for outdoor activities and visiting national parks.
How many days do I need in Seattle?
3 to 4 days is perfect for seeing the main city highlights. If you plan to visit Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Park, add at least 2 more days.
Is Seattle more expensive than Portland?
Generally, yes. Seattle's hotel prices and dining costs are typically higher than Portland's, though both are premium Pacific Northwest destinations.
When can I see the cherry blossoms in Seattle?
The peak bloom usually occurs between late March and early April, specifically at the University of Washington's Quad.
Is it safe to hike near Seattle in the winter?
Only if you are experienced and prepared for snow. Most popular high-elevation trails are inaccessible without snowshoes or crampons until July.
Can I see whales in Seattle year-round?
The best time for whale watching is from May through September when Orcas and Humpbacks are most active in the Salish Sea.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in United States
Chicago
Chicago offers a similar lakeside vibe with world-class architecture, but experiences much colder winters and hotter, more humid summers than Seattle.
New York
Both are cultural hubs, but New York's energy is more frantic; visit NYC for Broadway and big-city lights, or Seattle for a more relaxed, nature-adjacent pace.
Los Angeles
Swap Seattle's evergreen forests for Southern California sunshine; LA is the better choice if you want traditional beach weather year-round.
Atlanta
Atlanta provides a lush 'city in a forest' feel similar to Seattle, but with significantly more heat and Southern charm.
Dallas
Dallas offers a taste of the modern South with much warmer winters, though it lacks the immediate mountain access of the Pacific Northwest.
Miami
Miami is the ultimate winter escape; when Seattle is grey and rainy in January, Miami is sunny and tropical.
San Francisco
San Francisco is Seattle's closest cousin in terms of tech culture and hilly terrain, but its 'summer' is often foggier and cooler.
Denver
Denver is another great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, offering drier air and more snow-focused winter activities compared to Seattle's maritime climate.
Las Vegas
For a total change of scenery, Las Vegas offers high-desert heat and neon nightlife that contrasts sharply with Seattle's natural greens and blues.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a popular winter refuge for Seattleites seeking to escape 'The Big Dark' for desert sunshine and golf.
Boston
Both cities have a historic, intellectual feel and great waterfronts, but Boston's history dates back to the colonial era with much harsher winters.
Houston
Houston offers a massive culinary scene and warmer weather, but lacks the walkable, transit-oriented nature of downtown Seattle.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is an excellent alternative for history buffs and foodies looking for an East Coast city that is generally more affordable than Seattle.
Minneapolis
Like Seattle, Minneapolis is a city of lakes, but its winters are significantly colder and more snow-heavy.
Detroit
Detroit offers a grit and rising creative scene that mirrors Seattle’s industrial past, often at a much lower price point for travelers.
Orlando
Orlando is the go-to for theme park families, whereas Seattle is better suited for families who enjoy hiking, ferries, and science museums.
Charlotte
Charlotte offers a clean, modern city center with mild seasons and is a great gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Washington
Washington D.C. matches Seattle's cherry blossom beauty in spring but offers more historic monuments and free national museums.
Portland
Portland is Seattle's laid-back neighbor to the south; it's smaller, slightly quirkier, and has no sales tax, making it a great add-on to a Northwest trip.
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