So you’re looking at the weather for Seattle, Washington, and you have no idea what to pack on your upcoming trip.
You’re not alone.
The weather in Seattle is confusing for visitors, even Washington natives, so I’ve created a packing list with recommendations for each time of year, plus all-year essentials.
I’ve broken down this guide by season and included weather since cold and hot are relative- whether you consider 50° cold will differ if you’re coming from California or Florida!
Note: It’s also completely possible to do Seattle on a budget.
Here’s How to Dress for the Weather in Seattle, Washington:
Essentials for Every Season in Seattle
While most of your clothes will vary by season, there are a few things you need for Seattle at any time of the year.
- Umbrella. Carry a small folding travel umbrella if you are for the summer, and upgrade to a larger umbrella if visiting in the late fall, winter, or spring, when the rain is more intense and frequent.
- Lightweight, Waterproof Jacket. Seattle rains all year; the only thing that changes is how much it rains. A jacket that repels the water and is lightweight enough to be layered on top of more cute and fashionable jackets is always useful in this city.
- Layers. Like Portland, Seattle is foggy and cloudy one minute and sunny and humid the next. Your temperature will change multiple times a day, and wearing layers allows you to adjust.
- Sunglasses. It’s not always sunny in Seattle, but when the sun shines, it shines. And even when it doesn’t, powerful UV rays still penetrate through the clouds. Always use polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Reusables. Like most of the PNW, Seattle is environmentally friendly and has banned most of the single-use plastics you’re used to. Whether it’s a water bottle, a reusable silicone straw, or a grocery bag – BYOB.
- Plaid. Seattle was shaped by its grunge roots and now it’s the city’s unofficial fashion statement. Channel that with plaid shirt button-ups like this one; long-sleeved plaid shirts also make great layers.
Summer in Seattle
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Seattle.
While much of the US feels like a furnace, the Pacific Northwest has mild temperatures and cool ocean breezes, the perfect time for a picnic at Kerry Park.
It might actually be colder than you expect if you’re coming from a place that has scorchingly hot summers (I grew up in Texas and can relate)! Summer in Seattle is the perfect time and place for a cute crop top and blazer combo.
What to Wear for the Summer
- Lightweight Leggings
- Shorts, Short Skirts (you can throw light leggings under if you get cold)
- Flowy Dresses and longer skirts for Frolicking
- A mix of short and long-sleeved tops
- Band Tees (or cute, grunge-y Graphic Tees) paired with Skirts/Jeans + Boots
- Flowy Cardigans
- Comfy Flats
Read More: My Big Fat Seattle City Guide
Weather
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| June | 69° / 52° | 6 Days |
| July | 73° / 56° | 3 Days |
| August | 74° / 56° | 4 Days |
Spring in Seattle
Seattle in spring is bursting with color and life!
The famous cherry blossoms contrast the gray skies, which themselves start to make way for (occasional) sunshine. This also is the perfect season for hiking at Snoqualmie Falls when the mountain snow has melted, and the waterfall is at its most powerful.
Spring in Seattle is rainy and a bit chilly at night. You will definitely need to layer- personally, I start with jeans and a crop top, then layer up with sweaters, scarves, and beanies.
Important: Always keep your raincoat handy in the spring weather in Seattle, Washington.
What to Wear for the Spring
- Leggings
- A mix of short and long-sleeved tops
- Lightweight Rainproof Jacket
- Scarves in breathable fabrics
- Thin Beanies
- Classically badass Combat Boots go with dresses or jeans
- Fashion Flats
You Might Also Like: Top 6 Hotels in Downtown Seattle
Weather
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| March | 52° / 42° | 13 Days |
| April | 57° / 45° | 10 Days |
| May | 63° / 50° | 7 Days |
Fall in Seattle
Seattle in fall has some of the best weather all year, especially for experiencing the beautiful Washington foliage!
You can see the trees changing all over the city, or take a day trip to Mt. Rainer National Park for some truly incredible colors.
Fall also brings lower temperatures and lots of rain. While September is blessed with warm days and cool nights, November is basically winter. Bring snuggly fabrics, lots of layers, and waterproof gear.
What to Wear for the Fall
- Leggings or Jeans
- Basic, Versatile Skirts that can be dressed up or down
- Short and Long-Sleeved Tops
- Warm Cardigan
- My Favorite Blazer, ever
- Light Faux Leather Jacket for extra glam grunge
- Beanies
- Waterproof Leather Ankle Boots perfect for the weather in Seattle and fall everywhere
Read More: My Full Review of The Charter Seattle
Weather
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| September | 69° / 52° | 6 Days |
| October | 59° / 46° | 9 Days |
| November | 50° / 40° | 14 Days |
Winter in Seattle
Seattle is not known for harsh winter weather like other parts of Washington. Seattle has mild winter weather thanks to Pacific breezes, but it does rain a lot! Some winters have no snow, and others have 1-5 inches.
Yes, winter is the slow season, but there is still tons to do indoors, including the classically Seattle icons, the Space Needle, and the Chihuly Glass Garden.
What to Wear for the Winter
- Jeans
- Thick leggings, well-lined
- Long-Sleeved Tops and Sweaters
- Trench or long-lined coats, waterproof
- Warm and snuggly scarves
- Beanies
- Gloves that you can still text with
- Thick socks
- Waterproof hiking boots
Weather
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| December | 45° / 36° | 14 Days |
| January | 46° / 36° | 14 Days |
| February | 50° / 37° | 12 Days |
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that it always rains in Seattle?
Most of Seattle’s rain comes in the form of drizzle, which it does about 150 days a year.
Seattle gets an average of 37 inches of rain over 165 days, while just 4o miles away in Olympia, Washington, the weather is much rainier at over 50 inches in 165 days.
Is Seattle really cloudy all the time?
Actually, Seattle’s reputation for being really cloudy all the time is well-earned. Seattle is the cloudiest big city in the US. An average of 226 days a year, clouds cover more than 3/4 of the sky.
Does Seattle ever get sunny?
With all the talk of rain, you might be wondering if Seattle ever gets sunny. The truth is, strong rays of sunlight can temporarily make you hot in the summer, but in general, Seattle is not really sunny.
Is Seattle humid or dry?
Little known fact for those who have never been to southern Washington: Seattle is one of the most humid cities in the US, even beating out Miami! Since the city is perpetually cloudy and rainy, expect humidity.
Does Seattle have four seasons?
When researching the weather for Seattle, Washington, you’ll start to wonder if the city has 4 seasons.
Seattle is a “wet or dry” situation when it comes to seasons: winters are cold and wet, and summers are dry and warm.
Does Seattle get thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms are rare in Seattle, with an average of only 7 days of thunder per year. Actually, most of the PNW only gets a handful of thunderstorms each year due to its moderate marine climate. Seattle rarely has lighting or thunderstorms.
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