The Emerald City, Seattle, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. However, like any other city, Seattle has its own set of seasons and weather patterns that can make it less appealing to visit at certain times of the year. In this blog post, we will explore the worst time to visit Seattle, taking into account factors like weather, tourist season, and local events.
Seattle’s climate is characterized by mild temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. The city experiences a moderate oceanic climate, with temperatures ranging from 35°F (2°C) in winter to 77°F (25°C) in summer. While this climate makes Seattle an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts, it can also make it challenging to visit during certain times of the year.
When planning a trip to Seattle, it’s essential to consider the city’s tourist season, which typically runs from June to August. During this period, the city is bustling with tourists, and popular attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market can be crowded. Additionally, hotel prices tend to be higher during peak season, making it a more expensive time to visit.
So, when is the worst time to visit Seattle? Let’s dive into the details.
Winter Months (December to February)
Winter is the wettest season in Seattle, with an average of 18 rainy days per month. The city experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of 37.5 inches (95.3 cm). While this may not be a significant issue for some visitors, it can make outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city’s parks and gardens challenging.
Additionally, winter is the low season for tourism in Seattle, which means that many attractions and businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours. This can limit the number of activities and experiences available to visitors.
Here are some key statistics about Seattle’s winter weather:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 45 | 38 | 5.5 |
| January | 45 | 38 | 4.5 |
| February | 48 | 39 | 4.5 |
Pros and Cons of Visiting Seattle in Winter
While winter may not be the best time to visit Seattle, there are still some pros and cons to consider: (See Also: Is December a Good Time to Visit Amsterdam? Discover Winter Wonders)
- Pros:
- Lower hotel prices
- Less crowded attractions
- Winter festivals and events
- Beautiful winter landscapes
- Cons:
- Wet and rainy weather
- Closed or reduced hours for attractions
- Limited outdoor activities
- Short daylight hours
Shoulder Season (March to May and September to November)
Seattle’s shoulder season, which spans from March to May and September to November, is a great time to visit the city if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices of peak season. During this period, the weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 65°F (18°C).
However, the shoulder season also means that some attractions and businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours. Additionally, the rain can still be a significant issue during this period, with an average of 12 rainy days per month.
Here are some key statistics about Seattle’s shoulder season weather:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 52 | 43 | 4.5 |
| April | 58 | 47 | 3.5 |
| May | 63 | 52 | 2.5 |
| September | 65 | 55 | 2.5 |
| October | 58 | 48 | 3.5 |
| November | 52 | 43 | 4.5 |
Pros and Cons of Visiting Seattle in Shoulder Season
While the shoulder season may not be the best time to visit Seattle, there are still some pros and cons to consider:
- Pros:
- Lower hotel prices
- Less crowded attractions
- Mild weather
- Beautiful fall foliage
- Cons:
- Some attractions and businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours
- Rain can still be a significant issue
- Short daylight hours
Best Time to Visit Seattle
So, when is the best time to visit Seattle? The answer is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (29°C). The city is also bustling with tourists, and popular attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market are open and operating on regular hours.
However, keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season, and prices for hotels and attractions may be higher. Additionally, the city can be quite crowded, and popular attractions may have long wait times. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Dc in Fall – Enjoy The Season)
Here are some key statistics about Seattle’s summer weather:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 73 | 57 | 1.5 |
| July | 77 | 61 | 0.5 |
| August | 78 | 62 | 1.5 |
Pros and Cons of Visiting Seattle in Summer
While summer may be the best time to visit Seattle, there are still some pros and cons to consider:
- Pros:
- Warm and sunny weather
- Popular attractions are open and operating on regular hours
- Beautiful summer landscapes
- Outdoor activities are plentiful
- Cons:
- High prices for hotels and attractions
- Crowded city and popular attractions
- Long wait times for popular attractions
Recap
In conclusion, the worst time to visit Seattle depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (March to May or September to November). If you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind the crowds, summer (June to August) may be the best time for you. And if you’re looking for a unique winter experience, consider visiting during the winter months (December to February).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the worst time to visit Seattle?
Winter Months (December to February)
The worst time to visit Seattle is during the winter months (December to February), when the city experiences the most rainfall and the lowest temperatures. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with fewer crowds, consider visiting during this time.
What is the best time to visit Seattle?
Summer Months (June to August)
The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and popular attractions are open and operating on regular hours.
What are the pros and cons of visiting Seattle in winter?
Pros and Cons of Visiting Seattle in Winter
The pros of visiting Seattle in winter include lower hotel prices, less crowded attractions, and winter festivals and events. However, the cons include wet and rainy weather, closed or reduced hours for attractions, limited outdoor activities, and short daylight hours.
What are the pros and cons of visiting Seattle in shoulder season?
Pros and Cons of Visiting Seattle in Shoulder Season
The pros of visiting Seattle in shoulder season include lower hotel prices, less crowded attractions, and mild weather. However, the cons include some attractions and businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours, rain can still be a significant issue, and short daylight hours. (See Also: Is July A Good Time To Visit Copenhagen – Discover Now)
What are the pros and cons of visiting Seattle in summer?
Pros and Cons of Visiting Seattle in Summer
The pros of visiting Seattle in summer include warm and sunny weather, popular attractions are open and operating on regular hours, and beautiful summer landscapes. However, the cons include high prices for hotels and attractions, crowded city and popular attractions, and long wait times for popular attractions.
What is the average rainfall in Seattle?
Average Rainfall in Seattle
The average rainfall in Seattle is 37.5 inches (95.3 cm) per year, with the most rainfall occurring during the winter months (December to February).
What is the average temperature in Seattle?
Average Temperature in Seattle
The average temperature in Seattle is 45°F (7°C) to 65°F (18°C) during the shoulder season (March to May or September to November), and 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (29°C) during the summer months (June to August).