Seattle Weather Conditions

Seattle is famous for its rainy weather.

Seattle is known for seemingly endless clouds and constant rain. Few people know that Seattle has distinct wet and dry seasons with drastic changes in the amount of precipitation. The seasonal variations around Seattle provide opportunities for a myriad of different activities throughout the year.

Winter Rain

Seattle's winters have quite a reputation for being wet and cold.

Seattle receives more than half of its yearly rainfall between November and April. With sunrise coming as late as eight o'clock and sunset before five in the evening; Seattle's rainy season has a well-deserved reputation for being gloomy. Winter temperatures are mild, however, often around 40 degrees, with fewer than 15 days each year at or below freezing and snow relatively rare.

Dry Summers

The green colors of Seattle are intense.

Seattle is best viewed during the summer season, when it truly is the Emerald City. Rain during the summer is not infrequent, but thunderstorms are rare. Temperatures are mild, rarely climbing above 80 degrees.

Fall

Mountains around Seattle put on a dazzling display of fall colors.

Despite Seattle's yearly mild temperatures and frequent precipitation, it does have distinct transitions between the dry summer and wet winter. Morning fog is frequent as autumn takes hold in October and November. November and December sometimes see powerful windstorms.

Spring

Spring flowers signal the beginning of many festivals in Seattle.

It seems that Seattle looks for reasons to celebrate the return of sunshine and a daily temperature that hovers near 60. The city hosts numerous festivals that begin in March and continue well into May.

References

• Frommers: When to Go to Seattle
• Smarter Travel: When to Visit Seattle