When to visit Seattle without the crowds
Seattle (Washington, United States) is calmest in February, March, April, October, November and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in June and July. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with February, March, November and December: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
May–Jun & Sep
When everyone heads home
The second half of September.
Tip
July and August are dry and sunny; on cruise days Pike Place Market fills by mid-morning.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 8 °C (47 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 8 °C (47 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 12 °C (53 °F) | |
| April | 2/5 · calm | 14 °C (58 °F) | |
| May | 3/5 · moderate | 18 °C (65 °F) | Alaska cruise season (May–Sep), Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 21 °C (70 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 4/5 · busy | 25 °C (76 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 25 °C (76 °F) | |
| September | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 21 °C (69 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm | 15 °C (60 °F) | |
| November | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 11 °C (52 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 8 °C (46 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Rainy season (Nov–Mar): grey skies and drizzle most days.
- Wildfire smoke in some years (Aug–Sep).
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Seattle without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually March (crowds 1/5). In March the average high is 12 °C (53 °F). All the calm months: February, March, April, October, November and December.
When is Seattle most crowded?
The busiest season is June and July. The second half of September.
What is the weather like in Seattle?
Average highs range from 8 °C (46 °F) in December to 25 °C (76 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Seattle?
Rainy season (Nov–Mar): grey skies and drizzle most days. Wildfire smoke in some years (Aug–Sep).
What festivals are there in Seattle?
The main ones: Alaska cruise season (May–Sep) (May).
More places in Washington
- Olympic (Port Angeles) calm in January, February, March, April, October and December; busiest in June, July, August and September
- Mount Rainier calm in January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December; busiest in July and August