is it good to visit seattle in march

The 15 Best Things to do in Seattle in March (2025)

Despite March being a little on the cold and rainy side , visiting Seattle in March is a great choice. The month is packed with fun events, from music festivals to wine showcases to celebrations of all different cultures.

Enjoy the many unique sides of the Pacific Northwest when you plan a March vacation to Seattle. Throughout your trip, you’ll enjoy cheering on your favorite teams, savoring the sweet treats of different dining events, seeing moving pieces of art, and much more.

Planning a March trip to Seattle? We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Seattle in March to help you get started, from one-of-a-kind festivals to upcoming art exhibits. Pick your favorite March activities from this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing early spring trip!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Seattle in March

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Things to Do in Seattle, Washington in March

1. meet the stars at emerald city comic con.

Beginning at the end of February and continuing until the beginning of March, Emerald City Comic Con is one of the best events in Seattle in March. Meet your favorite actors, artists, and cosplayers at Seattle’s comic convention. It’s a party for true superfans!

2. Cheer on the Kraken

The Seattle Kraken have several games happening in March, and cheering for the home team is one of the most fun things to do in Seattle in March. Head to the Climate Pledge Arena to see them take on opponents like the Edmonton Oilers, the Vegas Golden Knights, or the Washington Capitals.

3. See a Performance at Seattle Rep

Seattle Rep is a place where the Seattle community comes together to connect with themselves, their neighbors, and strangers through stories. So, it only makes sense that one of the best things to do in March in Seattle is spending an evening immersed in one such story. 

4. Get Your Pop Culture Fix at MoPOP

Over at the Museum of Pop Culture , or MoPOP, you’ll find all things pop culture no matter when you visit, from untold stories about ‘90s grunge to horror film showcases. 

Recent exhibitions have focused on LAIKA Studios, known for stop-motion animated classics like “Coraline.” Step inside immersive set displays, interact with characters, and even get a sneak peek at their next movie.

5. Uncover Untold Stories at the National Nordic Museum

For an in-depth look at Nordic history and contemporary culture, head to the National Nordic Museum . Beginning in late March, you can experience “Nordic Utopia,” which focuses on the untold history of African Americans who lived, worked, and created art in Nordic countries. It’s a unique perspective that art historians are bound to want to learn more about while visiting Seattle in March.

6. Rock Out at Freakout Weekender

Taking place at The Crocodile the first weekend of the month, Freakout Weekender is one of the best events in Seattle in March. Freakout , a nonprofit music collective that’s all about music by the people and for the people, has long offered a fall festival, but they added Freakout Weekender to their yearly festival line-up for another music-focused and community-focused event that’ll bring Seattle together.

7. Dine at Taste Washington

If you’re a foodie, Taste Washington is the place to be in Seattle in spring. As the US’s largest, single-region wine and food festival, you know that there’s plenty to eat, sip, and enjoy at Taste Washington’s many events. 

Throughout the festival’s several events, you’ll dine on specially curated dishes and perfectly paired wines while you meet the best winemakers and chefs in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll also dine and sip your way through tasting events, happening parties, and relaxed afterparties.

8. Take a Sweet Run

During the first weekend in March, you can go for a run with some seriously sweet prizes. The annual Hot Chocolate Run includes a 5K, 10K, 15K, and a post-run party filled with chocolate treats of all kinds alongside live music and local vendors. Head to the Hot Chocolate Expo the day before your run to get your runner’s kit and even more sweet treats. 

9. Drink Up During Seattle Cocktail Week

Seattle has one of the best cocktail scenes in the US, which is why Seattle Cocktail Week is a must-do thing to do in Seattle in spring. Throughout the week, you’ll find specialty sips curated by some of the city’s best bars and liquor brands. 

Plus, you can head to events like the annual Carnival of Cocktails, where you’ll find over 200 spirits, partake in cocktail masterclasses, dine around Seattle’s food trucks, and more. 

10. Giggle at Moisture Festival

Don’t let the name discourage you from coming to this one-of-a-kind festival in Seattle in March. Moisture Festival , which lasts from late March until mid-April, is the largest and longest-running festival of its kind. The festival consists of over 40 events, with over 200 artists performing, from burlesque to circus arts to comedy acts.

11. Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is just one of the many things to do in Seattle in March during Irish Week. The parade marches from 4th Avenue and Jefferson to Westlake Park, ending at the Seattle Center, where you can then enjoy the Irish Festival.

12. Celebrate at the Seattle Irish Festival

The Seattle Irish Festival is a weekend-long event that’s one of the most fun things to do in March in Seattle. This celebration, which is at the Armory Food & Event Hall in the Seattle Center, is all about Irish heritage, culture, and art. Throughout the weekend, you’ll enjoy traditional Irish music and dancing, fascinating talks, Irish film showcases, and tons of Irish drinks and dining. 

13. Sip Some Wine at The Big Taste

Wine lover? March brings about the return of The Big Taste , which you can find over at the historic Sandpoint Naval Air Station “Hangar 30” in Magnuson Park. Enjoy food trucks and taste over 100 wines, beers, ciders, and spirits from makers all over the Pacific Northwest.

The best part? Your drinking and dining are good for the community, as this event raises funds for several local charities and nonprofits.

14. See Opening Day for the Mariners

If you’re visiting Seattle in spring, seeing the Mariners play is one of the best things to do. The end of March marks the beginning of the MLB season, with Opening Day happening at the Mariners’ home of T-Mobile Park, where they’ll battle it out with their first opponent of the season. 

15. Enjoy French Culture at Seattle’s French Fest

Seattle Center Festál hosts 24 free cultural festivals throughout the year that allow Seattle residents and visitors to immerse themselves in cultures beyond their own. 

Toward the end of March, you’ll find Seattle’s French Fest at the Armory Food & Event Hall at the Seattle Center, where you can celebrate French-speaking cultures with stunning works of art, live performances, food, wine, and much more.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Seattle in March. What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

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About the Author:

Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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The best time to visit Seattle to avoid the rain (maybe)

Jun 28, 2023 • 5 min read

August is the best time to unwind on a relaxing stroll on the beach © Inti St Clair / Getty Images

Seattle : a city of hippies and hipsters, technology and nature, craft beer and coffee...and rain. Lots and lots of rain. Or is it?

Yes, Seattle gets more rainy days than most other cities in the United States, but it’s actually drier than, say, New York or Miami.

When to visit depends on what you want to do in Seattle.  If you want to explore the parks and gardens that gave the Emerald City its name or catch incredible views from the Space Needle , you’ll want sunny skies – which come with crowds of tourists.  If you'd rather pay less for accommodation and avoid the crowds in the low season, you'll need to pack an umbrella.

Despite the association with inclement weather, Seattle has something for every type of traveler, whatever time of year you decide to visit. Whether you're looking to explore  iconic architecture  or dive into a thriving  craft beer scene , here's our guide on when to visit Seattle.

April to May and September to October are ideal for exploring museums and farmers' markets 

Spring and fall see lower temperatures than the short summer and fewer crowds while still escaping the heavy rain showers of winter.  Budget travelers can find good deals on accommodation and car rental rates at this time. Even during the shoulder season, the best time to drive through Seattle is between 9am and 4:30pm, and later between 7pm and 6:30am, in order to avoid rush hour. 

April is usually the month where you’ll find the center of the “nice weather” and “cheaper hotel rates” Venn diagram. It’s not always sunny, but there are plenty of stunning days. Enjoy a celebration of the beauty of Japan at the  Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival or raise a glass to the end of winter at the Seattle Scotch and Beer Fest .

May brings big business for waterside attractions. Visit before Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) – this could be your last chance for an affordable hotel rate for a while. Get a taste of the local culture of the Pacific Northwest at the Northwest Folklife Festival but be careful – you may run out of reasons to ever leave the area!

September has one of the highlights of the cultural calendar:  Bumbershoot ,  a multi-day arts festival that began in the 1970s. This is also one of the best times to go whale watching in Seattle. Once Bumbershoot’s over, the tourists go home, and hotel prices deflate. But the weather usually remains sunny and relatively warm until early October, making this the perfect time for spotting whales without the crowds.

There’s always the chance of a prolonged summer early in October, while the start of the shoulder season brings lower prices. The best time to visit Seattle in the fall comes as the clouds roll in and people get out to celebrate Halloween and the Seattle Queer Film Festival .

Average highs are in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit) during the spring and fall, so you’ll want to bring a warm layer for the evenings.  Rainfall is characteristically a persistent yet light drizzle rather than a deluge, and more than half of these months are completely dry days. Still, an umbrella is a sensible precaution.

June to August is the perfect time for outdoor parks and festivals 

Although blistering sunny weather is infrequent in Seattle, overcast but not rainy days are not unusual. The record number of consecutive dry days is 55, set in 2017, and your best chance for a clear forecast falls between June and September. 

Summer is on the way in June and when the mercury rises, you can feel the city loosen up and sigh contentedly. It’s also Pride month, and celebrations are abundant in Seattle .

The ever-improving weather in July means bigger crowds and the high season sees peak demand for flights, transport and hotel prices. Expect crowds at famous Seattle sights like Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture .  The best time to visit the Seattle Space Needle is on clearer days, either early in the morning before the crowds arrive or at sunset, so you can get daytime and nighttime views in one visit. Book ahead for popular events in July such as the 4th of July celebrations at  Seafair .

Salmon bakes, neighborhood street fairs and lazy beach afternoons give August a laid-back feel. But school’s out, so expect ubiquitous cries of excited kids. BrasilFest brings the party atmosphere to town with a huge celebration of all things Brazilian at the Seattle Center.

November to March is the best time to get cozy in a coffee shop and explore the music scene

November can be a dismal month for weather in Seattle but don’t let anyone convince you that this is the worst time to visit. Most sights stay open and, with the low season kicking in, some hotels slash their prices to half the summer rates. Indoor spaces such as theaters and music venues come into their own during the low season; the soggy weather is partly responsible for Seattle’s famously creative music scene and its vibrant coffee shop culture.

Seattle’s surrounding ski resorts open up in December, making the city an ideal urban base for snow-related activities. Hotel prices continue to drop along with the temperatures. The festive season ramps up with Winterfest , the Christmas Ship Parade of Boats and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Space Needle .

January shuffles in with a hangover and occasional flurries of snow. Plan indoor activities, or bring your skis and head to the nearby mountains. Of all the months in the year,  January historically sees the most discounted prices on plane tickets. Brave souls can start the new year with a splash as part of the Polar Bear Plunge and dive into the new year invigorated if a little chilly. Plunges happen at multiple bodies of water all over the city and are a wonderfully positive start to the new year. Food trucks with hot beverages await you once you run for cover.

The dark, dreary days of February and occasional bouts of genuine cold keep most in figurative hibernation. Scour the internet for hotel deals and book a night at the theater – super low prices mean this a great time to nab a bargain if you don't mind wrapping up. The odd warm day in March can see restaurants opening up their patios, but more often than not, the rain persists. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations provided a good excuse to shrug off the long, hard winter and turn your face toward the warm light of Spring.

This article was first published February 2021 and updated June 2023

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Visiting Seattle in March

Table of Contents

Seattle, often dubbed the Emerald City, beckons travelers with its eclectic blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and technological marvels. While any time of year offers its own allure, March brings a special charm to this Pacific Northwest gem. In this guide, we'll delve into why March is an excellent time to visit Seattle, what to expect from the weather and the plethora of activities awaiting you in this vibrant city.

Photo credit @ZhifieZhou/Unsplash

Is March a Good Time to Visit Seattle?

Absolutely! March marks the onset of spring in Seattle, bringing milder temperatures and a sense of renewal. The city begins to shake off the winter chill, and the landscape bursts into life with cherry blossoms adorning the streets and parks. With fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, March offers an ideal opportunity to explore Seattle's attractions at a leisurely pace.

Reasons to Visit Seattle in March

Cherry blossom blooms.

Seattle transforms into a picturesque wonderland in March as cherry blossoms blanket the city in delicate shades of pink and white. One of the best places to witness this spectacle is the University of Washington's Quad, where rows of cherry trees create a breathtaking canopy of blossoms.

Cultural Festivals

March in Seattle is teeming with cultural festivities to celebrate the city's diverse heritage. From the lively Irish Festival in honor of St. Patrick's Day to the vibrant Moisture Festival showcasing eclectic performances, there's no shortage of entertainment options for visitors of all ages.

Book your Seattle adventure with Tripshepherd and explore the city's vibrant culture and natural beauty

Culinary Delights

Food enthusiasts rejoice! March in Seattle offers a tantalizing array of culinary experiences, from indulging in fresh seafood at Pike Place Market to savoring gourmet delights at the Armory Food Event Hall. Don't miss the chance to sample delectable treats from the city's thriving food truck scene or raise a toast at Seattle Cocktail Week.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature lovers will find plenty to love about Seattle in March. Embark on whale-watching excursions in Puget Sound or venture to the San Juan Islands for a glimpse of majestic orcas. Explore the pristine wilderness of Olympic National Park or marvel at the towering beauty of Mount Rainier, both just a short drive from the city.

Seattle March Weather

Seattle's weather in March is characterized by gradually warming temperatures and occasional rain showers. While the city is known for its reputation for rainfall, March typically sees less precipitation compared to the winter months. However, it's always wise to pack layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable while exploring the city.

Things to Do in Seattle in March

Explore pike place market.

No visit to Seattle is complete without a stroll through Pike Place Market. Discover local artisans, sample artisanal cheeses and chocolates, and witness the iconic tossing of fish at this bustling marketplace. Be sure to snap a photo with the beloved bronze piggy bank, Rachel, for good luck.

Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Immerse yourself in the world of music, science fiction, and pop culture at MoPOP. Explore interactive exhibits showcasing iconic artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix's guitars to costumes from your favorite sci-fi films. Don't miss the chance to unleash your inner rock star at the Sound Lab or test your gaming skills in the Indie Game Revolution exhibit.

Embark on a journey of discovery with Tripshepherd and uncover the hidden gems of Seattle.

Ascend the Space Needle

No trip to Seattle is complete without ascending the Space Needle for panoramic views of the city and beyond. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery from the observation deck, where you can spot iconic landmarks like Mount Rainier and Elliott Bay. For an extra thrill, visit during sunset to witness the city bathed in golden hues.

Indulge in Wine-Tasting

Venture beyond the city limits to explore the scenic wineries of Woodinville Wine Country. Just a short drive from Seattle, this picturesque region boasts over 130 wineries and tasting rooms, offering a diverse selection of wines to suit every palate. Join a guided tour to sample award-winning wines while soaking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest countryside.

Seattle in March offers a delightful blend of cultural festivities, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. Whether you're admiring cherry blossoms in full bloom, savoring fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, or exploring the city's iconic landmarks, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the Emerald City. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Seattle this March.

For expertly curated tours and excursions that showcase the best of Seattle, trust Tripshepherd to make your experience truly memorable. Our knowledgeable guides and personalized itineraries ensure that you'll discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that define the essence of the Emerald City. Book your Seattle adventure with Tripshepherd today and let the exploration begin!

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Seattle   Travel Guide

Best Times To Visit Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle is from September to October. Summer marks the city's high season, meaning room rates rise and availability drops, while cold winter weather can deter even the most avid sightseers. Early fall, however, is a sweet spot for tourism: Summer weather lingers as the crowds disperse, leaving plenty of hotel rooms (and lower rates) up for grabs. Meanwhile, spring offers lower lodging rates as well as warmer temps, but you'll likely encounter some rain and cooler breezes. Just remember to pack the appropriate attire to battle chilly winds and yes, the seemingly ever-present drizzle.

Weather in Seattle

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Seattle

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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These Are the Best Times to Visit Seattle

Although Seattle is known for its rainy weather, the Emerald City is much more than a gloomy destination for testing out your new rain jacket. This is especially true if, at the end of a day of hiking in pristine wilderness, you can look forward to a cream cheese-covered hot dog .

In a city of more than 700,000 people with a skyline that stands in contrast to snow-capped mountains nearby, there is no shortage of urban and active adventure. If you're heading that way with kids, check out our guide to eight fun things for families to do in Seattle before you go.

Here at TPG , we have put together a few suggestions for the best times to visit, depending on your travel goals.

When to Find the Best Weather in Seattle

Most people don't head to Seattle in search of sunshine and warmth, but if you time your trip just right, you may get lucky.

July and August are the warmest and driest months of the year. Daily high temperatures are in the mid-70s and it rains only about five days per month. During the wet season from November to January, it can often rain up to 18 days per month. This doesn't necessarily mean that winter weather in Seattle is bad — especially if you plan on heading to the mountains with your skis (or snowboard) in search of deep snow.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Outdoor Adventure

With Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range and Olympic National Park located within a few hours of driving from the city, it's no surprise that Seattle often serves as a jumping-off point for those looking to hike, climb, bike, fish and ski.

July, August and September offer the best weather for outdoor recreation. Many high-elevation roads — like Sunrise Road in Mount Rainier National Park — often are closed from late September through June.

In the winter, the rain in Seattle usually falls as snow in the mountains, which is great if you're in search of endless powder. The best time to head to Seattle for snow sports is December through April, with prime conditions from January through March.

When to Visit Seattle if You Want to Avoid the Crowds

As with most popular tourist destinations, the best weather usually brings the crowds. If you value the freedom to walk the streets without dodging selfie sticks during a daily dose of sunshine, visit in the months from late October to early March — Seattle's rainiest but least-crowded season.

Rain happens some of the time during spring and fall, but the weather is significantly better than in winter. There will be tourists in the streets — but not the mid-summer crowds.

Best Time to Visit Seattle for Events and Festivals

From food to film festivals, there is always something worth checking out in Seattle. Of course, summer brings myriad outdoor festivals, but there is plenty to do in the spring, winter and fall, as well.

Seattle's nearly month-long International Film Festival showcases more than 400 films from around the world and draws almost 200,000 people annually. The festival usually starts in May and lasts into June, giving guests the opportunity to see a variety of independent short films, features and documentaries — 70% of which will not be shown in theaters — alongside films from established cinematographers and producers.

Bumbershoot, which occurs every year over Labor Day Weekend, may be Seattle's most popular music and arts festival. This renowned festival has been featuring comedians, musicians, dancers and other artists since 1971. The festival — whose name pays tribute to the city's famous weather (a bumbershoot is an umbrella) — also features a variety of food vendors, morning yoga and even an electronic dance experience.

During October, artists and technology professionals come together to create light art exhibitions and a multimedia video mapping contest that is projected on to the Museum of History & Industry. Over four evenings in the Lake Union Park neighborhood, the Borealis Festival of Light features street art performances, installations of light art, and live music. Artists from around the world create visual light shows that are projected onto buildings. Local vendors supply food and drink.

Winter isn't usually when you find tourists flocking to Seattle, but Winterfest from late November into December offers plenty to do. There are ice sculptures, ice skating, live music, a Fountain of Light dance party and a New Year's Eve fireworks display to mark the holiday.

When to Visit Seattle for Whale Watching

Located on the Puget Sound, Seattle is the perfect embarkation point for whale watching in the Pacific.

Orca whales can be spotted year-round but they are most prevalent during the spring and summer (May through October is a safe bet). Humpback and minke whales can also be seen during this season. Gray whales usually stop in Puget Sound on their migration north in March and April.

Cheapest Time to Visit Seattle

Staying in Seattle will generally be most expensive during the summer peak, but surprisingly, it is cheaper to book airfare from certain destinations during early summer.

In order to balance weather, crowds and affordable prices, visit Seattle during the shoulder seasons, which occur in April and May and again in September and October.

Affordable Airfare

According to the travel search engine Skyscanner.com , the cheapest time to buy tickets to Seattle depends on your point of origin. From New York, the cheapest flights average $211 in November. Traveling from DC is also cheapest in November, with similar prices. If flying from Los Angeles or Atlanta, it's cheapest to travel in June. The average cost is around $158 and $247, respectively. The best month to travel from Chicago is in October, when prices land around $154. Make sure to stop by the revamped Seattle Centurion Lounge (no longer a "Studio") while you're in the airport, which opened for business in 2017.

Affordable Hotels

According to historical data obtained by the booking platform Priceline.com, the average daily rate for hotels rated with 2.5 stars and above is around $172. Unsurprisingly, prices begin to rise in May as the weather improves, and peak between June and August — Seattle's high season. In 2018, the average price per night was at its highest, averaging $222. Prices begin to decrease in September, and hit a low point between November and December. During this time, a night can be booked for as little as $135 on average. Check out our reviews of the W Seattle before and after renovations here.

For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter .

Seattle In March: Top 10 Things to Explore, Weather and Tourist Friendly Tips

Top hotel collections.

Near University of Washington

Near Space Needle

Near Fremont

Near Pike Place Market

Weather in Seattle in March : Sunny or Cloudy?

Top 10 Things to Explore in Seattle in March

A) places to visit , 1. the space needle   .

Address: 400 Broad St. Seattle, WA 98109   Timings: Monday – Wednesday: 12:00PM – 5:00PM                                             Thursday & Friday: 12:00PM – 7:00PM                                             Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM – 7:00PM Pricing: Free for children under the age 4    Ranges from $22to $35 depending upon the age  

2.Chihuly Garden and Glass

Address:  305 Harrison Street , Seattle, Washington, U.S. Timings:  Mon-Wed, 11am-5pm                                  Thu-Sun, 11am-6pm Pricing: Free for children under the age 4                                   Ranges from$19 to $32 depending upon the age of the tourist.

3. Pike Place Market

Address: First Ave and Pike St,Seattle                     Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily  with some of the restaurants staying open until 8 p.m.

4. Natural Parks

Timings:  1. North Cascades National Park -  Opens daily from 9:00am to 6:00 pm                 2. Olympic National Park - 24hrs a day all the year round                3. Mount Rainier National Park -  Open all year. Pricing:    1. North Cascades National Park - There are no entry fees. Camping requires  a free permit .                           2. Olympic National Park -  $15 per person(walk or cycle).$30 for vehicle( both allow unlimited entry for 7days)               3. Mount Rainier National Park - $15 per person(walk or cycle).$30 for vehicle( both allow unlimited entry for 7days)

5. Seattle Art Museum 

Address: 1. Art Museum - 1300 First Avenue,  Seattle, Washington,           2. SAAM -  1400 East Prospect Street, Seattle, Washington                  3. Olympic Sculpture Garden - 2901 Western Avenue,​ Seattle, Washington Timings: 1. Art Museum - Thursday to Sunday - 10am to 5pm                  2. SAAM -   Temporarily closed              3. Olympic Sculpture Garden - Opens 30 minutes before sunrise.Closes 30 minutes after sunset  Pricing: 1. Art Museum -  Price ranges from $13 to $20. Free entry for children below 14             2. SAAM -  Temporarily Closed              3. Olympic Sculpture Garden -  N/A

B)Things to Do

6. checking out the coffee culture .

 7. Enjoying the Music Culture 

 8. Seattle Wine Tours  

9. Moisture Festival 

Pricing:  Tickets are available online and range from $10-$30 

10.The Taste Washington Festival 

Things To Keep In Mind

• Pack an extra layer of warm clothes just in case the weather turns harsh.
• Check bookings and availability of lodging as this is a peak season
• Confirm timings and openings of various attractions as there might be changes due to the Covid-19 situation.
• Pre-Book tickets to avoid last minute hassle.

This post was published by Naman Chindalia

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Coffee in Seattle - Coffee Roasters, Coffeehouses and Cafés that Represent Seattle's Coffee Culture

Hiking in Seattle: 10 Hiking Trails in Seattle for the Perfect Weekend Activity

Car Rentals in Seattle- 5 Rentals To Consider When Renting a Car in Seattle

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5 Places to Watch the Spectacular Sunrise in Seattle

Public Transportation in Seattle: The Ultimate Guide

Nightlife in Seattle : 12 Things to Do for Great Seattle Nightlife

15 Best Shopping Centers in Seattle: Shop Till you Drop at these Seattle Markets!

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History of Seattle: The Expansion of Art and Culture with a High Tech Approach

Architecture of Seattle: Iconic Structures, Architectural Styles and Influences in Seattle 

Yoga in Seattle : 10 Best Yoga Studios in Seattle

Top 5 Bike Rentals in Seattle: Explore the Emerald City on Two Wheels

Top 17 Souvenirs from Seattle : Take Little Pieces of your Seattle Experience Back Home

Skydiving in Seattle - Best Spots to Skydive in Seattle

Seattle in December: Top 10 Winter-Special Events, Sightseeing and Shows to Enjoy

Hot Air Balloon in Seattle: 6 Best Ballooning Services in Seattle to Enjoy a Spectacular View of the Emerald City!

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The Top 31 Can’t-Miss Things To Do In Seattle This March

We gathered up all the free museum days, weekend markets, dance parties, live shows, and exciting events happening in Seattle this March!

Looking for fun things to do in Seattle this March?

You’ll want to bookmark this list. March 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting time to be in Seattle. This month is packed with cultural festivals, wine tastings, conventions, markets, immersive exhibitions, live concerts, sporting events, and more! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something on this list for you. The best part is that many of the things to do on this list are cheap or even free!

Read on for the top things to do in Seattle this March:

1. Astra Lumina: A Night Walk Amongst The Stars

Have you done the Astra Lumina Night Walk yet? This March is your last chance to see this incredible exhibition at the Seattle Chinese Garden. Get tickets here .

2. Take advantage of Seattle’s free museum days in March

Did you know that you can visit many Seattle museums for free on Thursday, March 7 ? Read all about the free museum days in Seattle this March.

3. Emerald City Comic Con

Fans of comics, anime, gaming, and pop culture will dress in their best cosplay and gather at Seattle Convention Center from February 29 to March 3 for Emerald City Comic Con 2024. This year’s celebrity guests include Chris Evans and more! Read more about this year’s Emerald City Comic Con .

4. Harry Potter™: Magic at Play

Step into the world of Harry Potter™ in this immersive, hands-on experience that is fun for all ages. Tickets are still available here .

5. Freakout Weekender

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If you love rock music and live shows, don’t miss Freakout Weekender 2024. This two-day music festival at feature over 20 bands performing at The Crocodile in Belltown on March 2-3 . Get tickets and more info on the Freakout website .

6. Run for hot chocolate

Warm up with a race and a hot beverage at the Hot Chocolate 5k . This family-friendly event takes place at Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne on March 3. 

7. See a Concert Under the Stars

Take in incredible views while enjoying a full bar and talented musicians on these rooftop concerts. Here are two Concert Under the Stars coming up in Seattle this month:

• Sinatra Under The Stars at The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion on Thursday, March 14
• 90’s Unplugged featuring Nirvana at The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion on Thursday, March 28

8. Sip and eat at Carnival of Cocktails

Don’t miss the biggest event of Seattle Cocktail Week: Carnival of Cocktails on March 9 at Seattle Center. There will be tons of tastings available, food trucks, and even zero-proof cocktails. Get tickets here .

9. Catch a live show

Whether you’re in the mood for a concert, standup comedy, ballet, a musical, or something else, there’s a live show coming up in Seattle for you. Here are some exciting live shows happening in Seattle this month:

• Something’s Afoot at The Fifth Avenue Theatre during  March 1-24
• Trevor Noah at The Paramount Theatre during March 19-24 
• Climate Pledge Arena will be hosting Fall Out Boy, Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, and Tim McGraw this March
• Pacific Northwest Ballet will be performing Harold and the Purple Crayon as well as One Thousand Pieces this March

Also see our guide to the best live music venues in Seattle .

10. See a romantic Candlelight Concert

If you’re looking for a special night out, Candlelight Concerts feature talented musicians playing renditions of popular music while candlelight flickers at stunning venues around Seattle. See the upcoming Candlelight Concerts in Seattle this March . If you’d like to give someone the experience of a romantic live concert of their choice, the Candlelight Concert gift card makes it easy.

11. Go to a wine tasting (or several)

Did you know that March is Washington Wine Month? Check out these upcoming tastings and festivals that celebrate wine:

• The Annual PNA Wine Taste at Phinney Center on Saturday, March 2
• Snohomish Wine Festival at Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish on Saturday, March 2
• Taste Washington at Lumen Field and other Seattle venues from  March 14-24
• The Big Taste at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park on March 23

Also if wine isn’t your thing, you can get tickets for the annual Bellevue Bourbon Bash at Daniel’s Broiler on March 2 instead.

12. Cheer on the Sounders at a home game

Soccer season is back! The Seattle Sounders are playing two exciting home games at Lumen Field this month:

• Sounders vs. Austin on March 2
• Sounders vs. Colorado on March 16

Get tickets and more info on the Sounders website .

13. Experience a Kraken hockey game

Watch the Seattle Kraken play an exciting home game this month at Climate Pledge Arena on these dates:

• Saturday, March 2
• Friday, March 8
• Tuesday, March 12
• Thursday, March 14
• Saturday, March 16
• Monday, March 18
• Sunday, March 24
• Tuesday, March 26
• Thursday, March 28
• Saturday, March 30

Get tickets and more info on the NHL website .

14. Get outside on free state parks days

Explore the great outdoors this month for State Parks Free Days on March 9 for activist Billy Frank Junior’s birthday and again on March 19 for the State Parks’ 111th Birthday.

Not sure where to go? Check out our guide to the best Washington state parks .

15. Attend the Seattle Jewish Film Festival

The annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival starts on March 2 with an opening night at AMC Pacific Place 11 and runs through March 17 . You can choose to watch the films in-person or virtually.

16. Experience a wine dinner with views at the Lotte Hotel

Take in panoramic city views on the 16th floor of the Lotte Hotel’s Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge while enjoying a five-course meal on the evening of Thursday, March 14 . To celebrate Washington Wine Month, this dinner showcases exclusive Mark Ryan wine pairings. See the menu and book your experience on OpenTable .

17. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Seattle

If you’re feeling the luck of the Irish this March, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate in Seattle. Here are all the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day events in Seattle, including a parade:

• St. Patrick’s Irish Festival at Kells Irish Restaurant in Pike Place Market from March 8 to March 17
• St. Patrick’s Landing at 5:00 p.m. at Lake Union Park in South Lake Union on March 15
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Jefferson St & 4th Ave on March 16
• St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at Hotel Andra in Belltown on March 16
• Seattle Irish Festival at Seattle Center on March 16-17
• St. Patrick’s Day Dash at Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne on March 17

18. Celebrate Holi

This March you can choose from two big events that are celebrating the famous Hindu festival Holi right here in Seattle:

• Festival of Color at Marymoor Park on March 23 
• Seattle Color Festival at Seattle Center on March 30

19. Go to a French festival in Seattle

Celebrate French-speaking cultures at Seattle’s French Fest on March 24  at Seattle Center’s Armory Food & Event Hall. This free event will have live performances, cooking demonstrations, film screenings, wine tastings, a baguette tasting contest, music and dancing, and more.

20. See live comedy and vaudeville at the Moisture Festival

We admit that its name leaves something to be desired, but that won’t stop us from attending Moisture Festival . Starting on March 21 and continuing into April, this festival will put on 40 comedy, vaudeville, and burlesque shows at Broadway Performance Hall in Capitol Hill.

21. Celebrate Norwegian culture in Ballard

Head to Leif Erikson Hall in Ballard on March 23  for the annual Norwegian Heritage Day celebration. This is a free, family-friendly event that will have food, music, a parade, and more.

22. Drink beer after-hours at PacSci

On March 27 , ages 21 and up can head to Pacific Science Center to explore “the art of brewing with tastings from a select few of Seattle’s top breweries and wineries.” You’ll also be able to enjoy the center’s exhibits such as the Planetarium and the Butterfly House after-hours. Get tickets here .

23. Get a Seattle dog at a baseball game

Baseball season returns at the end of March! The Seattle Mariners will be playing a series of exciting home games against the Red Sox at T-Mobile Park on March 28-31. 

24. Check out Seattle’s weekend markets

Here are all the Seattle weekend markets this March:

• Ballard Farmers Market : every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Ballard
• Capitol Hill Farmers Market : every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Capitol Hill
• Fremont Sunday Market : every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. under the Fremont Bridge
• Georgetown Flea Market : the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Georgetown
• SODO Flea Market : the second Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in SODO
• University District Farmers Market : every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on University Way NE
• West Seattle Farmers Market : every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in West Seattle

25. Explore Seattle with our neighborhood guides

Want to get to know Seattle better this month? Check out these in-depth guides to Seattle neighborhoods:

• Things to do in Capitol Hill
• What to do in Pioneer Square
• The best things to do in West Seattle
• Fun things to do in Fremont 

And more to come!

26. Join a Seattle art walk

Looking for a free way to meet new people, explore your city, and see some amazing art? Read more about the various Seattle art walks around the city every month.

27. Warm up in Seattle’s saunas and hot tubs

If you’re tired of Seattle’s winter chill, we feel you. Get warm and toasty with our guide to Seattle’s best saunas and hot tubs (and hot tub boats!).

28. Join a Seattle silent reading party

Twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays , Hotel Sorrento hosts a silent reading party in their cozy Fireside Room. Get your tickets and all the details on the silent reading party website .

29. Go out dancing

If you’d prefer a dance party over a silent reading party, check these out:

• Gold Bar in Capitol Hill has a weekly Don’t Think! dance party on every Thursday night.
• Dragster in Fremont has DJs and dancing every Friday and Saturday night starting at 10:00 p.m.
• Chop Suey in Capitol Hill has their weekly Dance Yourself Clean indie dance party on Saturdays for $5-$10 as well as their free House Party every Monday night.
• Neumos in Capitol Hill has Emo Nite on March 10 for $16.

30. Celebrate the start of cherry blossom season

Seattle’s cherry blossom trees typically start to bloom around mid-March . Read about the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seattle this spring.

31. Check out Seattle’s most exciting bars and restaurants

Seattle has an exciting culinary and bar scene. Make some time this March to check these out:

• The 17 Most Beautiful Restaurants In Seattle
• The Best Cheap Eats In Seattle For Under $15, According To Locals
• The 10 Most Essential Burgers In Seattle
• The 46 Best Bars In Seattle, According to Seattleites Themselves
• The 9 Most Well-Hidden Secret Bars In Seattle

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The Best Time to Visit Seattle

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Hands down, the best time to visit Seattle is during the warm, dry summer months — June, July, and August. While Seattle has plenty of things to do any time of year, summer is when the skies are most likely to be clear, meaning things like views from the Space Needle or a trip out to Mount Rainier will yield the most reward. And while popular activities in the area like hiking or visiting the city's parks can be done in the winter, spring or fall, it’s always better to be able to leave the raincoat at home.

But like all things Seattle weather , there is not a firm boundary on summer. The late spring and early fall can jump into the summer spirit some years with May and October often warm and dry as well, but it depends on the year. If you can’t make a visit to Seattle happen during the summer, don’t feel like you’re missing out too much if you come during the spring or fall. However, if you’re coming for a vacation, maybe just skip the winter unless you like being drizzled on for days on end.

Rainy Season in Seattle

When you’re figuring out the best time to visit Seattle, the number one factor to consider is: does what you want to do involve the weather? If so, you are probably aware that Seattle gets some rain in the winter. This ranges from relatively dry years to years where it rains every day for months on end. If you want to get out on a hike, visit Mount Rainier or the coast, or even just kick back along the shorelines or at the parks right in the city, then consider visiting anytime other than the rainy season, which can start anywhere from September and last until about March.   However, also keep an eye on the weather in general as you’re planning your visit as some years are dry throughout the winter, and some years get more rain all year long (thanks, El Nino and La Nina).

Crowds and Costs

For the most part, you won’t see wild swings in hotel cost in downtown Seattle, but if you’re planning to get out of the city and stay on the coast, near Mount Rainier or in the Olympic National Park , then prices do change. Summer is peak season for the coast and mountains so hotel costs do go up. On the other hand, so do crowds. If you visit Mount Rainier in July or August, you will need to factor in your arrival time. Getting there right around 9 a.m. means sitting in long lines at the main Nisqually Entrance.

However, like the price of hotels, crowds in Seattle don’t fluctuate quite as much. You will find lines at major tourist attractions like the Space Needle in the summer, but you’ll likely find the same lines in the fall and spring. Lines in winter will be shorter or even nonexistent, but some attractions aren't fully worth it in the winter. For instance, if the day is rainy and overcast, you won't be able to see Mount Rainier or far into the distance from the Space Needle.

Popular Festivals and Events

 Seattle has some awesome festivals and events and, with the exception of some holiday happenings, these take place largely in spring, summer and fall — with summer taking the lead. If you’re coming into town for one of the big festivals, like Seafair , and you want to stay right downtown, book well ahead. However, if you’re flexible about staying nearby, then you’ll have no trouble finding rooms even during huge events. But, be warned, Seattle traffic can be pretty bad so staying farther away during a large event means you’ll be sitting in it. This is especially true for games at T-Mobile Park at CenturyLink, July 4th at Gas Works Park, and some of the larger Seafair events where there is nowhere near enough parking for the masses. Either book well ahead to stay near the epicenter of these events, or look into public transportation.

January is not Seattle’s finest time of year by any means with chilly and usually wet weather in spades. Bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes. You’ll still find people outdoors here and there, but even locals mostly stay inside. Still, if you’re looking for a deal on hotels, this is a better time to find them than in spring, fall or summer, but be warned that hotels are cheaper because enjoying Seattle is just not as pleasant in the winter.

Events to check out:

The Polar Bear Plunge at Matthews Beach Park is the perfect way to start the year…if you enjoy running into freezing cold water and then running back out again before you get hypothermia.

The weather in February is really a toss up. Some years, cherry blossoms start to pop out this month and the sun does as well. Other years, February feels a whole lot like January. Indoor activities like local shows at the 5th Avenue or Paramount Theaters, wandering Pike Place Market, or going out to eat at one of Seattle’s many delicious restaurants mostly trump outdoor adventures this month. But with Valentine’s Day in the mix, the timing couldn’t be better. However, do expect massive crowds at most nicer restaurants on Valentine’s Day and plan to make reservations if you’re going out that day.

The Seattle Boat Show is an extravaganza of all things – you guessed it – boat related. Expect sailing lessons, boat rides, kids activities, boats for sale and more.

The Lunar New Year celebration in Chinatown-International District brings on amazing food, dragon and lion dances, martial arts and cultural performances, and more.

March also can go back and forth between beautiful days and returns to the cold, rainy weather of winter, but if the cherry blossoms didn’t pop out in February, expect them this month! You’ll see cherry blossoms all around town, but head to the University of Washington campus to see one of the most beautiful displays. Keep that raincoat in your luggage, but maybe put some sunglasses in there too. On clearer days, March can be a great month to venture out to the city’s parks and hiking trails ( Discovery Park is always a good choice) to enjoy signs of spring around every corner.

Emerald City Comic Con is a large pop culture conference complete with tons of cosplay; visiting artists, actors, writers and other high-profile guests; vendors galore; and more.

Seattle St. Patrick’s Day Parade is everything you’d expect from a parade on St. Paddy’s – lots of green, marching bands, and all things Irish. Top it off with a visit to a local Irish pub.

Like March, April goes back and forth between sunny and rainy days. If you’re looking to visit during the Northwest’s off season, this is usually the last month of the year where you’ll find cheap(er) hotels near the beaches, Mount Rainier or other waterfront locations.

The free International Children’s Friendship Festival is run by children, for children. Performances showcase world cultures through music, dancing and art.

Twice a year, Seattle Restaurant Week brings affordable three-course menus to participating restaurants around town. It’s a great way to try some place new without breaking the bank.

May is one of the best months to get out and about if you enjoy festivals or getting outdoors. The weather tends toward sunny or lightly overcast, and the summer festival season starts to kick off.

Seattle International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the country, but it’s a lot more laid back than its contemporaries. The focus tends to be on indie, foreign films and documentaries. This event often goes into early June as well. Northwest Folklife is a free festival at Seattle Center that has a little bit of everything – world culture, music, lots of food, vendors and family fun galore.

June is a great time to enjoy just about anything in Seattle. Festivals are plentiful. The weather is all around pretty pleasant. Parks and local outdoor pools are enjoyable, as are hikes through city parks like Discovery Park or trips out to 'Mt. Si' or other farther afoot treks.

If you want to see Seattle’s quirkier side, the Fremont Solstice Parade is the way to go. The entirely non-motorized parade is open to public participation and focused on artistic expression. Oh yeah, and you might see some nudity.

All ages and free, PrideFest fills Seattle Center with LGBTQ with music, arts and culture, and four stages.

If there’s an ideal month to visit Seattle, July might just be it. The weather is usually warm and dry (locals often say summer doesn’t start until after July 4). Yes, you’ll run into a few more crowds or lines at major attractions, but lines are not generally prohibitively long…unless you’re at the Space Needle and then you’ll need to make the call on whether the lines are worth the view for you. Consequently, if you enjoy views, July is the month you’re most likely to spot Mount Rainier in the distance on any given day, and you can catch glimpses of it from the Space Needle, the beach at Discovery Park, and other spots around town.

If you seek Seattle’s largest July 4th fireworks, then you seek the Seafair Summer Fourth. These take place at Gas Works Park and are some of the nation’s largest fireworks. The day is filled with family fun at Gas Works Park, and the fireworks are visible from several other points around town if you want to skip the crowds.

The Bite of Seattle is a free festival at Seattle Center that brings in food vendors from around the area. Try a variety of foods and kick back to listen to some live music.

August is generally much the same as July – warm and dry and a great time to visit Seattle as well as surrounding areas. There are also plenty of festivals and happenings taking place this month, too, including Seafair.

Seafair Weekend is one of the summer events not to miss. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, getting there can be a hassle as parking is pretty much a no go. But watching the hydroplane races and the Blue Angels is a Seattle tradition.

Seattle Art Fair brings together not only the general public, but also art collectors, galleries, museums and other institutions into one big art celebration.

While fall doesn’t technically start until later September, early September generally starts to feel like fall in the Northwest. Leaves start to turn and this is a great time to go leaf peeping throughout the Northwest . Events heralding in the end of summer kick up their heels. Rain also returns in September and while it’s not usually enough rain to stop locals from having whatever adventures they planned to have, for visitors it may serve as a deterrent. Bring a hat, rain jacket and/or an umbrella with you starting in September and pretty much continuing until May.

The Washington State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the country and it’s worth a visit. Located in Puyallup, about 40-60 minutes south of Seattle, the fair is filled with fair food, rides, games, animals, headlining concerts, smaller shows and more.

Bumbershoot is a large music festival with several stages and talent ranging from headliners to local acts.

One of the preeminent Oktoberfests in the area, Fremont Oktoberfest even has family and dog-friendly days.

October is a great month to enjoy the autumn side of Seattle. The town knows how to celebrate the autumn with festival fun and several haunted houses that go up in the area. Also don’t miss out on visiting a pumpkin patch or touring a corn maze , but do bring some boots along with you as rain and corn mazes mean mud.

Great Pumpkin Beer Fest is the place to be if you love pumpkin beer…there are more than 80 varieties represented!

Seattle Restaurant Week happens twice a year and features many of Seattle’s nicer restaurants serving up three-course meals for a set price.

GeekGirlCon has a focus on women in science, technology, arts, literature, comics and games.

Truth be told, November is not the most pleasant month to visit Seattle if you don’t enjoy rain and wind, but at the same time, the end of the month is the start of the holiday season and downtown Seattle becomes something special then. Holiday light displays come out around every corner. Downtown Seattle gets decorated to the nines. So maybe avoid early November unless you’re here for business or family. Save your visit until after the holiday lights come out.

Start your day with the Macy’s Holiday Parade and end it with the Macy’s Tree Lighting in downtown Seattle. It’s festive and fun for the whole family, especially if you have kids who love Santa as he makes an appearance in the parade.

Festival of Trees is a display of some of the most beautiful Christmas trees you’ll ever see. Sales of the trees and tickets to a gala raise funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

December is generally rainy and cool to cold, and yet it’s a fun time to visit Seattle. Holiday happenings fill just about every weekend. Visit Christmas light displays, enjoy a holiday show at one of the local theaters, or sip on special winter brews at local microbreweries.

The Christmas Ship Festival is a unique way to enjoy the season. Argosy Cruises decks its boats out. Riders can enjoy snacks and a choir on board. Others come to meet the Christmas Ship at ports around the Puget Sound (a different one each night) and listen to the choir from shore. Christmas light displays take place everywhere from Seattle Center to Woodland Park Zoo, from Bellevue Botanical Garden to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma. Like many cities, Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet puts on a production of The Nutcracker each year. It’s a tradition and a beautiful holiday show for many.

The best time to visit Seattle is during the warm summer months, from June through August. Clear and dry days mean you'll be able to make the most out of your trip. 

Seattle's rainy season typically spans the winter months, from November through February. If you don't enjoy rain and wind, you should plan your visit for another time.

Like Seattle, the best months to visit Washington State are the summer months, when the weather is cool and dry and perfect for spending time outdoors.

Seattle Travel. "Weather - Seattle Travel." Retrieved Jan 12, 2021.

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The Best Times to Visit Seattle, According to Locals

These are the best times to visit Seattle for every type of traveler.

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

Flying fish in Pike Place Market, whale watching in the Puget Sound, and a diverse art scene are just a few reasons that travelers flock to Seattle. The city is an outdoor lover’s paradise packed with plenty of culture thanks to excellent restaurants and world-class museums. 

There are reasons to visit in all four seasons: hiking in the summer, leaf-peeping in the fall, snow sports in the winter, and ambling around downtown in the spring. The best time to visit Seattle really depends on your travel goals, but these are the main tourist seasons: 

• High Season: May to August
• Shoulder Seasons: September to October and March to April
• Low Season: November to February

Jewelia Rosenbaum, director of the Stonington Gallery, which showcases contemporary works by Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaska, says that the mid-autumn weeks are her favorite around the city. “The rain is back, and the city becomes lush and green again. If you head up into the foothills, you can still catch the last of the salmon spawning in the streams and rivers of the Cascades,” Rosenbaum says. “Though Seattle shines brightest in its neighborhoods. Each has its own history and flavor and showcases the idiosyncrasies that make Seattle cool.” She recommends visiting Stonington in Pioneer Square, “Seattle's oldest existing neighborhood and center of its vibrant arts scene.”

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Ready to plan your trip? These are the best times to visit Seattle for every type of traveler. 

Related: T+L’s Travel Guide to Seattle 

Olga Kaya/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Smaller Crowds

Though the seasons are quite moderate, it does get cold in the winter months, with some snow in January and February. There are fewer crowds during the winter, which means it’s a cozy time to enjoy the indoor activities that abound in a rainy city like Seattle. “The gray skies offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage, explore a museum, take in a show, or enjoy a wine tasting by the fire,” says Cory O’Born, a representative of Visit Seattle. 

Or as life-long Washingtonian and Lotte Seattle reservations manager Mikala Troupe puts it, “We locals thrive in the rainier months, in part because we know how to dress for it. As the saying goes, ‘There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.’ For anyone visiting in the winter, I recommend bringing a good pair of rubber boots. I like to beat the Seattle chill and keep warm at Café Darte in Pioneer Square and enjoy a local marbled cold brew and people watch, then walk through the Occidental Square for winter tree lights.” 

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Good Weather

Late spring through the summer is the best time to enjoy balmy temperatures, perfect for immersing oneself in the stunning natural splendors of the Pacific Northwest. “We have beautiful summers, and if you enjoy hiking or getting out of the city, this is a great time to visit,” Troupe says. “My favorite hikes include the North Bluff Trail (an easy 3-4 miles), North Meadow Carkeek Park, and Rainier Mountain trails, leading through beautiful meadows and breathtaking views.” 

However, Phil Bevis, founder of Seattle's beloved Arundel Books, says that his favorite month is September for both Seattle and the San Juan islands. “The weather is often lyrically beautiful, and there are fewer visitors,” he says.

Related: 24 Best Things to Do in Seattle 

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Best Times to Visit Seattle for Lower Prices

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Seattle on a budget would be the low season, however, Bevis says that there are great deals on air travel and lodging most times of the year if you plan a little in advance.

February is Seattle Museum Month, and guests staying at participating downtown hotels receive 50 percent off tickets to Seattle's many museums. “It’s an excellent deal for families, couples, or travel buddies to take advantage of,” O’Born says.

Best Times to Visit Seattle for Art Lovers

Fall is a great time to check out the city, especially for art lovers. Seattle is the glass art hub of the United States, with over 700 artists in the region — something that might surprise most people. Check out their work during the Refract Glass Festival, which takes place every October (Oct. 12-15 this year). From Nov. 1-22, the Cloudbreak music festival gives guests staying at participating downtown hotels access to free music shows at over 20 venues across the city. 

New this year, several massive troll sculptures are being built from reclaimed materials around Seattle by artist Thomas Dambo. The Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie have been involved in the project, which will be completed this month before Dambo moves on to the next portion of his Way of the Bird King tour. 

Yan Lu/Getty Images

Worst Times to Visit Seattle

The worst time to travel to Seattle really depends on what you are looking for. Of course, travelers hoping to hit the slopes will want to visit during the winter, while hikers hoping to trek up Mount Rainier should wait until summer. As Bevis puts it, “Seattle has pretty much everything — ranging from the outdoors and nature to sports and culture. If you, your family, or friend group have diverse interests, you'll find everything here. There is simply so much to see and do all year long.”

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10 Things to Do in Seattle This March (2024)

When it comes to the month of March, “things to do in Seattle” suddenly becomes a top search phrase. Chilly, wet winter days make us want to stay cuddled up in a blanket with our favorite coffee drink, but with the signs of spring starting to appear, we get a burst of energy. It seems nearly everyone is ready to head outdoors and take advantage of the buzz of activities.

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Of course, March things to do in Seattle generally need to be varied. This month is typically a mixed bag, but there are plenty of enticing indoor happenings too. These 10 ideas make it easy to plan your perfect adventure from Victoria to Seattle whether the sun shines or the rhythmic ebb and flow of the rainfall is contributing to our lush, green landscapes.

1. Wildlife and Gray Whale Watching Tour

March marks the arrival of the gray whales on their annual migration from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico to Alaska. Lucky for us, they make a detour to feast on the ghost shrimp in Washington’s inland waters. As they fatten up for the remainder of their journey, it brings the rare opportunity to marvel at the up to 40-ton creatures.

Departing from Pier 69 in March and April, trips include expert onboard naturalists. You’ll learn all about the whales while watching for their distinctive heart-shaped blows and enjoying the spectacular coastal views. Other marine life can often be spotted too, including minke whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. Plus, in March, you can  Save Big on Wildlife and Gray Whale Watching | FRS Clipper .

2. Emerald City Comicon – Feb. 29 – Mar. 3

The 21st annual Emerald City Comicon is a favorite among the March things to do in Seattle. It’s the perfect excuse to bring out your inner nerd. Go full-on cosplay of your favorite character or just toss on a t-shirt that celebrates your pop idol. As one of the largest Comicons on the West Coast, you’ll be joining throngs of superheroes, villains, video game characters, and all sorts of the weird and wacky.

This year’s special guests include actors from The Lord of the Rings , Doctor Who, The Avengers, The Last of Us, Supernatural, and Stranger Things,  just to name a few. Frodo himself (Elijah Wood) and Captain America (Chris Evans) are just a couple of the big stars you might encounter.

3. Cheer on the Seattle Sounders – Starting March 2

Lumen Field is the place to go for epic city skyline views enjoyed while mingling with passionate locals and cheering on the Seattle Sounders.   With any luck, you’ll be able to celebrate a win afterward at one of the neighboring waterholes. A cold pint can also be a good way to ease your sorrows following a loss while commiserating with other fans at places like The Meyer . It’s known for its fun pirate-themed decor, dive-y vibe, and tasty pizza by the slice. Or, for an exceptional selection of craft brews that can be paired with classic bar bites, head to the  Gantry Public House.

4. Taste Washington – March 14-24

Seattle offers dozens of outstanding food and wine events but Taste Washington is the crown jewel. The country’s largest single-region event of its kind, it’s a celebration of Washington’s vibrant culinary and viticultural talents. The Grand Tasting, its flagship event on March 16-17, features over 250 producers and the state’s best restaurants.

The culinary festival kicks off at Pier 62 with a focus on the abundance of Pacific Northwest seafood. Think seafood boils, a salmon bake, sushi, oysters, chowder, and more. A lineup of roses, whites, and sparkling wines will be on offer too. On the final four days, the Dinner Series features a multi-course dinner prepared by two acclaimed chefs complemented by wine pairings from a Washington winery. Perfect for a special date night!

5. Catch a Live Show

While grunge may have faded into the past long ago, Seattle’s music scene continues to thrive. There are countless venues throughout the city whether you want to catch a local artist or an international band. Chelsea Cutler plays the Showbox on March 14 while Climate Pledge Arena hosts Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny on March 9 and country star Tim McGraw on March 29.

If comedy is what you’re after, two-time Emmy Award winner Trevor Noah will be in the spotlight at Paramount Theatre March 19-24. Or see Emmy-winning Chris Redd at the intimate Laughs Comedy Club on March 1-2.

6. St. Patrick’s Day – March 16-17

Whether you’re in Victoria or plan to visit Seattle, you’re going to have some great options for celebrating St. Paddy’s Day. Not surprisingly, the “Emerald City” often ranks high on lists of the best destinations for honoring the Irish holiday. Its festival begins with the arrival of St. Patrick himself in South Lake Union by the Wooden Boat Center at noon on March 16. The parade , starting at Jefferson Street and 4th Avenue, follows. You’ll see everything from Irish dancing groups, Irish setters, and elaborate floats to pipe bands and pirates proceeding along 4th Avenue to Westlake Park.

Closing ceremonies are held at Seattle Center where the annual Irish Festival continues the fun at the Armory Food & Event Hall with live music, dance performances, and more. On the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, the 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day Dash takes place featuring a traditional 5K race. Participants are invited to run, walk, jog, or crawl, with stroller-pushing parents welcome. Your reward post-run? Delicious Irish foods and Guinness to wash it all down., live music, and dance performances. Get creative and don your craziest green attire as there will be a costume contest too.

The beautiful British Columbia capital does St. Paddy’s Day up right too. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Government Street between Fort and Yates Streets near the Irish Times Pub , you’ll find lots to do. Enjoy live entertainment, market stalls, food vendors, and family-friendly games. Little ones can work off their energy in a bounce castle with inflatable slides. If you’re looking for some adult fun, join the  St Patrick’s Day Party with the Hounds of Cuchulain . It promises a night of raucous revelry with Irish music and dancing.

Traveling with FRS Clipper March 5 – 18? Grab a brochure onboard and save up to 25% at our top picks for a St Patrick’s day bite and brew. From K ells Irish Resteraunt and Bar to Shawn O’Donnell’s sip, celebrate and save with us.

7. Experience a Taste of Venice in Ballard

Perfect for a romantic outing or an intimate meal with friends and family, at San Fermo in Ballard, you’ll be transported to Venice while indulging in mouthwatering house-made pasta. Nestled in one of the neighborhood’s most historic homes, it comes complete with a fabulous covered porch. Even when it’s chilly out, you can enjoy alfresco dining, thanks to the lap blankets and heaters bringing warmth and a charming ambiance.

8. Catch a Mariners’ Game – March 28-31

Catch the Seattle Mariners’ home opener on March 28, or one of the three games against the Boston Red Sox that follow. No matter what the weather, with the retractable roof at T-Mobile Park, you can look forward to everything from classic peanuts, hot dogs, and beer to pomegranate BBQ pork wings at Holy Smokes BBQ , and chowder bread bowls from Ivar’s. With any luck, you’ll be able to soak up some sunshine and revel in a win. Just be sure to get your tickets as far in advance as possible, as the season opener, and most games, tend to sell out quickly.

9. Shop the Belltown Boutiques

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty of ways to work out their wallets in Seattle but the Belltown neighborhood is hard to beat. One of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, it boasts many enticing Indie boutiques. First Avenue is particularly retail-centric. A visit to Khulman , is sure to help you look your best with tailored clothing for men and women. Owner Scott Khulman will happily guide you through the collection that includes hard-to-find designers and accessories.

From Khulman’s you’ll be within easy reach of Rabecca Onassis Boutique known for its chic selection of womenswear and accessories.

10. Seattle Cocktail Week – March 26 – April 2

We all know that Seattleites love their coffee, but caffeine-infused drinks aren’t the only way to go here. The city also boasts a thriving cocktail scene when it’s time to unwind. One of the best ways to sample it is during the week-long extravaganza known as Seattle Cocktail Week . Taking place from March 3-10, 2024, it brings together the city’s top bars and some of the best liquor brands in the world.

The highlight is the Carnival of Cocktails on March 9, a grand tasting event with food trucks, masterclasses, and more than 100 different spirits. This is your opportunity to savor the flavors and learn how to make some of your favorite drinks, along with some creative gems. Keep in mind that this is a popular event and tickets to this and all of the events tend to sell out quickly

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14 Things to Do in Seattle This March

Mariners, Moisture, and Minaj 💖

By Patheresa Wells & Jas Keimig & Marcus Gorman | Published February 29, 2024

📸 : Angela Sterling | Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Alejandro Cerrudo’s  One Thousand Pieces

We’re springing forward this month and celebrating with plant sales and daffodil days . But there are other hallmark Seattle events also coming down the pipeline, from the Emerald City Comic Con ‘s return inside the renovated Seattle Convention Center to Mariners’ opening day at T-Mobile Park. Let’s get into it.

Emerald City Comic Con 2024 @ Seattle Convention Center

Get geeky 🧝‍♀️

📸: Courtesy Emerald City Comic Con

📅 Thursday, February 29th – Sunday, March 3rd  📍 Seattle Convention Center 🎟 Tickets and passes ranging from $5.99 – $420

Whether you’re a gamer, a comic book geek, a cinephile, a TV fanatic, or a cosplay enthusiast,  Emerald City Comic Con  has you covered. Me, I’m in it for  Artist Alley , where you can interact with authors and artists of both mainstream and independent projects and directly support them. Then there are the panels, which range from educational to promotional to  extremely goofy . (I recall a stellar one years ago entirely on Tina Belcher.) 

And then, of course, behold the celebrities, there for interviews, autograph signings, and photo ops. Some  big-name highlights  scheduled to attend are: 

⭐️  Jodie Whittaker  ( Dr. Who )  ⭐️ John DiMaggio  ( Futurama , a.k.a. my favorite show of all time)  ⭐️  Jhonen Vasquez  ( Johnny the Homicidal Maniac )  ⭐️  Dante Basco  ( Hook )  ⭐️ Writer/director  Mike Flanagan  and actress  Kate Siegel  ( Midnight Mass )  ⭐️  Misha Collins  ( Supernatural ) 

And for those  Twihards  who filled the SIFF Cinema Egyptian  last November , four members of the immortal Cullen family are booked: Peter Facinelli, Jackson Rathbone, Ashley Greene, and Kellan Lutz. 

All the VIP tickets are sold out, but a  4-day pass  will cost you $145 ($30 for kids), while  single-day tickets  range from $43-72. And for those who are crowd-averse, consider the  Popverse ECCC Digital Ticket , where you can stream video panels from home. 

🖊 MARCUS GORMAN

Dune: Part Two @ SIFF Cinema Downtown and More Seattle Cinemas

Epic film, epic location 🍿

📸: Dune: Part Two

📆 Opens Thursday, February 29th | SIFF showtimes here 🎥 166 minutes 🎟 Tickets start at $14.50 📍 SIFF Cinema Downtown: 2100 4th Ave, Seattle

Now that  SIFF Cinema Downtown  (FKA Cinerama) has officially reopened, Seattleites have a theater epic enough to contain the sci-fi spectacle that is  Dune: Part Two . The clanking and booming of extraterrestrial battles projected by the theater’s Dolby Atmos sound system? Inhaling chocolate popcorn as Paul Atreides monologues? Giant sandworms slithering across the  97-foot curved screen ? Sign me up!!!!!!!

Backing up a bit.  Dune: Part Two  is the  second half  of director Denis Villeneuve’s two-part adaptation of Tacoma-born Frank Herbert’s iconic and intricate space opera. When we last left Paul Atreides ( Timothée Chalamet ) in  Dune: Part One  back in 2021, he had just linked up with Chani ( Zendaya ) and the Fremen on the distant desert planet Arrakis after escaping the evil clutches of the blood and  spice  thirsty House Harkonnen. Now, Paul intends to seek revenge on the Harkonnens for destroying his family before time runs out. 

The already stellar crew from the first part will be even more star-studded in this follow-up. (Though  Josh Brolin , who plays Paul’s mentor, Gurney Halleck,  sums up  the cast better than I ever could.) Here’s the gist: A bald and eyebrow-less  Austin Butler  is Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Paul’s new mortal enemy, with  Dave Bautista  playing his older brother, Glossu Rabban Harkonnen.  Christopher Walken  is Emperor Shaddam IV, and his daughter, Princess Irulan, is played by  Florence Pugh .  Léa Seydoux ,  Anya Taylor-Joy,  and  Tim Blake Nelson  are also along for the sandy ride, and composer  Hans Zimmer  is once again on score duties. 

While reading the original book is not a requirement, watching  Dune: Part One  is a must if you’re going to understand this film. So  do your homework  before settling into one of SIFF Cinema Downtown’s cushy seats. And remember— fear  is the mind-killer. 

🎟 Save your seat 💺

🖊 JAS KEIMIG

Something’s Afoot @ 5th Avenue Theatre

Muuuuuuuuurdeeeeeeer 🔪

📸: 5th Avenue Theatre

📆 Friday, March 1st – Saturday, March 24th 📍 5th Avenue Theatre: 1308 5th Ave, Seattle

For whatever reason, the rest of our  local musical mecca ’s season is Duncan Sheik/Steven Sater’s generation-defining, Tony-winning, repressed German teens-have-feelings-and-also-sex rock musical  Spring Awakening  sandwiched between  two ensemble-heavy murder mysteries . In July, there’s  Clue , based on the film/board game with such a midnight movie following it’s going to be a hoot to see live. On the other side of that sandwich is  Something’s Afoot , opening Friday, March 1st.

Originally produced in the 1970s, it’s ostensibly a version of  Agatha Christie ’s  And Then There Were None . (If you’re above a certain age and read the book in middle/high school, it was also called  [Censored Title Because We’ve Grown as a Society] .) But more than that, it’s  a song-filled spoof of Christie mysteries in general , a veritable mother lode for arch silliness. You see, it’s the 1930s, many people have been invited to an English country estate, and the host is  muuuuuuuuuuuuurdeeeeeeeeered . With a storm a-brewin’ outside and no way out, the guests must finger the culprit. But given the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker bent of this particular musical, it’s a whole lot  zanier  than what Christie intended.

Helmed by producing artistic director Bill Berry, the cast includes some stellar 5th alums, including  Adam Standley  ( Ride the Cyclone ),  Brandon O’Neill  ( White Christmas ), and Stranger Genius Award recipient  Sarah Rudinoff  ( Mamma Mia! ), plus a heap of stars from last season’s  Sweeney Todd  ( Yusef Seevers ,  Anne Allgood ,  Porscha Shaw ).

Whodunit? Who knows? It might be you. Where were you on the evening of  [writer suddenly gets stabbed]

Freakout Weekender 2024 @ The Crocodile and More Locations

A much-needed freaking out 🤘

📸: Freakout

📆 Saturday, March 2nd – Sunday, March 3rd 🎟 Tickets start at $57 📍 Venues including: The Crocodile, Madame Lou’s, Here-After, and Belltown Yacht Club

Now in its third year,  Freakout Fest ’s kid sibling,  Freakout Weekender , once again lands with force in Belltown for a much-needed freaking out. 

Taking the international, psychedelic,  punk ethos  from the main Freakout Fest—which is longer and held in November—Freakout Weekender stuffs as many bands as possible inside a Saturday and Sunday for a concentrated dose of fun. Across the three stages of the Crocodile complex (the main stage, Madame Lou’s, and the Here-After), plus a stage at Belltown Yacht Club just down the street,  24 acts  will strum, drum, and rage over 48 hours. 

One of the weekend’s co-headliners is  Fuzz , a scuzzy, ’60s psych rock-influenced trio from San Francisco, which features rocker Ty Segall on vocals and drums. On headlining duties with them is Chicago three-piece  Dehd , whose indie rock DIY sensibilities and heartfelt songwriter will be on full display.  Derv Gordon , the legendary lead singer of English band The Equals, will also grace the festival with his velvet-smooth voice. Other Weekender highlights include Brazilian dream poppers  Boogarin , energetic two-piece  Sgt. Papers  (I saw them play at the 2022 Freakout Festival and they rock) from Sonora, Mexico, Seattle DJ Gold Chisme’s entrancing darkwave project  Dark Chisme , and the woozy, lo-fi, psychedelic rock stylings of Los Angeles’s  Levitation Room . 

If you  don’t recognize  many of the bands on the lineup—don’t worry. The best thing about Freakout Weekender is the curation. Because of this fest, I’ve become a fan of so many cool bands from around the country and Latin America.  Drift from room to room  and bop along to music that sounds good to you.  Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show  will be on deck projecting their trippy liquid light show onstage. (Don’t forget your earplugs!)

29th Seattle Jewish Film Festival @ Stroum Jewish Community Center and Other Venues

Films from across the globe 🌍

📸: Stroum Jewish Community Center

📆 Films screening from Saturday, March 2nd – Sunday, March 17th 🎟 Passes ranging from $70–$200 📍 Venues including AMC Pacific Place, Stroum Jewish Community Center, University of Washington, Walla Walla

The  Seattle Jewish Film Festival  (SJFF) is back for its 29th outing and is proud to offer 19 different film programs over two weeks all over the city… and even on the other side of the state. Their main base will be the  AMC Pacific Place  downtown, the  Stroum Jewish Community Center  on Mercer Island, a shorts offering at the  University of Washington , and even an exhibition in  Walla Walla .

“SJFF offers films and experiences that amplify profound connections to Jewish life for everyone,” according to Pamela Lavitt, director of SJCC Arts + Ideas and Festivals. “ Cinema can deepen comprehension , inspire conversations, and strengthen community.”

The offerings cover the globe, with features, documentaries, and short films from the likes of Poland, Italy, India, and Hungary. And if you’re a homebody, don’t worry, as selected offerings will be available  virtually .

Some eventized highlights:

🎥   Remembering Gene Wilder , a non-fiction ode to one of the 20th century’s greatest comic actors

🎥    One Life , starring Anthony Hopkins as a British stockbroker who saved hundreds of Jewish children in the lead-up to World War II

🎥  The Man Without a World , a modern silent film about an ailing Yiddish actress, with a live score by Alicia Svigals on klezmer and Donald Sosin on piano.

And for the first time ever, SJFF will have their very own  Red Carpet Oscar Party  at Stroum, where you can don your best duds, grab some appetizers and popcorn, and then head into the theatre for a livestream of this year’s Academy Awards.

Love Lies Bleeding @ Cinemas Around Seattle

A fever dream 🎥

📸: Love Lies Bleeding

📆 Opens wide on Friday, March 8th

If you haven’t seen  Saint Maud , writer/director Rose Glass’ debut feature, get yourself to Amazon Prime right now and hit play. In it, the thin line between religious fervor and untethered psychosis plays out against a caregiver-patient dynamic along the English seaside, with one hell of a final scene. There’s an entire generation of people who love costar Jennifer Ehle who’ll see anything she’s in, but I fear the pandemic dampened  Maud’s  intended reach.  Check it out , for real.

Now with an A24 calling card at the ready, Glass presents a blank check of a psychosexual fever dream with  Love Lies Bleeding , a.k.a. the film that already beat the internet to a couple thousand entries of  Kristen Stewart  slash fiction. K-Stew is a gym manager in 1980s New Mexico, actress/martial artist  Katy O’Brian  (the PNW’s own  Z Nation ) is a Vegas-bound competitive bodybuilder, and when their orbits and bodies collide, nobody is safe. Especially not since Stewart’s father is a small-town weapons-running crime boss played with rattling sleaze by  Ed Harris , who gives his most bug-nuts performance since 1987’s  Walker . (Incidentally, if you come out of this movie wanting more surreality in your cinema, that Alex Cox movie is a great follow-up.)

Love Lies Bleeding  is an aggressive, hyperviolent,  steroid-injected noir of the highest order , and very much not for the squeamish. Or the homophobic. Go away, homophobes. You already have roughly 90% of American pop culture locked up. Go watch  Blue Bloods .

Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday World Tour 2 @ Climate Pledge Arena

📸: Nicki Minaj | Climate Pledge Arena

📆 Sunday, March 10th 📍 Climate Pledge Arena: 334 1st Ave N, Seattle

Rap beefs  are nothing new, but the recent Nicki Minaj and Meg the Stallion  feud  has been the perfect backdrop for the  Pink Friday 2 World Tour . I could go through the details about how Meg went from being a Barb to dissing Minaj in her song “ Hiss .” In 2019, the two collaborated on “ Hot Girl Summer, ” an anthem about being unapologetically authentic—but summer ended, and now Minaj has responded with the diss track “ Big Foot .” Making fun of the Stallion’s size and foot. Ouch. And now her fanbase, the  Barbz , has taken to  doxxing  anyone critical of the  Harajuku Barbie . 

With the release of  Pink Friday 2  and the world tour promoting the new album, the dolls are ready to enter  their futuristic phase . It’s been thirteen years since the first  Pink Friday ‘s arrival. And the tour will indeed include nostalgic nods to past hits like “ Super Bass ” and “ Anaconda .” Speaking of callbacks, joining the tour is  ’90s R&B legend   Monica , featured on the new song “ Love Me Enough .” ( Rumor  has it Minaj is also trying to get comedian Katt Williams on board for  Gag City , the AI-created utopia inhabited by the Barbz.) 

If you can’t make it to the tour, head over to  Roblox  to play the game with new Nicki-inspired UGC & emotes. A Barbz gotta do what a Barbz gotta do!

🖊 PATHERESA WELLS

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s One Thousand Pieces @ McCaw Hall

Music and mythology 🌀

📸: Angela Sterling

📆 Friday, March 15th – Sunday, March 24th 📍 Marion Oliver McCaw Hall: 321 Mercer St, Seattle 💻 Streaming digitally Thursday, March 28th – Monday, April 1st

Who doesn’t love a  premiere ? Who doesn’t love  second chances ? Who doesn’t love a  double feature ? Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) brings all three to the stage with  One Thousand Pieces . In March 2020, COVID-19 shut down the premiere, canceled two days before opening night. Four years later, the ballet inspired by the  stained glass windows  of artist Marc Chagall and choreographed by Alejandro Cerrudo will finally open. 

Though based in Chicago, Cerrudo hails from Madrid—and became PNB’s first-ever  resident choreographer , showcasing seven works during his three-year tenure. He’s been celebrated for choreographing  dance that looks like music sounds   and mixing songs through audio engineering. With abstract scene design set to the music of renowned composer Philip Glass,  One Thousand Pieces  aims to interpret the idea of many pieces coming together to form a larger one, the way that stained glass panels are a composite of many. The dancers, designers, choreographer, and music meld to form  vibrant hues , letting light shine through movement. 

The show is  double-billed  with choreographer Matthew Neenan’s  Bacchus , about the Greek god of wine and revelry, which debuted at PNB back in March 2019. PNB will also offer “Ballet Talks,” which are Q&As before and after performances on select nights. A tip: A limited number of  pay-what-you-can tickets  will be available  each Thursday .  TeenTix tickets  are available to TeenTix participants as well. 

March Edible Plant Sale @ Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands

Marjoram, mint, and more 🌱

📸: Tilth Alliance

📆 Saturday, March 16th ⏰ 9 am – 3 pm 🎟 Free to attend 📍Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands: 5513 S Cloverdale St, Seattle

Tucked a few blocks off Rainier Avenue is  Rainier Beach Urban Farm  and Wetlands, the  largest urban farm in the city . Co-run by Tilth Alliance and Friends of Rainier Beach and Urban Wetlands and owned by Seattle Parks and Recreation, the farm is home to nature trails, annual and perennial veggies, raised beds,  greenhouses , and more. 

The farm is hosting its  March Edible Plant Sale  to celebrate spring’s arrival, an ideal opportunity to grab things good for growing in your garden this season. They’ll have  hundreds of varieties  of veggies, herbs, pollinator plants, and  edible flowers  for visitors to pick up. Newbie gardeners can buy easy-to-grow plants like peas and lettuce, while more experienced green thumbs can choose from heirloom plants like Walla Walla onions and Red Express cabbage. Catnip, parsley, marjoram, mint, and oregano are among the herbs available (I recommend picking up some  salad burnet , which tastes just like cucumbers and adds a  delicious freshness  to a pitcher of cold water). And maybe you’d like to get some pretty and edible pansies, candulas, or violas to decorate your springtime teacakes?

With a garden of edible delights such as this one, it’s important to come  prepared . Plants are priced in the $5-15 range, with most falling between $5-8 (cash, debit, credit, Fresh Bucks, and EBT are accepted forms of payment). There will be no parking in or on the streets directly surrounding the farm, so make sure you’ve got a parking spot or  light rail plan secured . Tilth Alliance recommends planning out your shopping list ahead of time and urges visitors to bring wagons, carts, boxes, and flats to safely transport your green goods to and from your mode of transportation. And because it’s a farm, there’s minimal cover and sidewalks, so  slap on your rain gear  and waterproof boots. It’s gardening time!

27th Annual Daffodil Day @ Pike Place Market

It’s sprung 🌼

📆 Tuesday, March 19th ⏰ 11 am – 2 pm 📍 Pike Place Market: The corner of Pike Street and Pike Place

March  brings many things—spring, the  end of Q1 , and the  start of the Mariners season . But most importantly for Pacific Northwesterners, March also means that  daffodils  will be in peak season, sprouting in parks and finely manicured flower beds around the city.  

If you’ve stopped by  Pike Place Market  over the past couple of weeks, you’ve seen boxes filled with this buttery yellow flower  lining the roof  along the market’s entrance. That’s all in preparation for their  27th Annual Daffodil Day  to herald the first day of spring. From 11 am to 2 pm on Tuesday, March 19th, there will be tables full of  thousands of daffodils  under the market’s clock and sign. Everyone gets  two   free   daffodils  while supplies last, so make your selection carefully and quickly. 

All flowers you admire, stick your nose into, and purchase at Pike Place are grown within  100 miles of Seattle  by multi-generational, family-owned farms that have been at the market for over 30 years. As much as Daffodil Day is meant to celebrate spring, it’s also meant to  celebrate the farms  that keep Seattle looking beautiful and smelling good. This year, four farms are responsible for growing these daffodils:  Blong’s Garden  in Fall City,  Lor Garden  in Kent,  Nguyen Family Farm  in Snoqualmie Valley, and  Shong Chao’s Farm  south of Carnation. 

Moisture Festival 2024 @ Broadway Performance Hall 

Keeping vaudeville alive 🎪

📸:  Moisture Festival

📆 Thursday, March 21st – Sunday, April 14th 🎟 Tickets start at $10 – Full prices here 📍 Broadway Performance Hall: 1625 Broadway, Seattle 📍 Emerald City Trapeze Arts: 2702 6th Ave S, Seattle

Way, way back in the day—the day was in  2004 —organizers established the first   Moisture Festival  in Seattle. Inspired by the Oregon Country Fair and a comedy and varietè festival in Berlin, the fest wanted to develop a unique way to showcase  Seattle’s vaudeville, circus, and burlesque scenes . (It’s pretty possible I was there at the start, roped into volunteering by a friend, at the five-day event held in a rented tent in Fremont.) As Moisture grew, it made its way to the converted warehouse space of Hale’s brewery, which became Hale’s Palladium. Now, the largest festival of its kind worldwide, its  20th anniversary  runs for a month at  Broadway Performance Hall . 

In the true spirit of  vaudeville , a variety show popular in the early 20th century, each Moisture show has a variety of performers on the bill—and that bill changes from night to night. Aerialists,  magicians , strong women/men/people, dancers of every persuasion, comedians, musicians, and more take the stage for three-to-ten minutes, all accompanied by a  live band . 

Expect each show to contain about  eight to 10 acts  with an intermission. A few of the  entertainers this year  include:  

• Duo Rose trapeze artists 
• Juggler Thom Wall
• Aerialist Avery Cluff 
• Singer-songwriter J.R. Rhodes
• Martika, a one-woman stunt show 

Closing night  will move to  Emerald City Trapeze Arts . Use the fest’s  calendar  to see who is performing and when.

In an effort to make Moisture  affordable  to everyone, accessible seating is available by request. All 3 pm and 7:30 pm shows are for all ages. The 10:30 pm shows are 18+ and contain adult content. Pay what you can on Wednesdays with sliding scale tickets. They also accept  TeenTix passes , allowing a $5 day-of-show ticket for TeenTix participants. If you volunteer (like I did), know that volunteers typically get to see most of the shows they work on. How often do you get to   mingle with magicians? 

POP Cats 2024 @ Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

Here kitty kitty 🐱

📸: POP Cats

📆 Saturday, March 23rd – Sunday, March 24th 🎟 $10 – $100 📍 Seattle Center Exhibition Hall: 301 Mercer St, Seattle

Most of the time, my  Top Picks  for The Ticket come from a place of passion, love, and geekery. A desire to contextualize upcoming movies and plays as part of a greater history, or career, or phase of the zeitgeist. Other times, though, it’s  an unconscious call impossible to ignore . That’s where  POP Cats 2024  comes in.

Me? I definitely have “cattitude.” And when I see that there’s a  touring two-day event  that combines cats, art, art about cats, and  cats about art , and it’ll be nicely centralized at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall (underneath the Pacific Northwest Ballet), that just screams “ wonderful afternoon with the family. “

Here’s what’s in store here:

🐱   POP Cats City:  an obstacle course-slash-playground to immerse yourself in the POP Cats world

🐱  Adoption Catios:  local rescues will be on hand to give you space to play with their sweet babies, provide more information about the adoption process, and perhaps even send you home with a new member of your family (please be a responsible pet owner)

🐱  BYOC!:  Bring Your Own Cat (if they are good, person-loving kitties) for photo ops, figure drawing, and testing out merchandise

🐱  And more,  including cat-centered video games, costume contests, coloring stations, and a chance to get cattoos

I was so jazzed that I ran to my two cats,  Vincent Prince  and  Béla Lugosi , and gave them the news about the event. In response, they shoved their faces into my various limbs and respectively cried out for belly rubs (Vincent) and treats (Béla), which is their way of thanking me.

Seattle Mariners Opening Day 2024 @ T-Mobile Park

TRIDENTS UP 🔱

📸: Adam Kubota

📆 Thursday, March 28th 📍 T-Mobile Park: 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle

It’s only been a scant few months since the  Seattle Mariners  lost out on the playoffs by a single game. (Hope you enjoyed those two extra wild card games, Toronto.) And I’ll be the defensive one and bemoan a very competitive AL West division and also point out that the M’s had a better regular season record (88-74) than the World Series also-rans Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78).

But  whatever . I’m a cautious optimist, so I declare that this is going to be strong year for Seattle, where they can back up their top-five pitching rotation with a lineup that can secure actual runs. Sure, I mourn some off-season trades; goodbye to third baseman Eugenio “Good Vibes Only” Suárez, outfielder Teoscar Hernández, cooler-kicking Jarred Kelenic, and Big Boy DH Mike Ford, among others. But the Mariners core now has some sweet add-ons with  infielder Luis Urías ,  catcher/DH Mitch Garver , and the return of  outfielder Mitch Hanniger . Plus,  outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba  gets to join his younger brother Jaxon (standout rookie wide receiver for the Seahawks) as one of SoDo’s finest.

Anyway, it’s time to play some  motherflippin’ baseball . Opening day is Thursday, March 28th, with a long weekend series against the  Boston Red Sox . Sox games are always good people-watching fun; last season I witnessed a drunken, unintelligible Boston fan get ejected from the main deck after he attempted one of the worst punches I’ve ever seen, thrown a full five feet away from his target.  Bless  the T-Mo security staff for keeping their cool.

Drie Chapek: Inside The Outside @ Greg Kucera Gallery

Reality and dreams 🖼

📸: Drie Chapek

📆 On view Thursday, February 15th – Saturday, March 30th 📅 Reception: First Thursday on Thursday, March 7th, 6–8 pm 📍 Greg Kucera Gallery: 212 Third Avenue South, Seattle ⏰ Open Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm 🎟 Free to view

Drie Chapek’s paintings are  heavenly —and I mean that quite literally. Composed of thick goops and globs of acrylic paint, Chapek often incorporates giant puffy clouds through her work, piling color on top of color, making her forms seem almost  architectural . Though she paints abstract pieces, Chapek also sets her swaths of paint inside buildings, studios, and rooms, clashing round paint brush strokes against the rigid angles of windows, archways, and vaulted ceilings. The result is paintings that feel like a mishmash of  reality and dreams .

For her latest show,  Inside The Outside , at Greg Kucera Gallery, Chapek shifts her gaze from the sky to the briny, murky waters of Puget Sound. Partially inspired by her morning ritual of  cold water diving , the Edmonds painter’s new body of work is decidedly aqueous—seafoam, teal, stormy gray, azure, and mossy greens are part of nearly every piece. 

“When I thought of the title, I was swimming in the Sound and I wanted to honor what the water’s been doing for me,” Chapek  told   My Edmonds News  in a recent interview. “I was  inside the outside .” In the show’s painting called “ Midday Living ,” a shimmering pool cuts through the floorboards of a study. A serene lavender blue pond surrounded by tall, green ferns slowly morphs into the walls of a music room space in “ Midnight Bliss ” (in  My Edmonds News , she said this is her  favorite piece ). 

As the warm days of spring are just on the horizon, Chapek’s  Inside The Outside  is perhaps the best way to honor  the blooming of a new season .

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Patheresa Wells

Patheresa Wells is a Black/Persian, Pansexual, Polyamorous Poet (so many Ps) and writer living in Seatac. An aspiring comic, you can catch her cracking jokes at open mics around the area. In her free time, she likes to imagine what she’d do with free time and feed her backyard crows cuz they’re silly. Follow her on Twitter @PatheresaWells.

Jas Keimig is an arts and culture writer in Seattle. Their work has previously appeared in The Stranger, i-D, Netflix, and Feast Portland. They won a game show once and have a thing for stickers.

Marcus Gorman

Marcus Gorman is a Seattle-based playwright and film programmer. He once raised money for a synagogue by marathoning 15 Adam Sandler movies in one weekend. You can find him on Instagram and Twitter @marcus_gorman.

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A Guide of the Best Time To Visit Seattle – Which Season is Best?

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The best time to visit Seattle depends on the value you are looking to get and your travel needs . Are you looking for a more affordable time to visit or a period with the best atmospheric condition? Do you prefer to visit when there is less crowd or the time of the year that has more fun events to offer tourists? Your answer to these questions determines your best time to visit Seattle.

Summer months are commonly the most crowded and costliest to visit Seattle. If you’re looking to reduce cost, your best time to visit Seattle is between September and October when the summer crowd is dwindling and the weather is still friendly.

 Summer is Season is Seattle tourists’ high season. The cost of accommodation rises this time and also the rooms are scarce. Winter is the least visiting tie in Seattle.

Even people who are very passionate about sightseeing are seriously discouraged by the winter weather. So, this period is the least crowded and expensive but who want a trip out when it’s freezing.

With regards to the atmospheric condition, the best time to visit is early fall. During this time, summer weather still hangs on while the crowd is gradually fading away. Thus, during this time, you get surplus hotel rooms at affordable rates.

You’ll equally get cheaper accommodation and warm weather during the spring season. However, this can sometimes be marred by rain showers and chiller winds. Don’t forget to pack suitable warm clothing to manage under the rain and keep sufficiently warm.

If you have no budget constraints and don’t mind large crowds, the most suitable time to visit Seattle and enjoy and have the most fun is during the summer months. The months of June, July and August are the warmest and driest period in Seattle.

Although Seattle has a lot to offer tourists throughout the year, the sky is clearest during these summer months. These months offer you the best space needle sightseeing experience. Also, you gain the most fun this time from your visit to Mt. Rainier.

Although you can equally take part in Seattle popular activities like hiking and visiting the park during the spring, fall, or winter season, you’ll love the comfort and convenience of visiting during the summer months.

However, Seattle weather doesn’t have a stable summer borderline. Summer can sometimes start in late spring or early fall. When this happens, the months of October and May are equally warm and dry. This, however, differs from year to year.

If you’re unable to visit Seattle in summer, all hope is not lost. You have a lot to catch up on during the spring or fall. Winter months are not the best time to visit Seattle for tourism. Unless you have a major reason to visit during this time, you want to skip it completely.

Best time to visit Seattle:  Travel Seasons considerations

1. high or peak season in seattle.

High tourist season in Seattle starts from June and ends in August. The period comes with bright sunshine. The weather is warm and dry with a temperature of roughly 24 degrees centigrade. The relative humidity is equally low within this time and this increases the number of air travels, ferries, and other tours within this city.

The downside of visiting within this period is the soaring hotel prices and accommodation scarcity. The best catch is to book a hotel room in advance. This season is characterized by a large crowd and inward vs outward cruise tour to Alaska from the Port of Seattle.

2. Shoulder Season in Seattle

The shoulder season in Seattle includes the months of April, May, September, and October. If you want to visit Seattle for sightseeing, these months are the best time because of the feature good weather with a mean temperature of 15 degrees to 20 degrees centigrade.

The crowd that visits Seattle will begin to leave at the start of these months. So, you can get one of the best hotel rooms at a good bargain price. Nevertheless, these months are characterized by drizzles. So, don’t forget our raincoats or umbrellas.

These months are equally your best month to go whale watching. The Orcas and humpback whales commonly show up these months.

3. Low Season in Seattle

The months of November to March is characterized by poor weather. You want to avoid these months if you’re visiting Seattle for tourist interests. The weather is commonly showery, icy, and windy and the temperature falls within 4 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius.

Nevertheless, if your aim of visiting Seattle is to visit museums, these months are the best time of the year to have the most fun. It is equally the best time to go skiing and airfares are most affordable during this time. If you love nature, you may also want to visit the parks this time to spot blooms of daffodils and cherry trees.

The Best Time To Visit Seattle: Weather Considerations

The best weather in Seattle falls around late June and early September. July and August are the busiest months when hotels are full and restaurants are crowded.

May, June, September, and October, equally, have nice weather. So, if you don’t mind missing the summer weather, they are the next best time to visit Seattle.

Many tourist attractions in Seattle can be enjoyed even under slight showers of rain and this makes the city good for a year-round vacation.

Weather consideration: Precipitation

If you want to visit Seattle during the driest part of the year, your best time is in July, August, followed by June. The period you’re least likely to experience rain or snow is from early July to mid-July.  On the other hand, you’re most likely to experience snow or rain showers in the middle of December. The week of 17th September commonly experience roughly four days of heavier precipitation.

Seattle Rain by Month (mm)

Best Time To Visit Seattle: Rainy Season Consideration

While considering your best time to visit Seattle with regards to weather condition, one important thing to note is that Seattle experiences some rain showers during winter.

However, this differs from year to year. Some years, you don’t get these at all while you can find it raining day in day out some years. If you love hiking, visiting Mt. Rainier, the coast, or the parks, it is better to avoid visiting Seattle during the rainy season. Rainy season in Seattle begins around September and ends roughly in March.

Although it is better to check the general weather conditions for the year as some years have more rains during winter while other years are dry.

Best time to visit Seattle: Humidity and Wind considerations

Some months experience high relative humidity, others have average relative humidity. While the month with the least relative humidity is July and the month with the highest relative humidity is January.

Seattle is not very windy. The windiest month is March, the next month with the highest wind is in April and then December. The mean wind speed in March is roughly 5.3 knots and around 6.1 MPH to 9.9 KPH which is considered a slight wind.

The period with highest non-stop winds that last far beyond some moments falls around the middle of March with the mean highest non-speed of 11.8 knots. This is taken as a modest breeze.

Seattle wind speed throughout the year in knots

One Knot is equal to 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Relative Humidity by Month

Temperature considerations.

Mean temperatures in Seattle differ significantly. Seattle is not as temperate as most world tourist destinations. It is rated as the thirty-seven percent tourist destination in the world with nice weather. If you want to visit Seattle during the warmest time of the year, the best months to visit are August, July, and after the two months, September.

It is commonly warmest in the middle of August with the highest temperature constantly approximately 81 degrees Fahrenheit or 27.2 degrees Celsius and the lowest night temperature always approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15.6 degrees Celsius at night.

Average Seattle Temperatures by Month

Average daily high temperature calculated for all the months of the year represents the weather conditions for that month. When the mean value is very low, it commonly implies that the night temperature is very cold.

Visiting Seattle and January Weather

January is the middle of the rainy season in Seattle. The atmosphere is commonly damp, and there could be rain anytime. Although the weather is cold this month, the temperature is not very low to necessitate snow. Either you decide to stay indoors or you go for mountain activities. Therefore, the month is not the best time to visit Seattle. If you want to, don’t forget to pack rain cats and rainproof shoes.

Some people do go outdoors this time but most Seattle natives prefer to stay at home. However, if you’re after bargain hotel prices, you get it better at this time than in springtime, summertime or in fall. Be aware though that the reason behind the bargain hotel pricing is that it is not a pleasant time to enjoy your visit to Seattle. Temperature is roughly 8.3 degrees Celsius.

Seattle Weather in February

February weather in Seattle is more or less fifty-fifty. It is commonly windy and dry. The rate of precipitation starts to dwindle.

Cherry blooms more sometimes begin to show up this time. Some years, the month remains barely the same as January. Nonetheless, February is the best time to visit Seattle for going to museums, galleries, and cafeterias.

Indoor activities are more prevalent during this time than outdoor activities. Example of indoor activities you can partake in during this time is local displays at the fifth Avenue or Paramount Theaters. You can equally take part in the wandering Pike Place Market, pop out for a delicious meal at any Seattle restaurant.

With Valentine’s Day falling within this month, some of the best restaurants in the city get very crowded every 14th of February. So, don’t forget to make a booking before venturing outside. The temperature of this month is roughly 9.4 degrees Celsius.

Seattle weather in March

Starting from early March, you will begin to see sunshine and the temperature begins to rise but you can still experience the outflow of the stormy rain showers that began in February. During this time when the sky is blue is your best time for exploring the parks in the area.

March weather can move to and fro lovely days and a revisit of the cold, showery winter temperature. And where the cherry blooms did not appear in February, they start to emerge this time.

The city is this time  full of displays of cherry blooms but if you want to see the most spectacular display pop out and visit the University of Washington campus.

Save your raincoat in your baggage, however, remember to take your sunglasses. When the weather is clear, March is the best time to visit the city’s parks like discovery park and hiking trails. March temperature is roughly 11.6 degrees Centigrade.

Seattle weather in April

The temperature rises in April but there is usually a cold breeze which keeps the weather col. At the same time, the rate of rainfall starts to fall. If you want to visit Seattle during a period with less crowd, you can get some fantastic bargain hotel prices this time.

Similar to the March weather, you could experience sunshine or rainfall in April. If you want to visit during the Northwest’s offseason, this is normally your last chance of grabbing cheap hotels close to the beaches, Mt. Rainier or the rest of waterfront localities. The temperature is roughly 14.7 degrees Celsius this time.

Seattle weather in May

May is one of the loveliest months in Seattle. You get sunnier days and blue skies than rainy days but still, the evenings are frosty. Ensure you take your jacket and an umbrella when you stroll out in the evening.

May is a time when you will enjoy local festivals and venturing outdoors. It is the beginning of Seattle’s festival season. The temperature is roughly 18.2 degrees Celsius.

Seattle Weather in June

June is the best time for going outdoors. There are a lot of festivals and the weather is very nice. You can enjoy visiting the outdoor pools and parks. You can equally go hiking at Discovery Park or visit the Mount Si. June is marked with longer days. On the 21st of June, for example, the sun sets around 10 pm which makes it a nice day for family picnics, going to festivals and enjoy your dinner while the sun is still shining. The temperature is roughly twenty-one degrees centigrade.

Seattle Weather in July

July is when you’ll get the best of Summer weather. It is commonly overcrowded with tourists. This means you’ll sometimes have to queue up for a table in restaurants. You’ll get quite a lot of sunshine which makes the month for venturing outdoors.

July is the best time to visit Seattle with regards to the weather condition. The weather is normally dry and warm. You’ll meet queues in most tourist attraction but the crowds are not that prohibitive.

However, you’d need to make a call to check on the queue at the Space Needle to ensure you can comfortably wait. It is characterized by a large crowd. However, you can get a good view of Mt. Rainier from the Space Needle and a glimpse of the beach from Discovery Park. The temperature falls around 24.3 degrees Celsius.

Visiting Seattle in August and Weather

The warmest month in Seattle in August. Even though marine air makes the environment cool at night, you can enjoy the day by visiting the Puget waters during the day.

August weather is mostly similar to that of July and is characterized by warm and dry air. It is one of the best times to visit Seattle. You’ll get lots of festivals and events like Seafair, in August. The temperature is roughly 24.6 degrees Celsius.

Visiting Seattle in September and weather considerations

The month of September is characterized by a reduced crowd and nice weather which makes it a good time to visit Seattle. By this time, you start to get shorter days and longer nights but you still experience outflows of summer weather. Although the standard take-off time for fall is late September, it starts to feel like fall in the northwest during early September. Leaves begin to change color this time and the period makes a great time to go leaf-peeping.

End of summer events take place at this time and rainfall starts to return. However, the rain is insufficient to stop locals from venturing outdoors but a lot of tourists may not feel comfortable in the rain.

If you’re visiting Seattle this time, remember to take your hat, a rain jacket or an umbrella. The temperature is roughly 21.4 degrees Celsius.

Visiting Seattle in October and weather considerations

If your purpose is to experience Seattle’s autumn weather, October is the best time to visit Seattle. You’ll enjoy the lovely fall foliage on Mount Rainier. By this time the temperature begins to fall and the leaves start to change their colors.

Seattle locals celebrate the autumn with festivals and numerous weird houses all over the place. You’ll love a visit to the pumpkin patch or a tour to a corn maze.

However, remember to put on your boots because it can get muddy because of the rain and corn maze. The temperature is roughly 15.4 degrees Celsius.

Visiting Seattle and the November Weather

November is not the best month for outdoor activities if you’re visiting Seattle. It is characterized by heavy downpours and wind storms. The rainy season in Seattle starts in November. However, the holiday season starts towards the end of November. The city gets decorated with holiday lights with the most spectacular display in Downtown Seattle.

So, the month might be the best time to visit Seattle if you enjoy visiting museums, galleries, and eateries. If you’re visiting for tourist interest, postpone your visit towards the end of November after the display of the holiday lights. The temperature is roughly 10.5 degrees Celsius.

Visiting Seattle and December Weather

If you’re after mountain hiking, this is the best time to visit Seattle. The whole ski resorts in the city open in December. Nonetheless, the sun sets earlier than 5 pm in December. So, it can get dark and windy. The temperature also drops at this time and you can witness coats of snows on the mountains.

Despite the cold and rain that characterize the month, December provides a lot of funs to tourists. There are a lot of holiday events scheduled for the weekends. You can either watch Christmas lights displays, go for a holiday show at some theaters in the locality. You can equally enjoy winter brews at small local breweries.

The temperature is roughly 7.6 degrees Celsius.

Best time to visit Settle: Popular Festivals and Events considerations

Seattle has a lot of amazing festivals and events. Besides holiday events, most of these events fall within summer, spring, and fall. One of the most popular festivals is Seafair. Below are the different popular festivals and events in Seattle and their respective months to help you plan if you want to attend any of them.

Popular Seattle events in January

• The Seattle Boat Show with watercraft exhibitions and marine-associated conferences.
• Seattle two weekend’s Chamber Society Winter Music Festival by word-class musicians
• The Polar Bear Matthews Beach Park plunge

Popular Seattle February Events

• A display and garden show at the Washington State Convention Center
• The Wintergrass Music Festival dedicated to the American bluegrass music.
• The Seattle Boat Show
• The Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at Chinatown-International District

Popular Seattle Events in March

• Emerald City Comic Con pop culture with artists, actors, writers, and more visiting
• Seattle St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a tour to a local Irish pub.

Popular Seattle Events in April

• The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival for viewing stretches of tulips and daffodils
• Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival
• The open International Children’s Friendship Festival
• Seattle Restaurant Week

Popular Seattle Events in May

• The Opening Day of Boating Season characterized by sailboat races and boat parades
• Seattle International Film Festival   with a show of documentaries
• Northwest Folklife open festival at Seattle Center

Popular Seattle events in June

• The Fremont Solstice Fair which celebrates with music, food, and artistic display of cyclist with some elements nudity.
• The Seattle PrideFest which is the most extensive LGBT get-together drag queens, and the Seattle Pride Parade

Popular Seattle Events in July

• The Seattle International Beerfest for beer lovers
• The Bite of Seattle food festival,  featuring the best food vendors, chefs, eateries, wine, and beer.
• The Capitol Hill Block Party,
• Chinatown DragonFest
• The Chamber Music Society Summer Festival
• Seafair which is a collection of several events that run from July to August.
• The fireworks of the 4th July and the Seafair Summer Fourth at Gas Works Park

Popular Seattle events in August

• Hempfest events which include a political rally, concert, and art and craft fair. The other is
• The Seafair Weekend where you can watch hydroplane races, the Blue Angels and watch air shows.
• Seattle Art Fair with lots of art display from art galleries, museums and more.

Popular Seattle Events in September

• The PAX Prime Gaming Show which is a celebration of the game culture.
• The Washington State Fair held at the Puyallup and featuring fair nourishments, rides, sports, wildlife, featuring performances, minor shows, etc. and more.
• Bumbershoot a popular music festival which features a different artist and headliners like the popular Oktoberfests, Fremont Oktoberfest.

Popular Seattle events in October

• Seattle Children’s Festival
• Seattle Queer Film Festival
• The Earshot Jazz Festival
• Great Pumpkin Beer Fest for enthusiasts of pumpkin beer
• GeekGirlCon women events

Seattle Popular Events in November

• The Sheraton Seattle’s Gingerbread Village show
• Visiting the Magnuson Park to buy the best locally made jewelry, clothes and artworks like portrait, and sculptures.
• Visiting the historic Pike Place Market to watch caroling competitions, tree-lighting event and more.
• Macy’s Holiday Parade with Santa appearance and Macy’s Tree Lighting in Downtown.
• Festival of Trees which involves the display of the most beautiful Christmas trees with a gala fundraising for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Popular December events in Seattle

• The Winterfest event: This features displays like ice sculpting and ice skating.
• The Great Figgy Pudding Carolling contest hosted at Westlake Center.
• The Christmas Ship Festival with Argosy Cruises and the Puget Sounds
• Christmas lights displays
• Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet show

Best time to Visit Seattle: Season of the year consideration

1. best time to visit seattle: spring season.

The spring season in Seattle runs from March to May. The spring weather is moderately cold due to the mixed effects of humidity and temperature. The highest daily temperature ranges between 70.3 degrees Fahrenheit or 21.3 Celsius to 52.2 degrees Fahrenheit or 11.2 degrees Centigrade.

The later months are warmer than the earlier months. You have roughly six to eleven days of a significant amount of drizzle every month. Besides the summertime, the next most tourists visited period in Seattle is the Springtime.

Hotel prices are also cheaper this time. So, you might be able to get really good hotels at affordable prices because most haven’t adjusted their rates for the summer season.

Major SpringTime Events in Seattle include the following:

• Moisture Festival which falls between March and April
• Japanese Cultural and Seattle Cherry Blossom festivals celebrated in April
• Seattle Restaurant Week which falls in April
• Seattle International Film Festival which falls around May to June

2. Best time to visit Seattle: Summer Season

The summer season in Seattle falls between June and August. It is the widest tourist visited time and the busiest in Seattle. So, accommodation rates are high within this period. To get better hotel pricing, it is better to book in advance.

The rate of precipitation decreases from one to four days every month and the temperature is at a tolerable range of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the weather is commonly friendly this time, don’t forget to pack a light jacket in the event of icy breeze.

Major tourist Events in Seattle during the summer season include the following:

• Seattle International Film Festival which falls between May and June.
• Seattle Pride celebrated in June.
• Seattle International BeerFest celebrated in July
• Capitol Hill Block Party celebrated in July.
• Seafair Weekend event in August
• Seattle Art Fair event in August

3. Visiting Seattle and the Fall season

Seattle experiences the fall season from September to November. The daily maximum temperature ranges from 75.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 24.2 degrees Celsius and 49.9 degrees Fahrenheit to 9.9 degrees Celsius which comes with icy feeling due to the humidity and wind.

At the same time, the rate of rain or snowfall increases due to the approaching winter. You want to pack some warm clothing. Average rain or snow showers in a month are roughly four to twelve day.

Rooms are very affordable this time because not many tourists like visiting this period. The fall season is your best time to head to Seattle if you are looking to get a bargain and enjoy autumn festivals.

Major tourist events of the fall season include the following:

• Bumbershoot event which takes place in September.
• Earshot Jazz Festival which falls between October to November.
• Seattle Restaurant Week which is celebrated between October to November.

4. Visiting Seattle in the Winter Season

The winter season in Seattle runs from December through February. The climate is too chilly this time of the year for tourists especially if you don’t like cold weather or enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

The average highest temperature in this season is roughly between 53.3 degrees Fahrenheit or 11.8 degrees Celsius and 46.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 8.1 degrees Celsius. The average number of rains or snows for this season is eight to twelve times every month.

Major Events of the winter season include the following:

• Earshot Jazz Festival which runs between October and November.
• November Seattle International Comedy Contest
• Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon hosted in December
• Christmas Ship Festival which is celebrated in December
• The February Seattle of Improv Theater festival.

If you’re visiting Seattle and want to enjoy a bit of all the fun Seattle offers to tourists, consider the following areas: – Pike Place Market and Belltown – Downtown Seattle – Queen Anne – Pioneer Square – Waterfront areas

The best time to visit the Pike Place Market is in the morning before it is midday if you want to skip crowds. These periods are characterized with fewer crowd Mornings before noon are generally less crowded. Also, late fall, winter, and early spring apart from holidays are not crowded. If you don’t mind the crowd, visiting in the mornings during the weekdays in the Summer is the best time to visit.

The Space Needle is one of the most widely visited attractions in Seattle. It is open all year round and is normally crowded. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning by 10.00 am Weekdays-Monday-Thursday and 9.30 am on Fridays.

You can check your items and a coat at Guest Services when you visit the aquarium. You must remember to pick up your items before leaving.

If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting anytime beyond 2 pm both during weekdays and weekends.

The best time to visit Seattle comes down to what value you are looking to get. Are you after the fun summer weather of Seattle or its popular events and festivals? Or are you looking to visit during the low season with bargain hotel prices or you are specific about experiencing a certain event or visiting a specific tourist attraction?

Whatever your reason, we have provided a detailed guide in this article to help you choose the best suitable time to visit Seattle. Enjoy your trip! We wish you a happy fun time. Don’t forget to let us know how it goes.

Further read:

• Epic Destination List: Most Popular Travel Destinations!

• TEAM BUILDING

Visiting the Emerald City in March is an unforgettable experience, offering a breathtaking spectacle of sights and a rich tapestry of experiences!

Thinking about amazing activities or to-dos in Seattle in March?

Looking for awesome events and activities taking place in the Emerald City this month?

With spring heralding its arrival and the winter cold beating a retreat, March is a great time to visit Seattle and have a day out around here. To help you plan, here are the…

10 BEST things to do in Seattle in March

Join St. Patrick’s Day parades

Attend the Tartan Ball

Attend a thrilling theatrical performance at A Contemporary Theatre

Be reduced to tears at the Moisture Festival…

Attend the opera, go on a luxury cruise.

Test how good you are at finding and using escape room clues at Seattle’s best escape room

Attend a Sherlock Holmes play at Wade James Theatre in Edmonds

Enjoy the city skyline from the space needle, visit pike place market, join st. patrick’s day special events.

( Image by 12019 from Pixabay)  

St. Patrick’s day this year is on a Sunday (March 17 th ). And if you’re in Seattle, you should absolutely join in the celebration of the Patron Saint of the Irish.

The St. Patrick’s Landing event - a reenactment of the kidnapping of St. Patrick by pirates - on March 15th at 5:00pm at Lake Union Park.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on March 16th at 12:30pm . It starts at 4th and James and proceeds towards Westlake Park and the Seattle Center.

The Irish Festival at the Seattle Center - March 16: 12pm-6pm & March 17: 10am-6pm at the Armory Food & Event Hall .

The event includes dance performances, Irish language lessons, ‘genealogy sessions’ (tracing any Irish ancestry you have), and a whole lot more!

And those are just special events. A lot of restaurants, bars and establishments in Seattle hold their own events for St. Patrick's Day.

Attend a thrilling theatrical performance at ACT Contemporary Theatre

(Image by Rosemary Dai Ross)

Written by Zora Howard and directed by Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako, STEW is based on the relationship between three generations of Tucker women.

As the theatre puts it,

Mama’s up early to prepare the perfect stew for a very important community meal. As the day rolls on, tempers go from a simmer to a boil, and secrets rise to the surface for three generations of Tucker women. When the violence hovering around the periphery of their lives begins to intrude upon the sanctity of the kitchen, mothers and daughters wrestle with loss and hope in this hilarious, haunting drama.

Dates: March 15th to March 31st .

Website: Go to webpage

…you should note that these are tears of joy. Accompanied by peals of laughter.

The Moisture Festival is the largest comedy/varieté show in the world. It takes place in Seattle every year, in the spring.

What is comedy/varieté?

Each artist does their skit within a small (3 to 15 minute) time slot, accompanied by a live band. And while you may know many of the performing artists, you won’t be informed of their acts in advance, making everything you see here completely unexpected, and drawing a heartfelt, spontaneous response.

And the performers can be anyone from aerialists to strongmen/women, magicians to comedians, and even tap dancers to drill teams.

They also have a burlesque show (by the Libertease Cabaret) presented at a separate location.

Dates: Thursday March 17 th to Sunday April 10 th .

If operatic performances are to your taste, the onset of spring is a great time to attend one!

Seattle Opera in particular has a great slate of performances in March. Plus, if you’re into radio, you can tune in to King FM 98.1 at 10am on Saturdays for broadcasts of previous performances.

You can visit their website for a list of their March programs.

The Youth Symphony Orchestra also has a great lineup scheduled for March.

Take in the wondrous sights across the city skyline and Lake Union and Lake Washington as you settle into your private table and enjoy your meal, listen to the captain’s captivating commentary on the sights, and look into wine and appetizer  menus to see whether you fancy perking up your experience!

From lunch cruise to dining cruise and even Sunday supper cruise - there are a lot of options for you to choose from!

A great experience that the entire family will enjoy!

Note: As of now, there is a limit of ten guests per private table, due to the COVID situation.

Test how good you are at finding clues at Seattle’s best escape room

Looking for something to do in Seattle on a weekend night, with family and friends?

A thrilling experience in which everyone can actively take part?

Then team up, and head down to our 1st Avenue location where you can…

Break into a top secret bunker on a highly classified military mission to stop a lethal missile strike.

Find a way out of a maximum security prison and break out, while you still can.

Match wits with a dangerous criminal mastermind as you seek a way out of his lair.

Do you have what it takes to solve puzzles, uncover and understand clues and beat the game?

Haven’t done any escape rooms before, and want some escape room clue examples to see how tough they are?

Rather than see a few examples here, book a game with Seattle’s best loved escape room - Fox in a Box - and find out for yourself!

If you like escape rooms, you’re going to love this.

A play based on the stories of Sherlock Holmes, as written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Only, the play takes the spotlight off of Holmes, and makes Watson the main character.

It takes off right after the events at Reichenbach Falls, where Holmes and his nemesis Professor M were thought to have fallen to their deaths.

Since then, Dr. Watson has been busy disproving the claims of various imposters all claiming to be his late friend, the great detective.

However, one day he received a telegram informing him that three men, all claiming to be Holmes, have been admitted to an asylum in remote Scotland. Can he investigate and find out if one of the trio really IS Sherlock?

Dates: Friday March 4 th to Sunday March 27 th , on various dates and times.

One of our city’s defining landmarks, the Space Needle is a must-visit in Seattle.

Even if you’ve been there before, the spectacular view of Seattle’s skyline you can enjoy from atop it makes a repeat visit totally worthwhile. Especially if you want awesome content for your social media…

There’s a gift shop if you want mementos or gifts for your loved ones…and the Seattle Center is right next door, if you’re looking for dining and shopping options afterwards!

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States, and possibly Seattle’s most famous farmers market.

It’s home to the very first Starbucks coffee shop in the world.

March is a great time to visit and check out the various seasonal items, including several indigenous preparations that may not be available at other time.

Dates: Throughout March, 9am to 6pm.

Website: Go to Pike Place Market

Summary: Visiting Seattle in March

From St. Patrick’s Day parades to various theatrical performances, plus all the other attractions our city has to offer makes a Seattle visit in March a memorable and worthwhile one.

Only remember to pack some warm and dry clothes as temperatures can sometime turn nippy, and wet.

If you’re visiting for the first time, here are eight things to know about Seattle .

If you’re looking more for a break from city life, here are 10 getaways near Seattle you can check out.

Finally, if you found this post useful, bookmark Seattle’s best escape room and events blog to access future content conveniently!

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27 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this March

Almost spring!

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It’s March and that means it’s time to get out there and see what’s happening around the city. Before we know it the time will change, and the days will get longer. And with the arrival of spring, Seattle has plenty to do this month between live music, performances, and food & drink festivities.. Without further ado, here are the best things to do in and around Seattle this March.

Recent Posts: Kevin Durant would “absolutely love” to be a part of the Seattle SuperSonics NBA return Here are the biggest concerts and festivals taking place in Seattle this spring

Emerald City Comic Con

Emerald City Comic Con is just around the corner for four days of comics, anime, gaming, entertainment, pop culture, and a star studded lineup that includes Chris Evans.

Comic Con lands at the Seattle Convention Center starting on February 29th until March 3rd.

When:  February 29th until March 3rd, 2024 Where:  900 Pine St Cost:  $43+

Fall Out Boy & Jimmy Eat World

Due to overwhelming demand, GRAMMY Award-nominated and multi-platinum selling band  Fall Out Boy’s worldwide  So Much For (Tour) Dust  tour continues this year, with over 20 dates around the US. Lucky for us, Seattle is one of those dates! Jimmy Eat World is also on this bill.

When:  Friday, March 1st, 2024 Where:  Climate Pledge Arena Cost:  Resale starts at $70

Winthrop Balloon Roundup

The Winthrop Balloon Roundup is scheduled to take place during the last few weeks of winter.

It’s important to note that all events are weather permitting. Balloons fly each morning at 6:45 AM, based on weather conditions. These conditions cannot be predicted in advance and Winthrop has its own micro-climate due to its location at the base of the Cascades. Balloons will stay in the air until about 9 AM each day, so this is an event worth staying in Winthrop for.

When:  March 1st-3rd, 2024 Where:  Winthrop, WA Cost: Free, register here

The Seattle Japanese Garden

It’s time to celebrate the 2024 Garden opening! The Seattle Japanese Garden will have a Bamboo Flute Performance, as well as guided tours to kick off the season.

When: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 Where:  1075 Lake Washington Boulevard East Cost:  $10

Real Estate

Having been a band for over 15 years, Real Estate as over a half-dozen records, so you never know what kind of set list you may get! They are on their  Infinite Jangle Tour  with Florry.

When:  Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 Where: The Showbox, 1426 1st Avenue Cost:  $30+

Sound Off! 2024 Showcase #3

MoPOP’s Sound Off! Showcase is a chance to check out “the next big thing in NW music as young artists from around the region take to the Sky Church stage for three nights of heart, guts, and glory.”

Artists on March 2nd include Rae, miacompactdisk, and King Zaae.

When:   Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 Where:   Sky Church at MoPOP Cost:   $5- $15

Seattle Kraken

Cheer on the home team at Climate Pledge Area this March! The Kraken are home for 10 home games this month, playing teams like the Edmonton Oilers, The Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars . Go, Kraken, Go!

When: Games throughout March Where:  Climate Pledge Arena Cost:  Tickets starting at $70

Freakout Weekender

Looking for a full music weekend to kick off March? Freakout is bringing the Freakout Weekender with a stacked two-day lineup. Saturday’s includes Fuzz, Sgt. Papers, Plague Vendor, Niis, Jarv Dee, Strawberry Fuzz, Slaughterhouse, Dark Chisme, Emi Pop, Derv Gordon, So What, and Clean Lines.

On Sunday, you can check out Dehd, Boogarins, Nick Waterhouse, Levitation Room, Elis Paprika, Sistemas Inestables, Nada Rosa, Brent Amaker & The Rodeo, Midnight High, Rose Haze, and Shimmertraps.

When:   Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 Where:   The Crocodile, 2505 1st Ave Cost:  $57.50+

Northwest Record Show

If you love records, or collect them, there’s a show happening in March that you won’t want to miss. The Northwest Record Show is back in Seattle, bringing a lot of music-related collectibles to you!

When:  Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 Where:  Seattle Center Armory Food Court, 305 Harrison St Cost:  $2-$3 GA, $15 8 am admission

International Women’s Day

Head to the Discovery Center for a free, inspiring event in celebration of International Women’s Day featuring a powerful keynote address, networking, and creative exploration. Be sure to RSVP in advance.

When:   Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 Where:   440 Fifth Ave. N. Cost:  Free

Destroyer’s Dan Bejar is kicking off a 2024 solo tour in Seattle. Destroyer will be in town with Lightning Dust.

When:  Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 Where : Tractor, 5213 Ballard Avenue NW Cost:  $54

The 2024 Seattle Golf Show 

The Seattle Golf Show is the can’t-miss event of the year for golfers! It is your first chance to see and swing clubs that will be big in 2024! You can also compete in skills contests, and there will be prizes. The family-friendly event will also have special areas for kids.

When:  Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th, 2024 Where:   Seattle Convention Center Cost:   $17

Global recording artists Bad Bunny will be embarking on a 2024 Most Wanted Tour, and will be stopping in Seattle in March.

“Promising to bring fans an unparalleled spectacle in 2024, the Most Wanted Tour will give attendees a more intimate experience than his previous tour and give life to his latest studio production with the legendary and high-energy stage presence he’s known for,” states Climate Pledge’s  website .

When:  Saturday, March 9th, 2024 Where:  Climate Pledge Arena Cost:  $212+

The Paper Kites

Aussie indie band The Paper Kites formed back in 2009, and have released five studio albums and two EPs. They are touring their latest album,  At the Roadhouse .

When:  Saturday, March 9th, 2024 Where:  The Neptune Theatre, 1303 Northeast 45th Street Cost:  $117

Discover Pass Free Days

Washington State Parks  typically has several “free days” each year, and 2024 is no exception. There will be two free days in March: March 9th for Billy Frank Junior’s Birthday, and March 19th for State Parks’ 111th Birthday.

When:  March 9th and 19th, 2024 Where:   Washington State Parks Cost:   Free

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is back! The rapper announced the Pink Friday 2 World Tour in support of her latest album Pink Friday 2.

When:  Sunday, March 10th, 2024 Where:  Climate Pledge Arena Cost:  $108+

LA’s pop rock band LANY is back in Seattle for their  a beautiful blur: the world tour 2024 . The best part, they’re not here for just one but two nights at the Paramount Theatre.

When:  Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 & Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 Where:  The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine Street Cost: $55+

American singer-songwriter who gave us “Sea of Love” is bringing her enigmatic voice and sounds to The Moore Theatre this month.

When:  Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 Where:  The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Avenue Cost:  $46+

Taste Washington

Taste Washington 2024 returns in March, bringing together over 200 winemakers and 70 restaurants. The signature festival event, The Grand Tasting, takes place this year on March 16th and 17th at the Lumen Field Event Center.

Taste Washington’s festivities kick off on March 14th and will continue until the 24th, and visitors can choose from a variety of events showcasing the best in food and wine experiences.

When:  March 14th to 24th, 2024 Where:  Varies by event

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift may not be coming back to Seattle for a concert soon, but there’s one way to sing along to her songs live.  Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift has several upcoming concerts in the city, and one is in March.

If you haven’t heard of them before, Candlelight concerts “bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Seattle.”

When: Friday, March 15th, 2024 Where:  Arctic Club Hotel, 700 3rd Avenue, Seattle Cost:  $40+

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade returns on March 16th, and it is intended as a tribute to St. Patrick and as a celebration of Irish and Irish-American tradition and heritage. It is is a family-friendly event.

When:  Saturday, March 16th, 2024 Where:  Jefferson St & 4th Ave, Seattle Cost:   Free

Irish Festival Seattle

Besides the parade, you can also check out the Irish Festival Seattle on the weekend of March 16th. Expect two-days of traditional music, step-dancing, lectures, genealogy workshops, Irish films, exhibits, displays, and more.

When:  Saturday, March 16th, and Sunday, March 17th, 2024 Where:   Armory Food & Event Hall, 305 Harrison St Cost:   Free

NEON HOLI Festival of Colors

For one night only, El Corazon, Seattle will be transformed into a glow-in-the-dark party full of vibrant colors and amazing music from across India and beyond.

When:  Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 Where:  El Corazón, 109 Eastlake Avenue East Cost:  $12.50+

Seattle’s French Fest

This March, the Seattle Center Festál presents Seattle’s French Fest: A Celebration of French Speaking Cultures in partnership with France Education Northwest (FEN). The festival will have music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, film screenings, wine tastings, baguette tasting contest, and more.

You can also check out live performances on the main stage featuring traditional dance and music from French-speaking countries or in the French language.

When:  Sunday, March 24th, 2024 Where:   Armory Food & Event Hall, 305 Harrison St Cost:   Free

Tim McGraw is brining his 2024 Standing Room Only Tour to Seattle!

Get ready to catch McGraw and Grammy® Award winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce, who will join the Standing Room Only Tour on all dates as direct support.

When:  Friday, March 29th, 2024 Where:  Climate Pledge Arena Cost:  $86+

Loud Luxury

Get ready to dance at the end of March as Canadian music production and DJ duo Loud Luxury take the stage at Showbox SoDo with GUDFELLA.

When:  Friday, March 29th, 2024 Where:  Showbox SoDo,1700 1st Avenue South Cost:  $40+

Sakura-Con 

Presented by the  Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association , Sakura-Con is the oldest and most well attended anime convention in the Pacific Northwest. You can expect gaming, cosplay, cultural panels, dances, concerts, art contests, AMV’s, industry guests

When: Friday, March 29th, to Sunday, March 31st, 2024 Where:  Seattle Convention Centre Cost:  $110 for membership

Have a great month!

Curiocity Staff

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10 Things to Do in Seattle in March

Plans abound when it comes to looking for ideas and activities to see and do in Seattle during a visit in March. That's why I invite you to follow the list of recommendations I've prepared with the intention of simplifying your trip planning.

Keyvis Montilva

12 min read

Seattle | ©Eunice Choi

If you think of a modern, coastal city with a cool, cloudy atmosphere that has been admired countless times in popular culture, then Seattle fits that description . So it's no surprise to learn that there are thousands of things to see or do in Seattle if you visit during the month of March.

In an effort to ensure you get the most out of your visit, I invite you to read this compilation of festivals and activities I've put together for you.

1. Participate in an orca whale watching excursion

The temperate climate of the northwestern United States makes it an ideal place for the North Pole's marine species to roam freely in what would be much warmer water for them. For this reason, March is a perfect month to participate in one of the orca watching excursions, as the water temperatures between late winter and early spring are ideal conditions for this marine animal. As well as other whales and sea creatures.

Some of these Seattle boat tours offer a guarantee that if you don't see a killer whale along the way, you'll get a free tour on a different day. This is strong evidence that there is a good chance you will encounter several groups of these cetaceans in the waters of Puget Sound.

Some of the tours usually take you to the shores of Port Townsend to skirt the expanse of Whidbey Island. Other tours with a longer duration also usually offer you a trip to the San Juan Islands where you could even get off to tour their harbors for an hour.

Traveller Tip I advise you to wear sunscreen, knowing that water is a reflective surface for UV radiation.

Details of interest

• Prices: prices vary depending on the duration of the tour and the company chosen, note that none will offer packages below 80 euros per person.
• Conditions: this is an activity in which children must be accompanied by a representative.

Book the best boat tours in Seattle

2. Immerse yourself in the musical culture of the city

The Seattle Opera House and the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras are internationally respected institutions when it comes to classical music. Mainly due to the fact that they are the most influential orchestras in the classical music circuit of the Pacific Northwest in the American continent.

In turn, the month of March is a privileged time of the year to enjoy them, since this month marks the transition from the winter concert season to the beginning of the spring cycle. It is therefore a good idea to attend some of the concerts that will surely be held during the weekends of March.

Another relevant detail of the musical culture of Seattle is the fact that Grunge is a musical genre that was born in the streets of Seattle in the 90s. That's why there are lots of clues in cafes and cultural establishments about how that musical revolution was experienced in this very progressive community.

The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, is another corner that you cannot miss if you are interested in understanding the musical nature of this area. This is because there you will find a lot of exhibits dedicated to the preservation of POP culture, which is a once in a lifetime experience if you enjoy this aesthetic and these rhythms on a regular basis.

It wouldn't hurt to make sure you check if the Seattle City Pass offers you any discounts for Philharmonic performances or museum tickets, as this tourist pass is one of the best investments you can make if you are looking to cut costs in your tourist budget.

Buy a City Pass in Seattle

3. Celebrate Starbucks anniversary in the city of its birth

The largest coffee chain in the world, Starbucks, was born in Seattle in the early 1970s . This happened on March 31, 1971 and for this reason every year special activities are held in the city's branches, including the first of all which is located right in the Pike Place Market. Discounts are some of them, but there are also live music performances or an educational workshop or two. Every year they change and it all depends on the Starbucks branch chosen.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is another of the establishments that you cannot miss on your tour of the city when it comes to coffee, as it consists of an authentic processing center for whole coffee beans, where they are roasted at different temperatures to reach very different varieties in terms of flavor and texture of the beverage.

Actually, something you have to keep in mind is that the whole city is known for the breadth of its coffee culture . So participating in one of the best gastronomic tours in Seattle is a highly recommended activity to understand the scope that coffee as a beverage has had in the identity of this city and in the creation of its gastronomic businesses.

4. Have fun at the Moisture Festival

The Moisture Festival is an event that runs from the beginning of March to the beginning of April. According to experts, it is one of the largest festivals in the world when it comes to comedy and entertainment with performing arts.

As for the programming of the events, you should know that they are weekend functions and sometimes there is one or another activity that occurs on a Thursday. These are comedy acts in which each performer has a 5 to 15 minute set and there is almost always a musical band accompanying the act with live music.

Burlesque, juggling, ventriloquist acts and a host of other circus related talent. These are just some of the sessions you might encounter on a festival night. Keep in mind that this is an evening activity, so you might want to supplement your morning and afternoon with a tour on one of Seattle' s tour buses .

• Location: usually held at Hale's Ales Palladium, but there are always chances that the venue will be changed each year, as such adjustments are a common occurrence at this event. Checking on the event's official website is an excellent idea.
• Price: tickets are usually priced between 10 to 30 euros, depending on the day of the week and the number of acts scheduled for that date.
• Duration: it is a night festival that almost always lasts about 2 or 3 hours, from the entrance of the spectators to the hall until the final applause.

5. Delight yourself with an excellent gastronomic experience at the Taste Washington Festival.

Speaking of festivals, another recommendation I have to make, if you visit Seattle in March, is to check out the Taste Washington Festival. This event consists of a gastronomic festival that takes place during the 4 weeks of March in which wine and the gourmet foods that accompany it are the true protagonists.

It is organized by the Washington State Wine Commission, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the development of the wine industry in this region. This region has such favorable conditions for the production of luxury wines as the Napa Valley, in California.

The offer of first class artisanal products such as cured cheeses and sausages are other very important elements of the gastronomic offer of this festival. All this while there are workshops and discussions with real experts in the American wine scene.

You should consider that although there are no age limitations for admission to the venue, it is really an adult entertainment alternative that can be classified within the plans to see or do in Seattle during the night in March.

• Pricing: the festival is subdivided into several events with very different purposes, ranging from private dinners with chefs to crowded seminars with experts. So the prices for each activity can range from about 85 euros per person to about 180 or even 200.
• Duration: everything is adjusted to the chosen activity, but attending the main exhibition that functions as a kind of luxury market with simultaneous activities can take about 3 or 4 hours of your day.

6. Take advantage of the arrival of spring at a local Farmers Market

Another distinctive aspect of Seattle's identity is the unchanging tradition of participating in all kinds of community markets to support the consumption and production of local food products. These types of spaces are called Farmers Markets in the United States and in Seattle you will find a few of them in most of the city's neighborhoods.

The ones located in Ballard, right on the main avenue of the same name, are very famous among the local population and among tourists who have already had the opportunity to visit them. The National Nordic Museum is located in this neighborhood , which is another excellent opportunity to learn about the ancestral origins of the community that founded this area of the city.

Freemont is another neighborhood that has its own Farmers Market during the week ends and visiting it is a good idea if you feel comfortable in places with a bohemian and modern identity. Walking the waterfront along the canal that bears the same name is another alternative plan to enjoy the area to the fullest, and the Aurora Bridge is a rather peculiar site worthy of a photo shoot with your companions.

All these plans revolving around the Farmers Markets in the city's residential neighborhoods are part of the best things to see or do in Seattle during the spring . For the March weather makes for a more favorable experience than on a cold winter day.

7. Make a quick stop at the University of Washington campus to see the cherry blossom trees.

The University of Washington campus is an area of the city that in itself is worth visiting to admire its architectural and scenic beauty . However, March stands out as an even more appropriate time to include it in your tourist itinerary due to the fact that the arrival of spring brings with it the Cherry Blossom Tree's blooming.

So beautiful is the scenery of several streets lined with pink flowering trees that this is an activity that attracts thousands of tourists looking for a photographic moment worthy of posting on social media. Keep in mind that this is not something that is going to take up a large chunk of your day, as the campus is accessible from downtown and touring all the interesting facilities usually takes about 3 to 4 hours at most.

So it is a recommended plan if you are looking for ideas to see or do in Seattle during a 4-day trip, especially if it happens at the end of March . Since this is the time when these curious trees begin to bloom in their beautiful pink tones.

8. Enjoy a tour of the city with favorable weather

March marks the beginning of what locals define as the most pleasant time of the year, as winters are quite aggressive and summers usually have extreme temperatures that are suffocating for a population that is accustomed to a cloudy and cold environment.

Within this context it is logical and predictable that you reserve a day of your trip to enjoy an extensive and demanding walk through the historical and cultural heart of the city . The downtown peninsula, specifically the Uptown, Denny Triangle, Cascade, South Lake and Belltown neighborhoods, are areas you can tour in a single day.

There you will encounter the city's main attractions, touristically speaking. The Space Needle, the Center for Wooden Boats dock, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters and the Paramount Theater are some of these must-see sites on this sightseeing tour.

One thing that can make a difference in the convenience of this early spring itinerary is booking some of the Seattle tours offered online. This by the fact that they cut down on distances by taking you on buses or in minibuses that can extend the perimeter of your sightseeing tour.

Details of interest:

• Prices: it depends on the conditions of the tour and the route you have planned. You can find excellent alternatives that pick you up at the hotel and take you to the cruise terminal of the city for 97 euros approximately, while there are others with rates close to 74 euros that pick you up and drop you off at a central point of the city.
• Duration: on average all these tours last about 3 to 4 hours maximum. If you decide to opt for a walking tour, you could take up to 10 hours of your day.

Get the best tours in Seattle

9. Visit the Washington Park Arboretum covered in springtime beauty

On the northeastern tip of the peninsula stretches for a couple of acres, the Washington Park Arboretum . It is a park that belongs to the botanical garden complex of the University of Washington and is an excellent spot in the city to enjoy an afternoon of nature between the beginning of spring that defines the last days of March.

This space has a Japanese garden that stands out among the rest of the flora for the great diversity of plants from that Asian archipelago. This is the only point of the park with a paid access, since the rest of the facilities are completely free for both locals and tourists.

Clearly, this is a plan that falls within the activities to do and see in Seattle with children by the fact that it puts within your reach hundreds of trails to be traveled by infants loaded with lots of energy. There are ponds worthy of a fairy tale and this also makes it a good place to live a fantasy in the imagination of the little ones of the house.

10. Organize an excursion to a nearby national park

Seattle is a very privileged spot within the United States if you consider that it is quite close to areas of gigantic natural beauty. Three national parks are in a perimeter of less than 100 km away and therefore organizing a guided tour to some of them is an excellent plan to say goodbye to your visit in this beautiful city.

In fact, March is an ideal time in the year to visit the national parks near Seattle due to the fact that it is still cold enough to admire the winter beauty of the season. And at the same time the temperatures are moderate enough that it is not uncomfortable to be exposed to the elements on a hiking trail or on a boat.

Tours to Mount Rainier from Seattle are one of these convenient alternatives, as they include various benefits such as the entrance fee to the national park and transportation in a modern and comfortable minibus. They also usually include a local guide who explains the importance of this natural area and takes you to the most favorable trails for your hike.

There are boat rides that take you to the coast of the Olympic Peninsula to get a close-up view of the majesty of Olympic National Park . It is well known for the state of preservation of its forests and for the peculiar beauty of the thousands of beaches that extend inland from the bay to the Pacific Ocean.

• Prices: depend on the package chosen, but in the case of the excursion to Mount Rainer you can find convenient rates around 150 euros per adult and about 130 euros for children under 12 years old.
• Duration: this is an extensive activity if you take into consideration how long it takes to get to and from the city to the chosen national parks. On average it can last 10 to 12 hours.
• Conditions: almost all excursions have a pick-up point in a central and accessible location in the city. It is therefore advisable that you do not expect to be picked up at the hotel, as this would seriously limit your available options.

How busy is Seattle in March?

Seattle is a fairly touristy city, that's a fact. However, the month of March is an ideal time to visit, as it is a time when the winter cold bids farewell to welcome the moderate warmth of spring.

All this without having to deal with hoards of tourists, as most of them will arrive with the peak of summer and March is not a time that is really important for domestic tourism within the United States.

What are the temperatures in Seattle in March?

The temperatures you will encounter in Seattle in March are much more favorable than the cold days of winter, as highs often climb to 14 degrees Celsius, but keep in mind that lows can drop to as low as 4 on the coldest nights of the month.

So it is a real priority that you bring coats and don't take for granted that there is a good chance of a rainy afternoon despite an extremely sunny morning.

The Best Travel Guide to Seattle

• Seattle Mariners Tickets
• Seattle Seahawks Tickets
• Seattle Kraken Tickets
• The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds US Tour Tickets
• 11 Things to Do in Seattle at Night
• 10 Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
• Seattle in 5 Days: everything you need to know
• Seattle in 2 Days: everything you need to know
• 10 Things to Do in Seattle in Summer
• Day Trips to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle
• Mt. Rainier Day Trips from Seattle
• Seattle Airport Transfers

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The Best Time to Visit Seattle

Seattle Travel Guide › When to Visit Updated: March 7, 2024 By Santorini Dave

• Where to Stay in Seattle
• Best Family Hotels in Seattle

When is the best time to visit Seattle?

As a Seattle resident, I think the best time to visit the city is from June to September. It’s when you can expect sunny skies, minimal rain, and numerous outdoor events and festivals. April, May, and October offer great deals and consistently pleasant sightseeing weather. From November through February, you’ll likely find the city chilly, gray, and wet – but great for museums, restaurants, and the covered shops at Pike Place Market.

Me, my two sons, and some high school friends in downtown Seattle.

• Best time for outdoor recreation : Seattle has consistently dry, sunny, and warm weather from early July through September – perfect for local hiking, biking, and boating. April, May, June, and October are often unpredictable and swing from rainy and chilly to warm and sunny so be prepared for anything if visiting. November through March is generally cool and damp, and many Mount Rainier hiking trails are closed for the winter. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing season in nearby mountain areas usually lasts from late November until April or May. Even in summer Puget Sound waters are not ideal for swimming, as they rarely get above 13°C.
• Best time for food and wine : The best Seattle restaurants and the winery tasting rooms in nearby Woodinville are great to visit at any time of year (though they can be very busy in the peak season months of July and August). The region’s famous Copper River salmon arrives in Seattle’s restaurants and markets in May and is generally available through mid-June. Many of Seattle’s best restaurants create and sell special three-course dinners at a discount during Seattle Restaurant Week, held twice-yearly in April and October. The Bite of Seattle, Seattle’s biggest food festival, takes place under the Space Needle in mid-July. Taste Washington, a regional wine and food event, is held in late March or early April.
• Best time to visit Pike Place Market : With dozens of covered stalls, restaurants, bars, and galleries, any time of year can be a good time to visit Pike Place Market. Blooming flowers and blue skies mean that the Market is at its loveliest (and most crowded) during the warm, sunny days of late spring, summer, and early fall. Winter months at the Market are just as charming, without being as busy. Generally pleasant weather and the thinner non-summer crowds make the months of May and September a best bet. And keep in mind: there are several great hotels near Pike Place Market .
• Best time for whale watching : Whale watching season near Seattle falls between March and October, with the species of whale you’re likely to see varying by month within that range. The first gray whales appear in the region in March and April. Orcas are common in the summer months of May through September, and humpback whales are most often seen in October and November.
• Best time to view flowers : Seattle is abloom in the springtime, making it the perfect time of year to see beautiful flowers during your visit. The University of Washington’s famous blossoming cherry trees bloom yearly in March, and April brings the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Prime blooming season at the Rhododendron Species Garden is mid-March through mid-May, and of course bright bouquets of blooms can be found year-round in the stalls of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.
• Best time for music fans : Summer in Seattle is bookended by two large and popular music festivals that take place in the shadow of the Space Needle: The Northwest Folklife Festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend (the last weekend in May), and the Bumbershoot Festival happens over Labor Day weekend, the first weekend of September. October brings the Earshot Jazz Festival. The Seattle Symphony’s season runs from mid-September through mid-June, and the Seattle Chamber Music Festival takes place annually in January.
• Best time to visit Mount Rainier : July, August, and September are the best months to visit Mount Rainier National Park, when the snow has melted and hiking trails are open. Mountain wildflowers are at their peak around early August, and fall colors are best in the first half of October. Many park areas and roads are closed throughout the winter (mid-October/early November through June), though the road to Paradise stays open year round for those who wish to see the mountain by car.

Seattle Travel Seasons

• High Season (June to August) : Sunny, dry, and warm, with daytime highs generally around 24°C and low humidity. Flights, ferries, and tours all run with greater frequency during this time. Hotel and travel prices will be higher, and availability will turn scarce – make reservations well in advance. This is cruise ship season, with many sea-going tourists in town as they journey to and from Alaska via the Port of Seattle. Expect crowds, especially on weekends, as local music and art festivals mean that both tourists and locals are out en masse.
• Shoulder Season (April to May, September to October) : Crowds dwindle with the possibility of rain, though the weather is often wonderfully pleasant – especially in May and September – with plenty of sun and daytime highs around 15-20°C. The combination of lower travel prices and the lack of summer sightseers can make shoulder season an ideal time to visit Seattle if your plans do not require a guarantee of dry weather.
• Low Season (November to March) : Tourists generally stay away from Seattle during the colder months. The weather is often wet, breezy, and chilly (usually around 4-10°C.), but breaks in the gloom are common and it’s not unusual to have gorgeous days (though still cool) throughout winter. Museum-lovers and those heading to the mountains to ski can find some great deals on airfare and hotel rooms during this period.

Seattle Weather by Month

The best weather in Seattle is from late June to early September. July and August are the busiest months when hotels are full and restaurants are crowded. May, June, September, and October usually have nice weather and fewer tourists making them great months to visit if you’re not after hot summer weather. Most of Seattle’s best attractions lend themselves to enjoying even with a little rain which makes Seattle a good year-round destination.

• January weather in Seattle : January falls squarely in the middle of Seattle’s rainy season. Temperatures are cold (though usually not cold enough for snow), it’s raining much of the time, and the air is damp. Most locals choose to stay indoors or escape to the mountains for snow activities. (Average Max Temperature: 8.3°C. Average Rainfall: 142mm.)
• February weather in Seattle : Temperatures in Seattle remain chilly in February, though rainfall tends to be a bit lighter and we begin to see a few more dry days. Nevertheless, Seattle remains grey and windy, and everything is usually wet. It’s a great time to visit Seattle’s many museums and restaurants. (Average Max Temperature: 9.4°C. Average Rainfall: 89mm.)
• March weather in Seattle : March sees about the same amount of breezy rain as February, but daytime temperatures begin to creep above 10°C. The sun also begins to poke through the clouds a bit more on dry days and bits of blue sky are seen amid the grey. Daffodils and cherry trees are in bloom, making March a good time to explore Seattle’s charming neighborhoods and parks. (Average Max Temperature: 11.6°C. Average Rainfall: 94mm.)
• April weather in Seattle : Temperatures continue to rise in April, and we start to see a significant drop in rainfall compared to the previous two months. The sky is more often blue, but breezes remain chilly and the air can be damp, so you’ll want to pack layers. (Average Max Temperature: 14.7°C. Average Rainfall: 68.5mm.)
• May weather in Seattle : May is generally a beautiful month in Seattle, with temperatures into the late teens and more days of sun and blue skies than rain. Even so, the evenings in May are chilly, and periods of rain are not uncommon, so a jacket and an umbrella are still a good idea. (Average Max Temperature: 18.2°C. Average Rainfall: 48mm.)
• June weather in Seattle : Seattle’s fickle June weather marks the change from the rainy to dry season. While some days are sun-filled, warm, and summer-like, others can feel more like March or April: gloomy, cold, and damp. Approaching the solstice on the 21st, the sun doesn’t set in Seattle until almost 10pm, providing long days perfect for outdoor recreation. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Rainfall: 40.6mm.)
• July weather in Seattle : Summer truly arrives in Seattle in July. A pleasant and predictable pattern sets in with little rain, daytime temperatures in the mid-20’s, low humidity, and plenty of sun (especially in the middle and latter part of the month). Outdoors is the place to be. High tourist season is well underway, so expect crowds on dining patios and hiking trails, and book outdoor excursions well in advance. (Average Max Temperature: 24.3°C. Average Rainfall: 17.8mm.)
• August weather in Seattle : Dry, warm, sunny summer weather continues throughout August, traditionally Seattle’s warmest month. Daytime temperatures hover pleasantly around the mid-20’s, rarely getting above 30°C. Marine air cools the city at night, so packing a light jacket is advisable. And while the sun may shine hot, Puget Sound water temperature hovers at a brisk 13°C during the summer months, so most folks enjoy being on the water, rather than in the water. (Average Max Temperature: 24.6°C. Average Rainfall: 22.8mm.)
• September weather in Seattle : Days shorten and the air begins to feel crisp at night, but Seattle Septembers still feel summerlike. Expect warm temperatures, little rain, and plenty of sunshine this month. Tourism begins to slow after Labor Day Weekend, and the combination of thinning crowds and pleasant weather make September an ideal time to visit Seattle. (Average Max Temperature: 21.4°C. Average Rainfall: 38mm.)
• October weather in Seattle : Late October is traditionally the beginning of Seattle’s rainy season. While the beginning of October is often sunny and dry, the average air temperature cools significantly throughout this month, and we begin to see the return of clouds, fog, and wet weather. Leaves turn colors and autumn begins: early October is the best time to view the fall foliage on Mount Rainier. (Average Max Temperature: 15.4°C. Average Rainfall: 89mm.)
• November weather in Seattle : Seattle’s wettest month is November, with heavy rain and winds. While not ideal for outdoor activities, the discounted hotel and travel rates that accompany the rainy season can make October a great time to visit – staying warm and dry in Seattle’s many museums, galleries, and restaurants. (Average Max Temperature: 10.5°C. Average Rainfall: 167.6mm.)
• December weather in Seattle : December in Seattle is dark and windy, with almost constant rain. Days grow shorter, and the sun sets before 5pm around the mid-month. Temperatures have dropped significantly, and though snowfall is rare in the Seattle area, the surrounding mountain peaks are newly coated in the white stuff. Nearby ski resorts are now open and busy – it’s a good time to head for the hills. (Average Max Temperature: 7.6°C. Average Rainfall: 137.2mm.)

Seattle Special Events by Month

January events.

• The Seattle Boat Show – Thousands of watercraft and marine-related seminars at the West Coast’s biggest boat show.
• Seattle Chamber Society Winter Music Festival – Two weekends of world class chamber music and visiting artists, with nightly free recitals.

February Events

• Northwest Flower and Garden Show – Stunning exhibition gardens, seminars, and vendors, all warm and dry in the Washington State Convention Center.
• Wintergrass Music Festival – A celebration of American bluegrass music, with dozens of performances and workshops for all ages.

March Events

• Emerald City Comicon – The Pacific Northwest’s premier comic book and pop-culture convention.
• Seattle Irish Fest – Music, dance, and vendors galore to celebrate St. Patrick and all things Irish.
• Taste Washington – Local wineries and award winning restaurants sample their wares at the nations largest regional food and wine event.
• Moisture Festival – An annual celebration of Vaudeville, comedy, burlesque, and all things weird and wonderful. Lots of fun performances, a few of them kid-friendly, most adults only.

April Events

• Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival – Traditional and contemporary Japanese cultural performances and cuisine.
• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Acres of tulips and daffodils abloom in the charming rural farmland north of Seattle.
• Opening day of Boating Season – Sailboat races, boat parades, and the University of Washington’s Windermere Cup regatta.
• The Vigor Seattle Maritime Festival – A celebration of Seattle’s working waterfront, with demonstrations, tours, and kids’ activities.
• Seattle International Film Festival – A month of independent, International, and documentary films at one of the top film festivals in North America.
• Northwest Folklife Festival – Music, dance, food, and crafts from local and international cultures. A bit like Bumbershoot, but free and not nearly as commercial.

June Events

• Fremont Solstice Fair – A whimsical summer celebration of music, food, and art, featuring a free-spirited parade with over 1,000 nude-but-painted cyclists!
• Seattle PrideFest – The largest LGBT gathering in the Pacific Northwest: bands, DJs, drag queens, and Seattle’s annual Pride Parade.

July Events

• Seafair Summer 4th – Fireworks, food, and family fun on Lake Union.
• Seattle International BeerFest – Exotic beers and bands under the Space Needle.
• Sequim Lavender Festival – Annual street fair and self-guided tour of area lavender farms in full bloom.
• Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival – World-class chamber performances at Benaroya Hall, with free pre-concert recitals.
• Ballard SeafoodFest – Traditional salmon barbecue and local music, arts and crafts, and family entertainment.
• Bite of Seattle – Seattle’s biggest food festival, featuring local chefs, restaurant tastes, entertainment, and wine and beer gardens.
• Capitol Hill Block Party – Three-day music and arts festival, with food, beer gardens, and over 100 local and national artists in indoor and outdoor venues.
• Chinatown DragonFest – Pan-Asian cultural performances and $3 restaurant tastes in Seattle’s International District.
• Seafair Torchlight Parade – Balloons, bands, and swashbuckling pirates parade through the heart of Seattle’s downtown.

August Events

• Hempfest – Political rally, concert, and arts and crafts fair celebrating marijuana on Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
• Seattle Seafair Weekend – Air shows, picnics, and hydroplane races on Lake Washington.

September Events

• Bumbershoot – Expect crowds, along with concerts, comedy, food, and film at this monster-sized music and arts festival under the Space Needle.
• Washington State Fair – Animals, rides and games, fair food, concerts, and a rodeo, held annually in nearby Puyuallup, WA.
• PAX Prime Gaming Show – A celebration of gamer culture, with concerts, panels, an exhibition hall, and digital and tabletop game play.
• Fremont Oktoberfest – Beer gardens, live music, food and a 5K at this popular neighborhood festival.

October Events

• Seattle Children’s Festival – Global culture for kids, with live performances and interactive workshops.
• TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival – Annual celebration of queer film, accompanied by GLBT community parties and gala receptions.
• Earshot Jazz Festival – Dozens of local and international jazz acts perform at various local venues.

November Events

• Seattle International Auto Show – The lastest models from international automakers, featuring rare and high-end vehicles and on-site test drives.
• Sheraton Seattle’s Gingerbread Village – Local architects and baking teams unite to create and display holiday scenes made entirely of candies and treats. Runs through early January.
• Macy’s Holiday Parade – Floats, costumed characters, and of course Santa Claus kick off the holiday season in downtown Seattle. The Parade usually kicks off at 9am on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
• Best of the Northwest Art & Fine Craft Show – Locally crafted jewelry, clothing, painting, and sculpture for purchase and perusal. Held in Magnuson Park in Northeast Seattle.
• Magic in the Market Holiday Celebration – Holiday treats and activities, caroling contest, and tree-lighting ceremony in historic Pike Place Market.

December Events

• Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition – Festive holiday team sing-off held annually in Westlake Center, benefitting Pike Place Market’s food bank and senior center.
• Argosy Christmas Ship Festival – Enjoy on-board or ashore as a flotilla of illuminated and choir-carrying ships visit local waterfront communities for caroling and bonfires.
• Winterfest – Seattle Center’s month-long seasonal celebration, featuring performances, ice sculpting, ice skating, and a model train exhibit.

About Santorini Dave

This info has been great! We are planning a trip in October. We are hoping to stay close to public transportation in the downtown area. We do not want to rent a car and have to drive in a strange city. Any suggestions regarding hotels in that area?

The Seattle Link light rail system runs from the airport into the heart of downtown. Any hotel near the Westlake Center station will be both convenient to public transportation and walkable to Pike Place Market, shopping, restaurants, and waterfront attractions like the Great Wheel, Aquarium, and harbor tours. A few hotels that I especially like in this area are Inn at the Market (wonderful boutique hotel located actually in Pike Place Market, surrounded by great restaurants), The Thompson (newer and modern, with a popular rooftop bar), and Mayflower Park Hotel (traditional and historic, right on top of the light rail station, with an excellent Italian restaurant and charming lobby bar). But there are many other great choices.

HI! I’m going to be visiting Seattle at the end of February through the first week of March for Comic-con. I’m from Hawaii and will be staying in the downtown area. I was wondering what kind of warm clothing and shoes (gloves, scarf, etc) would be appropriate for that time of year. Keep up the great work! Galen

Be prepared for a bit of anything. Could be cold (even snow), could be sunny weather with temperatures in the 60s.

Seattle & Portland in May Great page. My wife & I are planning 3-4 days in both Seattle & Portland in May. I like the train suggestion for moving from one city to the other. Any recommendation on which city to visit first? Steve

Seattle and Portland are both great cities to visit, but they have different vibes to them. Which one you visit first will depend on what type of traveling experience you want. Do you want to jump in with both feet, visit the busier city first and then wind down with a mellower experience? Make your first stop Seattle. Alternately, if you want to begin at a slower pace and ramp up throughout the trip, Portland’s a good place to start.

Hi there! I’m planning a trip to Seattle for my girlfriend and I. We are from Southern California and have both never been to Seattle! Our plan is to spend a week, half in Seattle and half in Portland. I didn’t realize Seattle and Portland are in driving distance ! Do you recommend , flying to Seattle and then driving to Portland and then flying home as opposed to adding an extra flight from Seattle to Portland? (Maybe a train, or renting a car for a day to drive over there.) Also, were thinking dates from December 28 – January 3. Is there a lot to do in Seattle for New Years? We don’t drink by the way, so something not involving a bar or whatever. Thank you so much for your help! Also, any other suggestions on what to do and what to see are greatly appreciated! –Aleena

My favorite way to get from Seattle to Portland is to take the train . It’s an easy, pretty ride, takes about four hours, you won’t have to worry about traffic, and its cheaper than flying. Additionally, Portland has a great public transit system so it’s really easy to get around without a car, and you won’t have to worry about finding parking (which is expensive and hard to come by). Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines run between the two cities; if it works with your timing, take the Coast Starlight down – it’s bigger and has a great Observation car with floor to ceiling windows that everyone has access to.

The Bolt Bus also runs multiple daily trips between Seattle and Portland, and can be a great option if you’re looking to save a few bucks and want someone else to do the driving. Tickets generally cost between $15 and $30 each way, with some trips being offered for a mere $1. The Bolt Bus has wi-fi and outlets to charge your devices, and while it’s not luxurious, it’s comfortable and clean. Just like traveling by car, though, taking the bus leaves you vulnerable to delays caused by heavy traffic.

Seattle’s biggest New Years event is the annual fireworks show at the Space Needle. You can buy tickets to one of the parties inside, join the crowd at the Needle’s base for free, snag a hotel room with a Space Needle view ( The Westin , Pan Pacific , Hyatt House , Holiday Inn , Holiday Inn Express , and Hampton Inn & Suites – be sure to ask for a view room), or watch from another location . There are generally a host of special concerts, cruises, and whatnot – it’s too early at this point to know what’ll be happening this year, but here’s a good list of what was on last year so you can get a general idea. Many restaurants have special, prix-fixe menus for the evening, and if you’re up for it, there’s the Polar Bear Plunge on New Years’ Day, in which hundreds of hearty souls brave the frigid winter waters of Lake Washington to start the New Year off with a bang.

Love your page! I’m needing help planning and would love some tips on traveling with a little one (7 yr old) for the first time to Seattle. We will be flying in Saturday morning March 11th, and leaving Wednesday the 15th around midday. We are staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel and looking for places that are kid friendly and a mixture of indoor and outdoor things to do for first timers! We won’t have a car so anything that is accessible by local transportation or possibly taxi. Also any tips on what to pack and good places to eat on a budget would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

You’ll definitely want to visit Pike Place Market – just half a block from the Green Tortoise; it’s a great activity with kids, rain or shine. Pike Place highlights with a 7 year old include Daily Dozen Doughnuts, the Giant Shoe Museum (not a museum as much as it is a small attraction), and the Market Magic shop (ask nicely, and they’ll perform a trick for you). And no trip to the Market would be complete without a visit to the famous Gum Wall – which is kinda gross, but you certainly won’t find it anywhere else.

Other attractions I’d suggest for that age are the Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo , the Pacific Science Center , the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District (no experience needed – pay one cover and play for free all day), and the free Klondike Museum in Pioneer Square. If the weather is great, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island , or the Water Taxi to West Seattle .

As far as packing goes, plan for chilly and wet. You’ll want a warm jacket, because even if the temperature isn’t too low, it can be windy downtown right off the bay. Jeans, layers, a good jacket, a hat, and good walking shoes should suffice.

My favorite budget eats downtown are all located within Pike Place Market: Pike Place Chowder , Piroshki Piroshki , Jack’s Fish Spot , LoPriore Pasta Bar , Ellenos Yogurt , Beechers Cheese , and Biscuit Bitch . Also, the food court at Seattle Center has lots of great, cheap, locally-owned options, and Green Leaf in Belltown and the International District serves up fantastic Vietnamese at a great price.

Have a great trip!

First off, thanks so much for your super informative and helpful website. You obviously put a lot of work into it.

My husband and I are interested in moving to Washington and would like to schedule an initial trip during off-peak to get a real feel for the Seattle area and Northwest region – so tourist meets prospective residents during the least pleasant weather. Any suggestions or recommended resources?

Visiting during the “off season” is a great idea – our summers are divine, November and December are our worst months for weather (though we’re all distracted with the seasonal lights and festivities), so planning a trip during the “blah” months of January through April is your best bet to experience the “real” Pacific Northwest weather that locals love but drives some out-of-towners mad.

The Seattle housing market is one of the most expensive in the nation right now, so you’ll probably want to look not only at Seattle proper, but also tour nearby communities that are just as lovely, but gentler on the pocketbook. If you’d like to be in/near Seattle, the general rule is that things get more expensive the closer you are to the city center, with north end neighborhoods being pricier than those to the south. I’d recommend looking at cities north and east of Lake Washington, as well: consider Bothell , Kirkland , Redmond , and Woodinville – these areas won’t have the 100 year-old Craftsman homes that Seattle neighborhoods are prized for, but they have great communities, schools, and business centers. And there are always the islands! Some great deals can be found on Bainbridge and Whidbey Islands for those who don’t mind a ferry commute to the mainland.

If you don’t need Seattle to be your home base, but like the Pacific Northwesty Puget Sound/coastal vibe, other similar cities to look at would be Tacoma (45 minutes from Seattle without traffic, but there’s ALWAYS traffic), Olympia (90 minutes), And Vancouver, WA / Portland, OR (3 hours from Seattle). (Vancouver and Portland are super close – just across the Columbia river from each other.)

For trip-planning purposes, I’d schedule a few days in Seattle, sightseeing and touring the Seattle metro area (maybe four days if you’re considering islands), then head south, driving through and spending a bit of time in Tacoma and Olympia on your way down to the Vancouver/Portland area. Then spend a night in Portland to explore that area a bit.

Here are some resources you may have already come across, but that I find to be pretty accurate/helpful: Best Places to Live in Washington Curbed Seattle Redfin Moving to Seattle Guide Metafilter Thread about Seattle area v. Portland area

Hi Thank you for this great website about Seattle. Really very informative and complete. I’m thinking about planning a tour starting from Seattle. This 8-days tour includes: Seattle – Olympia – Portland – Silverton – Woodburn – Astoria – Tacoma – Olympic National Park – Snoqualmie Falls – Leavenworth – Mt Rainier National Park. I need your advice/comments about the tour/destinations and about the weather condition in Seattle and around during March. Are those places really worth to see, despite Seattle which has already been in my bucket list? Of course I also plan to stay in Seattle for a few more days to explore the city. Can I still see great things/places in Seattle during March? Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Albert N.

This is a very ambitious itinerary for eight days! You can easily make the drive from Seattle to your Oregon destinations in a day, though I’d give yourself some time to poke around in Portland, maybe to spend the night. Your can’t miss cities in WA and OR will be Seattle and Portland, and Astoria for the ocean. From Oregon, I’d head up to Mount Rainier National Park, but keep in mind that much of the park will still be closed for winter. You may be limited to using the Carbon River and Nisqually entrances. Check here for more information on seasonal closings. Snoqualmie Falls is at its best in the spring, when the river’s full and running at greatest capacity. If you can swing a night at the Salish Lodge while you’re there, I would. Leavenworth is a cute Bavarian-type village, and worth a stop if it’s on your way, but if I were you I’d skip it and head from Rainier through Snoqualmie Falls, to Olympic. Spend a night there, and then back to Seattle to explore.

Weather in Seattle in March is a bit of a mixed bag. It won’t be cold, but might be rainy and breezy. Expect high temps to be in the low 50s C, though it’s not uncommon for temps to creep up toward 60 on a sunny day. Daffodils and cherry trees will be in bloom. And don’t worry, there are lots of great things to do in Seattle year-round.

I have already booked tickets for seattle and would be there from 22nd Nov to 28th Nov. I read on different sites about the seattle weather that is normally bad for tourists during Nov but I want to go to Mt. Rainier so can anyone tell me whether it is recommended to visit Mt. Rainier during Nov end? Thanks in advance!

November is one of Seattle’s rainiest months, and late November has the potential to be pretty dark and wet. You might get lucky and see some beautiful and sunny fall days, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Additionally, some areas of Mount Rainier National Park, including Sunrise, White River, Ohanapecosh, State Routes 410 and 123, and the Stevens Canyon Road close for the season in mid-October or early-November and do not reopen again until the summer months. All campgrounds and picnic areas in the park will have closed for the season by the time you arrive. Some visitor centers at the park have already closed for the season, but if you happen to hit some nice weather in late November, there are still a few that will be open. Here’s a regularly updated list that will tell you what’s open and closed . Here’s a link to current and forecasted weather conditions at the park.

My friends and I are going to Seattle November 18-20. I know its really rainy and lots of attractions are shut but what do you recommend to see or do you know of anything going on that weekend?

There’s still a lot to do in Seattle during rainy weather. Here are my rainy day recommendations: Pike Place Market (all the stalls are covered), the Pioneer Square Underground Tour , an Argosy boat cruise (I like the Harbor/Locks tour best), and museums: my favorites are Seattle Art Museum (they’ve got a great Yves Saint Laurent fashion exhibit on now), Chihuly Garden and Glass , EMP , and the Museum of History and Industry . If you and your friends appreciate a good cabaret show, check out the Can Can Kitchen or the Saturday night cabaret at the Pink Door – both located in Pike Place Market. Or go all out and do the dinner show at Teatro Zinzanni . And any time of year is good for a food or wine tasting tour.

As far as the specific weekend you’ll be in town, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is in town at the Paramount Theatre on the 18th, doing vintage-style rendition of modern pop/rock songs ( this is one of my favorite examples ), the Museum of History and Industry kicks off its newest exhibit, Edible City , on the 19th, and there’s a cool Sherlock Holmes exhibit on now at the Pacific Science Center.

We have booked a trip to Seattle for February 9th – 12th. Are there any attractions that close due to weather? Like the boat tours? What else would you recommend?

You can expect a few tours/attractions to be unavailable during the winter months (whale watching cruises don’t generally start up until February, for example, and Tillicum Village is closed for the season), but most of Seattle’s best attractions are designed to be enjoyed all year, even in the wetter months.

The stalls of Pike Place Market are covered, and much less crowded throughout the winter months, so that’s something you can definitely do. Below the market on the waterfront, the Great Wheel ‘s pods are all entirely inclosed, and the new Wings Over Washington ride takes place indoors. The Seattle Aquarium , also on the waterfront, makes for a fun hour or two. The Underground Tour in Pioneer Square is great at any time of year. Argosy boat cruises are still running (I like the Harbor/Locks tour best), and it can be a great time to catch a ferry over to Bainbridge Island, and explore the museum and shops . There are lots of great museums in Seattle, as well: my favorites are Seattle Art Museum , Chihuli Garden and Glass (conveniently located next door to the Space Needle and EMP Museum ), and the Museum of History and Industry . If many of these attractions appeal to you, consider saving some money by purchasing a CityPass .

More good news for you is that February is generally the month in which Seattle starts to dry up a bit. The heavier storms of November through January are done, and if there is rain it tends to be of the drippy or misty variety. February sees a bit more sun than the previous months as well, and the daffodils are beginning to bloom around the city.

Can we still take the ferry to the San Juan Islands in November? I just booked November 12th-19th for our golden anniversary. My hubby has never been there but I have and loved the ferry ride to Orca Island after a Seattle visit and tour. If I remember the 10+ years ago girlfriend trip we ended back somewhere near the original Dungeness crab restaurant, does that sound familiar? We will have a car rental. What about going up Mt. St. Helen’s? I was there in August and realize weather may be a factor trying to revisit these awesome places. Your assistance is greatly needed. You are a great resource for us travelers….. Sincerely, Donna White

You can definitely take a ferry to the San Juans in November (and you can even reserve your spot ). Expect the weather to be chilly (50’s) and rainy at this time of year, though the ferry will be warm and dry, and the islands will be just as beautiful. An inn or lodge on Orcas Island would make a cozy anniversary getaway, and you’re likely to find some good deals on hotel/lodge rates in the San Juans at this time of year – I’d do a San Juan Island search on Booking.com to see what’s available. I don’t know the particular restaurant you’re referring to, but you’ll be spoiled for choice of great seafood in the San Juans.

Mt. St. Helens might be a different story, as that experience is more likely to be impacted by the cold and wet. If you’re set on going, it can be a good idea to take an organized tour and leave the driving to someone else. Evergreen Escapes offers a great Mt. St. Helen’s day tour – check it out (as well as other tour options) at Get Your Guide .

My wife and I will be visiting Seattle for the first time this year early December. According to my readings December is not a popular time of the year to be visiting, but the Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks seem like a super exciting match up! I would like to know what are we in for on this trip weatherwise? Any other tips and places you recommend would be appreciated!

Weather wise, December in Seattle is not great. It’s wet and chilly (daily max temperature are in the upper 40s), and windy at times. We rarely get snow, but some people find the damp chill worse. You’ll want to pack warm clothes and waterproof shoes.

There’s lots to do inside when the weather’s lousy. Pike Place Market is entirely covered, and a great spot to visit year-round – take a tour (and drink a pint) at Pike Place Brewery . Down on the waterfront, a trip to the Seattle Aquarium makes for a great afternoon, and Seattle’s newest attractions, the Great Wheel and Wings over Washington , are both completely enclosed. Just north of downtown, Seattle Center is home to fantastic museums ( Experience Music Project , Chihuly Museum ) and the Space Needle . The Underground Tour in Pioneer Square is a good option for bad weather because it’s, well, underground. (And also Seattle’s best and most fun historical tour.)

Quick note, Emerald City Comicon is happening in March next year, 2nd-5th, not April.

Good to know – I’ll update the page.

What a great and through resource. I’m going to bookmark it so I can send it to our (frequent) visitors. I did notice one error – the Seattle International Auto Show is listed as occurring n October. This year it’s actually in November. Could you please make that change? I do the PR for the Auto Show as well as the January Boat Show, so if you have questions about either of those events, don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks!

Thanks so much for letting me know, Lisa – I’ll get that updated ASAP!

Thanks so much!

Husband and I visiting Seattle for 1st time in early October. Wanting to visit Pikes’ Market, Needle and take a tour of Mt. Rainer. Staying in downtown area. How convenient is the monorail for airport? Other public transportation for getting around the town/ downtown area? Not familiar with Seattle at all, but would like to visit interesting neighborhoods. Pedestrian friendly areas? Proper attire for October 3rd-7th?

Link light rail is the train system that runs from SeaTac Airport through downtown and up to the University of Washington in Northeast Seattle. It has station stops at the sports stadiums, the International district, Pioneer Square, downtown, and Capitol Hill. The airport station is about a 5 minute walk from the main terminal and baggage claim, trains depart every 5-10 minutes or so, and the trip into downtown takes about 35 minutes. (This is longer than a taxi ride in the best conditions, but can be quicker if there’s heavy traffic – which there often is, nowadays.) You didn’t mention which hotel you’re staying in downtown, but most are within a few blocks of an underground light rail station. You can find a downtown station map here (you’ll have to zoom in to see downtown. I think it’s a pretty convenient way to go, and you can’t beat the price – $3/person.

Other transit: The Seattle Street Car has two different lines, one running from downtown to South Lake Union, and one from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill, via the International District. The Monorail runs from Westlake Center in downtown Seattle to the base of the Space Needle in Seattle Center. Buses go everywhere. You’ll likely want to use a combination of all of these options to get around Seattle, and it’s easy to do so. Payment is coordinated between transit lines through an Orca card – you can use it for just about all Seattle public transit, including ferries. With an Orca card, you won’t have to worry about having exact change, and transfers are free within a certain time frame. The one exception to this is the Monorail, which is privately owned and you’ll have to pay for separately. You can pre-load your Orca card with funds use like cash, or with a regional day pass, good for unlimited rides under $3. Having an Orca card will save you money; you can use it to transfer across transit lines for free – without one, you’ll pay multiple fares. You can buy one in advance online, or at the airport light rail station prior to boarding. You can find lots more information and links to maps here .

Most of downtown is pedestrian friendly, and it’s pretty easy to get around. If you want to get outside of downtown into the neighborhoods, two of the easiest to get to (and most interesting) are the International District and Capitol Hill – both can be reached via the Seattle Street Car line that begins in Pioneer Square. The 62 bus will take you directly to funky Fremont, and the D Rapidline bus goes to charming old Ballard. You can plan your transit route to/from any point easily here .

As for weather, the beginning of October tends to be sunny and dry, with temps in the 60s Fahrenheit. While it will feel quite pleasant in the day, you’ll want a light jacket or heavy sweater for the evenings or cooler mornings. And as October is a transitional month for us, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella along – you might encounter some early season rain.

Hi. My two teenage kids and my mom and I will be traveling to the Seattle area from 10/8 through 10/15 this year. We currently have a hotel in Renton and will only be renting a car for a few days. This will allow us to take the train into Seattle as well as rent a car for Mt. Ranier and hopefully Mt. St. Helens too. We are also interested in checking out the Hurricane Ridge area and maybe take the ferry to Victoria as well. Would it be better to stay in a hotel in that area for a night to see both of those? How doable is this and what kind of weather might we be hitting in this time frame? Any other suggestions would be welcome.

You can do just the Hurricane Ridge area in a day, especially if you’re willing to leave early in the morning. Likewise Victoria (the Clipper passenger ferry is an easy way to get up and back in a day). To hit both, a hotel will be required.

It’ll take about 3-4 hours to get up to the Hurricane Ridge area from Renton, and it’s a 90 minute ferry from there to Victoria. This is what I recommend if you want to see both: leave Renton early in the morning to arrive at Hurricane Ridge by late morning/mid-day. Spend the early afternoon doing an easy hike and perhaps checking out the views around Lake Crescent . Drive back down to Port Angeles in late afternoon, to take the 5:20 Coho ferry to Victoria. Spend the night in at a hotel in Victoria (maybe splurge a little: the monetary exchange rate is currently working in our favor) and explore Victoria the next day ( Butchart Gardens , maybe high tea at the Empress Hotel) before catching the 3pm ferry back to Port Angeles and making the drive home.

As far as the weather in mid-October goes, expect highs in the mid-upper 50’s Fahrenheit, with a mix of sun and some light to moderate rain. This is right around the time the weather begins to turn, so you could luck out and hit a late-season patch of sunny days, or lots of cloud cover and light rain. You shouldn’t hit any major storms, though – those don’t generally begin until late November.

Take care, and have a wonderful trip.

If you want to visit Canada, make sure everyone including the kids brings a passport.

Good point, Michael. Travel between the US and Canada requires a passport these days – even for the very little ones.

Thanks for your post, it’s very helpful. Can you pls let me know when it will the autumn starts in this October? I planned to go to Seattle at the middle of Oct, is it good for sight-seeing? Thanks, Annie Ng

Autumn usually arrives in Seattle around the middle of October. October generally starts sunny and dry, with leaves just beginning to change color. The air temperature cools throughout this month, and by the end of the month we begin to see the return of clouds, fog, and wet weather. Mid-October is usually lovely. The air will be crisp, with temperatures in the 60’s Fahrenheit (Mid 15’s Celsius) – great for sightseeing. Still, the possibility of rain will increase as the month wears on, so bringing an umbrella is a good idea.

Good morning,

I will be traveling solo to Seattle from the USVI in January of next year. I know it will be colder than I’m used to, but I’m having a hard time knowing what to pack. Will I need a scarf and hat? Will I see snow? What do you recommend I pack so that I can don’t freeze my tush off?

Snow is rare in January, but expect cold – temperatures average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at that time of year. And rain – January is one of Seattle’s rainiest months. In addition to a parka or well-lined overcoat, you’ll want waterproof boots or shoes that can take some puddles. A scarf and hat are a good idea as well, especially downtown where the breeze comes in off the sound.

We are coming Spokane in August and staying with friends till 9th, then I’m considering either Seattle or Vancouver till 12th. Our ship leaves from Seattle on 12th to Alaska. Not sure which is better to spend few days in before the cruise. We are from Australia so have no idea about hotels,food,bars things to do.

Since you’ve only got a couple of days, I’d definitely stay in Seattle. In addition to the extra time it would take to get up to Vancouver from Spokane, you’d be heading back down to Seattle on a Friday in the summer – and that means lots of heavy traffic on the interstate. Probably not something you want to deal with when you have a cruise ship to catch. You could take the Clipper ferry down to Seattle from Victoria BC, but it’ll take you 3 1/2 hours just to get from Vancouver to the ferry terminal, and you wouldn’t get into Seattle until mid-afternoon.

Seattle is a walkable city with decent public transit, so you won’t need a car. (Parking is expensive, anyway.) Stay downtown if you can, see the Space Needle , and be sure to visit Pike Place Market . Maybe take a ferry to Bainbridge Island .

We will be visiting Seattle in August. Will the temperature at night be cool enough for us to be sleeping in a non air conditioning room? Or you think it would be better if we book a room with air conditioning. Thank you.

Seattle does cool down at night, but a few consecutive days of really hot weather can heat a room up enough that getting it back down to a comfortable sleeping temperature can be tough without air conditioning. I can’t say at this point what the weather’s going to look like this summer, but the past few summers have each had at least a few spates of really hot weather (90’s F).

Additionally, most hotels without AC are located downtown, so fully open windows at night will mean that you’ll be dealing with a considerable amount of street noise that will also make sleeping difficult. In August, I would book a room with air conditioning, if possible.

I’m a midwesterner visiting Seattle for the first time this August, driving up the Pacific Coast from California with my daughter. I’m having a hard time knowing what to pack. I know it doesn’t rain as much in the summer months, but will it still be chilly and damp? Should I pack an umbrella? Will it be noticeably colder than California, because it’s further north? Will I need a jacket? Thanks.

You most likely won’t need an umbrella in August in Seattle – that’s right in the middle of our annual summer drought. Think warm, sunny, and dry; average high temps in Seattle in August are in the mid 70s F (low/mid 20s C). Seattle weather is not quite as warm as California at any time of year – you’ll most likely notice a slight cooling as you travel up the coast.

As for whether to pack a jacket, a light one is definitely a good idea. There’s a cooling off in the evening that occurs all up and down the Pacific Coast (we get down into the mid/upper 50s F here in Seattle), and our Seattle summer days often begin under a cloud cover that burns off by around noon.

Planning a trip to Seattle. It will be a 2 or 3 night visit and our main interest is exploring Pike Place Market. Is there a best time or month to experience the market?

Pike Place Market is great at any time of year; there’s always something going on, and it remains vibrant and charming in even the most dreary of weather. That said, it’s easiest and most fun to explore when the weather is pleasant and you can wander Post Alley and the outside shops without worrying about getting wet. In the dry summer months, you’ll pay for the great weather with heavy crowds of tourists, though, which can be just as unpleasant. The shoulder season months of May and September (even into early October) offer your best chances for the hard-to-come-by combination of pleasant weather and thinner crowds that can make exploring the market much more enjoyable.

Looking to avoid the rain as much as anything. We are from New York and planning a 10 day trip that includes Vancouver, BC and Portland. When would you recommend visiting Seattle for the best weather and smallest crowds (with the priority being on good weather)?

Either May or September would be a great choice for your trip. Both fall during shoulder season, so the city will be quieter than in the height of summer, and both have generally great weather with more sun than rain. That said, the two months are different enough that the question is worth exploring a bit further.

May: You’re a bit more likely to encounter rain, but most likely just a passing shower. At this time of year we’ll have just come off the rainy season, to lovely result; grass and trees will be a brilliant green, flowers will be blooming like mad, and the surrounding mountains will still be wearing a stunning mantle of snow.

September: The hallmarks of Seattle summer – warm (but not hot) temps, sunshine, and low humidity – are still very much in effect. September’s generally warmer than May, and with a lower likelihood of rain, but it also marks the end of the dry season, and that’ll show: much of the city’s characteristic green will have browned over the summer, and the haze in the air is yet to be washed away.

Bottom line? If it’s drier, higher temperatures you’re looking for, I’d go with September. But if you’re willing to compromise on weather (just a bit) in order to see the city at it’s most breathtaking, for my money it’s tough to top May.

Considering a visit to Seattle in late February. Will it be nothing but rainy and grey? We don’t mind a little rain but the thought of being stuck indoors for our weekend is not appealing. Thoughts?

While February is typically a wet grey month it’s rare that it rains all day – or even most of the day. I’m a walker and there are few days (even in winter) when I’m not out for a good walk. And with a little luck you could get a few very nice days – sunny and balmy – they’re not common in February but they’re not unheard of either.

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What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle? A Complete Guide

The nickname “The Emerald City” suggests that Seattle is colorful, green, and full of promise. Indeed, Seattle encompasses these characteristics, alongside echoing many other personalities. Even when it’s not summer—arguably the best time to visit Seattle—and when the city is instead enveloped in a dreary rain cloud, views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and evergreen trees shrouded in mist are still ever present. 

The constant connection with nature offsets the days on end of bleak weather. And when it comes to local culture, Seattle is innovative, progressive, and eclectic. Art, music, and social justice are at the core of Seattle’s ethos, while there is never a shortage of phenomenal restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops to sample. 

Although I’ve spent much of my life outside of the U.S., I have been fortunate to call Seattle my North American home base. I was born here, returned for high school and university, and have been exploring the corners of the Emerald City and its surroundings for the past 15 years whenever I am home. 

Seattle encompasses some of my very favorite things: mountains and lakes, music and art, and an incredible local food and wine scene. An explosion of creativity drives this forward-thinking city that never stops inspiring exploration whenever I have the opportunity to return. 

So, you’re sold on the Emerald City but are wondering when to visit Seattle? Check out this comprehensive guide breaking Seattle down by seasons and learn about some of the city and surrounding region’s best events. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and purchase something, we make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. It goes without saying that we would never recommend something we wouldn’t use or do ourselves.

When to Visit Seattle: A Complete Guide to Seattle by Season

More often than not, when non-Seattleites ask me about Seattle, they say something along the lines of, “But doesn’t it rain all the time there?” 

While it may be true that the Emerald City has its fair share of rain—a necessity for the lush vegetation that has helped inspire the nickname the Emerald City, after all—Seattle certainly does not rain all the time. 

In fact, there are glorious months when the city hardly sees a single raindrop, which is arguably the best time to visit Seattle. 

And the fantastic news? When it does rain, the city is equipped with plenty of cozy coffee shops, bookstores, and breweries to duck into and stay warm and dry. 

Summer in Seattle

Summer in Seattle is glorious and, in many respects, is the best time to go to Seattle. It is certainly the most popular season to visit. I am a sucker for the long summer days filled with hiking, lake swims, picnics, and sailing. Neighborhoods are buzzing with food, music, and art festivals.

You can take advantage of the extended hours of daylight, lingering over a late dinner and cocktail from a rooftop while catching the sunset over the Puget Sound and city skyline. Or, escape the city in any direction you choose, where you’ll find small seaside towns, log cabins in the mountains, and hikes through forests to alpine lakes. 

True summer weather in Seattle doesn’t start until after the 4 th of July most years. “June gloom” here is a very real thing.

As the name implies, June weather in Seattle is unpredictable. Temperatures can often dip into the 50’s. Days are consistently gray and drizzly, interspersed with occasional sunshine and an average of 1.5 inches of rain.

Due to the late arrival of summer, many trails in Mount Rainier National Park and the North Cascades National Park will still be covered in snow and inaccessible through June.

As soon as July hits, the splendid summer season takes off, launching the city into a few blissful months of blue skies and long, sun-soaked days. July rarely sees rainfall (less than an inch of rain) and temperatures are almost always pleasant, typically ranging between the mid-70’s and the mid-80’s during the day and dipping into the low-60’s or high-50’s at night. 

The warm, dry weather stays through August, which sees just over an inch of rain on average. Towards the middle or end of the month, however, Washington is often hit by forest fires, which can engulf the city in a hazy smog. The smoke may blow over in a few days to a week, or cling in the air longer depending on the year. Fires may also shut down hiking trails and mountain roads. 

The Best Summer Activities in Seattle

During summer, everything is possible in Seattle and you’ll be spoiled for choice of activities both in the city and in the surrounding areas. 

Summer Hiking: From Mount Rainier National Park to the Enchantments in the Central Cascades, Washington offers a splendid spread of hikes featuring old growth forests, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls (PS: we have an entire guide to the best hikes in Washington State for you!). From short, minimal elevation hikes, to more challenging multi-day hikes, there are hiking options for all fitness levels. Trails can get very crowded this time of the year so consider arriving at the trailhead bright and early in the morning or hiking mid-week. 

Wildflowers at Mount Rainier: While most wildflowers bloom during spring, due to the late arriving summer in Rainier, wildflowers in this national park start blooming mid-July and typically last through much of August. Admire the purple, pink, and yellow hues of subalpine wildflowers on a hike through the meadows of Mount Rainier, such as through Skyline Trail , Pinnacle Peak , and Tolmie Peak .

Camping: Looking for an inexpensive getaway from the city? Set up camp for a night or two in one of Washington’s national parks . From Mount Rainier to the Olympic Peninsula, your options are vast, though you will need to book a permit. Pop up your tent, sink into the peace and quiet, and admire the spectacular display of stars illuminating the night sky. 

Rafting: Paddling down the Sammamish River is one of my favorite summer adventures. Head to Gold Bar and choose to rent blow up rafts, canoes, or kayaks and float down this river surrounded by trees. You can also book a rafting tour with a trusted company like Triad River Tours . The water is extremely refreshing on a warm summer afternoon. 

Paddle Boarding or Kayaking: Experience Seattle from the water for an entirely new perspective of the city and fantastic views of the skyline. There are a number of spots to rent kayaks and paddle boards, including Alki Kayak Tours in West Seattle, Ballard Kayak at Shilshole Marina, University of Washington’s Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) , or Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union. 

Summer Concerts: Seattle thrives on its local music scene and summer is the time when it comes outside. Attend one of the city’s outdoor summer music festivals like Capitol Hill Block Party and South Lake Union Block Party , or catch a show at an outdoor venue just out of town at Marymoor Park or Chateau Ste Michelle . 

Beer Garden: The greater Seattle area is famous for its breweries, which typically feature an impressive selection of IPAs as well as other creative craft brews. Sit on the outside deck of popular spots like Fremont Brewing , Cloudburst Brewing on Shilshole, and Smarty Pants in Georgetown.

Take a Dip in a Lake: Many of Seattle’s parks sit on the shores of one of the city’s lakes and are the perfect way to pass a lazy afternoon without leaving the city. Grab a picnic blanket and a few snacks and set up on the grassy slopes of Madison Park , Matthew’s Beach , or Green Lake Park . Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, take the plunge into the chilly lake waters.

Visit a Coastal Town: Western Washington has no shortage of charming seaside towns that are at their most spectacular in summer. Spend a day exploring Port Townsend, Gig Harbor, Sequim, or West Port where you can walk through historic harbor towns, admire sailboats gliding across the Puget Sound, stroll along wind-swept coastline, and fill up on a tasty seafood lunch. 

Fall in Seattle

Fall in Seattle is a glorious time when you can enjoy mild, crisp weather and rich autumn hues that bring the forests and mountains to life. One of my favorite seasons in the city, fall offers distinct advantages to summer, as well as a few downsides, particularly the less predictable weather.

Sunshine and summer weather typically linger through early-to-mid September with cooler evenings as the sun starts to set earlier. Average rainfall in September hovers just below two inches. The greater Seattle area is still buzzing through early fall. From concerts and festivals, to nature and culinary-inspired adventures, there is an abundance to experience in the national parks, surrounding coastal towns, and in the city itself. 

By the end of October through November, temperatures are dropping, rainfall is becoming frequent again, and the city slowly returns to hibernation mode.

In October, Seattle experiences nearly four inches of rain on average, and in November, average rainfall is nearly six inches. In the mountains, the first snowfall ranges anytime from middle of October to middle of November, which shuts down roads and trails in major parks like Mount Rainier and North Cascades until the following summer. 

Best Fall Activities in Seattle

As summer is winding down, there is still an abundance to do in the fall months, particularly in September and October.

Apple Picking: From September through October, you can take advantage of one of Washington’s most prized products: apples. Go apple picking across the mountains in Yakima or Wenatchee. You can also visit apple farms up north in Lynden, or even closer to Seattle, go picking in Snohomish. Make sure to try more niche apple varieties only found in Washington, like the incredibly delicious Cosmic Crisp. 

Fall Hiking: The cooler temperatures are absolutely perfect for hiking in the mountains. And the bonus is that you’ll catch fall colors in Mount Rainier or can even adventure further in search of the infamous golden larches in the North Cascades. Heather-Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades, Colchuck Lake in the Enchantments, and the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier are among my favorite hikes for fall colors. 

Cider Tasting: Although open year-round, in the spirit of apple season, fall is the perfect time to visit cideries like Finn River Farm in Port Townsend or Mill Haus Cider in Eatonville. The cideries are decked out for fall and feel extra special around September and October. If you don’t want to leave the city, check out spots like Schilling Cider House in Fremont and Locust Cider in Ballard. In early September, you can also taste artisanal ciders at Seattle’s Cider Summit NW .

Wine Tasting: I find fall wine tasting to be even more rewarding than summer wine tasting. Washington’s wine regions, including Yakima Valley and Lake Chelan, are extremely hot during the summer. In September and October, the temperatures are warm and sunny, but much milder than the summer. Plus, it’s harvest season, so you may have the opportunity to experience grape harvesting. Tsillan Cellars and Siren Song Wines are two of my favorite Chelan wineries, both offering phenomenal views and delicious wines. 

Husky Football Game : The Huskies—University of Washington’s mascot—are the pride and glory of many Seattleites. As someone who went to UW, admittedly, the football games, which land on several Saturdays in late summer through fall, are quite fun. Join a sea of purple and gold cheering on their beloved team. Even if you aren’t a fan of the game, the views from the new stadium overlook Lake Washington and are worth going for alone. 

Want to explore Seattle? We’ve got plenty of detailed Seattle travel guides to help you explore Seattle and beyond.

• How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Seattle, Washington
• How to Spend One Day in Seattle (2 Different Ways)
• The Best Things to Do in Seattle: A Complete Seattle City Guide
• The Best Time to Visit Seattle: A Guide to Seattle by Season
• Where to Stay in Seattle: A Complete Neighborhood Guide
• The Best Day Trips from Seattle, WA
• 15 Great Weekend Getaways from Seattle to Plan Now
• 17 Amazing Hikes Near Seattle
• The Best Museums in Seattle: A Helpful Guide to Seattle’s Coolest Museums
• A Complete Guide to Washington’s Amazing National Parks
• The Best Hikes in Washington State: Complete Hiking Guide

Winter in Seattle 

Much of Seattle is in a slumber through the winter months, which start by the end of November and last through March.

Days grow shorter as the sun sets earlier and earlier, temperatures drop, and rainfall rises. Luckily, winter temperatures tend to be pretty mild in Seattle, with temperatures hovering around the high 30’s to mid 40’s. However, the extended periods of gray days and steady drizzle can be, well, gloomy. 

December’s average rainfall is just over six inches, January is around five to five-and-a-half inches, while February typically sees around four inches of rain. The rare winter sunny day and blue skies brings the majority of the city out to celebrate. 

Winter moods compliment Seattle’s grungier side. These months are perfect for tasting your way through the city’s breweries, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and filling your belly with a steamy bowl of ramen or pho. Explore Seattle’s music scene at a live show, tap into the eclectic art scene at one of the city’s galleries, and browse your way through vintage vinyl and clothing shops.

The skies are typically bluer and clear across the mountains, and temperatures are also much colder. Escaping the city to the mountains can be a fantastic winter break, though keep in mind that you’ll have to drive across the Snoqualmie Pass, which can be tedious depending on weather conditions.

Stay up to date on winter weather warnings before crossing the Pass, which may even be shut down depending on severity of the storm. 

Best Winter Activities in Seattle

Winter is the perfect time to explore Seattle’s grungier side, taking refuge in cozy coffee shops or art galleries, or heading east into the mountains for a snowy escape. 

Winter Festivities in Leavenworth : If you’re in town around the holidays, head to the Bavarian-inspired mountain town of Leavenworth, where you can walk through fields buried deep in snow, admire the town’s impressive light display, and warm up with a filling meal. Beyond Christmas festivities in December, the town also hosts a German winter festival in January and wine and chocolate pairings in February. Leavenworth is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle and can be done as a long day trip or weekend getaway. 

Winter Sports : For winter sports enthusiasts, there are a number of ski and snowboarding spots in Snoqualmie ( the Summit at Snoqualmie ), Stevens Pass Resort , Crystal Mountain , or for advanced skiers and boarders looked for a more under-the-radar destination, check out Mission Ridge . Sledding and snowshoeing are also options in some of these areas. 

Coffee Shop Hopping: Known for its coffee, what better way to stay warm on a damp winter’s day than checking out a couple of Seattle’s famous coffee shops? And no, I’m not talking about Starbucks. Sound & Fog in West Seattle, Wunderground Coffee and Analog in Capitol Hill, and Miir in Fremont are a few of my favorite spots to get cozy with a steaming mug of my favorite warm drink and settle into a good book. Or, duck into Elliot Bay Book Company , where you can find a new read while grabbing a cup of coffee from Little Oddfellow’s Café .  

Cozy Cabin Getaway: A winter getaway in Washington’s mountains is hard to beat. Rent a cabin for a couple of nights in the mountains and cozy up with games, hot chocolate, and a feast. Go for wintry walks amidst evergreen trees draped in snow—a truly magical winter wonderland. 

Museums : The rainy, cooler months are the perfect time to check out a couple of the city’s museums, from the Jimi Hendrix exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) , to the rotating art exhibits at Seattle Art Museum (SAM).

Woodinville Wine Tasting : When you’ll no longer be able to cross into Washington wine country, warm up with a tasting or two at tasting rooms in Woodinville, less than half an hour drive northeast of Seattle. JM Cellars and Milbrandt Vineyards are two of my favorites in Woodinville. 

Spring in Seattle 

Seattle is slowly waking up as spring arrives in late March. Despite the fact that western Washington is thawing, March and April still tend to be rainy, chilly months with intermittent sunshine. March has on average just under four inches of rain and April has about two-and-a-half to three inches of rain.

By mid-late spring, flowers like rhododendrons, tulips, and daffodils are beginning to bloom, reviving the city with fresh color and life. 

By May, Seattle is starting to warm up as the rain is also slowing, experiencing typically about two inches of rain. May is a fantastic time to visit the city and enjoy its outdoor attractions. Picnics at parks like Gas Works and Volunteer Park, as well as paddling and kayaking on the Puget Sound or any of the lakes are great ways to take in the greener side to the city during springtime.

By mid-late May, outdoor events and festivals are beginning to take place. Weather will continue to fluctuate but is mostly very pleasant and less damp than March and April. 

It is important to note that many hikes are still inaccessible this time of the year as the roads and trails are still deep in snow through most, if not all, of June. If you’re looking to get out of the city, day trips to the coast, a weekend in the San Juan Islands, hikes through lower elevation trails, and a road trip across the mountains to the arid Columbia River Gorge area are all great options. 

Best Spring Activities in Seattle

It’s not quite hiking season yet, but you’ll slowly be able to enjoy more of the city and outdoor activities as Seattle is coming to life again in spring and flowers and trees are beginning to blossom. 

• Pike Place Market : Although the market is open year-round, spring is a fantastic season to pay a visit. The weather is typically nice enough that you can comfortably walk through the market and adjacent shops and food spots, while crowds won’t be as bad as in the summer season. Wander through the artisan, flower, and food stands, which will be abundant with seasonal picks. 
• Mariners Game : Looking for a taste of Seattle sports? Head to T-Mobile Park for a Mariners baseball game, starting in the spring. From the park, you’re also lucky to have fantastic views over the Puget Sound and city skyline. 
• Discovery Park : A quintessential urban nature escape, Discovery Park is accessible all year-round but is a perfect option if you want a taste of nature without having to leave the city. Walk through forest groves and meadows blooming with spring flowers, while catching views over the Puget Sound from rocky bluffs. 
• Island Day Trip : Hop on one of Seattle’s infamous ferries and head to one of the nearby islands like Bainbridge or Vashon Island for a daytrip! Explore downtown, go for a walk on the beach, and perhaps do a wine tasting at a boutique island winery. 
• Cherry Blossoms at University of Washington : In mid-March, pay a visit to the University of Washington’s campus and marvel at the sea of pale pink as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
• Arboretum : The Arboretum near the University of Washington has trails through beautiful gardens throughout every season of the year, though they are at their most spectacular in spring. April and May are peak rhododendron season, showering Azalea Way in color. 
• Olympic National Park : For a great long weekend getaway from Seattle , take a ferry or drive to the Olympic Peninsula, where you can visit Olympic National Park . Unlike some of the other national parks in Washington, Olympic NP will be free from snow and thanks to the abundance of spring rain, vegetation will be growing wild. Hike in the mountains, take a walk through the temperate, old-growth rainforests, and explore the rugged coastline. 

More to Explore in Washington State

• The Best Things to Do in Seattle, Washington
• A Weekend in Seattle: A Seattle Itinerary for First Timers
• The Best Day Trips from Seattle: 10 Great Options
• The Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle
• The 17 Best Hikes Near Seattle (Local’s Guide)
• 16 Incredible Hikes in Washington State
• The Best Easy Hikes in Washington State
• The Best Cozy Cabin Getaways in Washington State
• The 3 Amazing National Parks in Washington State
• The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
• A Complete Olympic National Park Itinerary
• How to Plan a Perfect North Cascades National Park Itinerary
• 15 Gorgeous Waterfalls in Washington State
• How to Plan an Amazing Washington Road Trip Itinerary

So, What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle? 

The best time of year to visit Seattle depends on a number of factors, really!

Whether you’re looking for the best time to visit so you can experience the outdoors of Washington State, to the best time to visit while avoiding crowds and finding reasonably priced accommodation, your priorities and the experiences you’re hoping for all go into determining when you choose to pay Seattle a visit. 

The Best Overall Time to Visit Seattle 

While it is subjective, early fall is probably the best time to travel to Seattle. Think post-Labor Day through the start of October .

The summer crowds will have died down and the smoke from the forest fires will be cleared up. While the days won’t be quite as long, you’ll still have plenty of daylight to maximize time outside. 

A crispness lingers in the air, which makes for perfect hiking weather, where you can also find golden and orange hues coming through in the forests and mountains.

Apples are a staple of Washington and you’ll be able to enjoy the state’s delicious selection of apples this time of year. The evenings are cool enough that you can curl up by a fire at the end of a day of adventures. 

The Best Time to Visit Seattle to Experience the Outdoors 

Summer to early fall (July through the start of October) is the prime time of the year to experience the amazing outdoors of Seattle and Western Washington .

The skies are clear, and the weather is warm enough to be out on the water, whether you choose to kayak, paddleboard, sail, or take a swim in one of the lakes or in the Puget Sound. 

The trails will also be clear from snow during these months. Snow is typically gone by late June or early July, opening up hiking in the national parks. This time of the year is fantastic for backpacking and camping as well.

Popular places like Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park are mostly, if not entirely, inaccessible for a significant part of the year, so this window from summer through early fall (when the first snow falls) will be your only opportunity to visit them. 

Key Seattle Festivals & Events by Month

Regardless of the time of year you visit the greater Seattle area, there are exciting festivals and events to partake in.

Here’s a calendar rounding up my favorite Seattle events each month. January through March tend to be quiet for events due to the cold, gray weather but the city livens up come April. 

Seattle in April 

• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival : Throughout the month of April, marvel at fields of tulips scattered across Skagit Valley blooming in varying colors of the rainbow. Beyond the tulip fields, there are tulip gardens on display and various events throughout the month.  
• Seattle International Film Festival : Held each year in mid-April for about 10 days, SIFF presents the best of independent and international films from around the world in theaters around the city. 
• Seattle Restaurant Week : Taking place in April, as well as in the fall, Seattle Restaurant Week is an opportunity to sample the best of Seattle’s restaurants and bars featuring fixed menus at a range of prices. From locally sourced menus, to Black-owned businesses, you can curate the experience to your choosing. 

Seattle in May

• U-District Street Fair : For over 50 years, the U-District Street Fair has kicked off Seattle summer season in mid-late May. Stretching over “The Ave” in Seattle’s University District, the fair includes a full weekend of food trucks, beer gardens, live music, and street performers. 
• Northwest Folklife Festival : For 50 years Northwest Folklife Festival has been taking place in Seattle every Memorial Day Weekend. The festival celebrates the culture, traditions, and history of the Pacific Northwest, with an emphasis on indigenous cultures. Explore art and cultural showcases, attend educational workshops, and celebrate the best of the Pacific Northwest through music and dance. 

Seattle in June

• Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade : A signature Seattle event that falls around the summer solstice every June, the Fremont Fair is one of my favorite festivals in Seattle. A weekend-long affair taking place in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood, explore vendors selling arts, crafts, delicious foods, and much more. The weekend features a rather infamous event known as the naked bike ride, where Seattleites (and visitors, should they wish!) paint their bodies in elaborate designs and ride bikes through the neighborhood. 

Seattle in July

• Capitol Hill Block Party : A popular music festival happening late July each year, Capitol Hill Block Party, or “Block Party,” shuts down the streets of central Capitol Hill for three days of music and dancing. Expect a mix of national and regional artists taking to the stage in some of Capitol Hill’s favorite venues, as well as on their streets.
• Seattle Street Food Fest : Seattle Street Food Fest brings together Seattle’s street food and beer in food trucks spanning four blocks of South Lake Union. Come hungry so you can sample your way through tacos, Jamaican, Uzbek, Afghan, and Fijian cuisine, and top it off with ice cream. 
• Bite of Seattle : Held over a weekend in July at Seattle Center , Bite of Seattle showcases the best of Seattle’s food and beverage scene. Taste your way through over 200 food stands and quench your thirst with craft beers and ciders while enjoying live music, cooking demos, and more!

Seattle in August

• Seafair Festival : Taking place in early August, Seafair blends boating, air shows, and festival activities. From pirates to navy sailors, expect to spot all sorts of seafarers wandering the streets of Seattle leading up to this weekend. Catch Blue Angels flying high above Lake Washington from a boat, as you join the rest of the city in celebrating from the water. 
• Day In Day Out Festival : One of Seattle’s newer music festivals, Day In Day Out takes place in mid-August. Head to Seattle Center for a more boutique festival experience featuring a niche lineup.

Seattle in September

• Bumbershoot : Each Labor Day Weekend, Seattle Center becomes the grounds for Bumbershoot, a music, arts, and food festival showcasing the diversity and innovation of the city. 
• Washington State Fair : The Washington State Fair is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, taking place in Puyallup (half an hour south of Seattle) during the month of September. Indulge in fair food, watch live music, go on rides, and explore the animals and produce raised by farmers across the state. 
• Cider Summit NW : Come and sample artisanal ciders from around the world during this event in early September celebrating the amazing apples of Washington.  
• Fremont Oktoberfest : Taking place in mid-September, Fremont hosts Seattle’s largest outdoor beer festival. From the day through the night, the neighborhood’s main streets are shut down as Seattleites don their best dirndls and lederhosen and can sample from over 100 beers and ciders while snacking on pretzels and bratwursts. 

Seattle in October

• Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival : Head to Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula for a weekend in early October celebrating the bounties of the sea. Indulge in a seafood feast (featuring the incredibly delicious Dungeness crab), listen to live music, and explore an extensive range of craft and food booths. 

Seattle in November

• Julefest : In November, Ballard’s Nordic Museum transforms into Julefest, a Nordic Christmas celebration that pays homage to the neighborhood’s Scandinavian roots. 
• WildLanterns : From mid-November through January, Woodland Park Zoo offers an immersive experience featuring animal and nature lanterns from around the world. 

 Seattle in December

• Village of Lights Christmastown : Throughout the month of December, the town of Leavenworth on the eastern slopes of the Cascades comes to life with twinkling lights, music, carolers, roasted chestnuts, and a whole offering of festivities during this Bavarian mountain town’s winter festival. Weekends are particularly lively for festivities. 

MORE TO EXPLORE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of super detailed travel guides to our favorite places in Washington and Oregon.

• Seattle : Find the perfect place to stay in Seattle , use our itinerary and complete Seattle city guide to plan your weekend in Seattle (we also have a guide to one day in Seattle for shorter trips), find a new hike near Seattle to tackle, and plan your next day trip or weekend getaway .
• Portland : Get a local’s take on what to do in Portland and where to stay in Portland , plan your weekend itinerary (we also have a guide to one day in Portland for shorter trips), find the best hikes in and around Portland , and discover the best day trip and weekend getaway destinations.
• Road Trips : Explore the best of the Pacific Northwest on a 14 day Pacific Northwest road trip . Plan an amazing Washington road trip or Oregon road trip with our detailed guides, including a couple of itineraries that you can copy/paste.
• The Oregon Coast : Explore the best of the Oregon Coast on a 7 day Oregon Coast road trip . Discover the best hikes on the Oregon Coast , and figure out what to do in Cannon Beach and Astoria .
• Hiking in Oregon : Get a local’s take on the best hikes in Oregon , the most spectacular Oregon waterfalls , and dive deeper into each region with our guides to the best hikes at Mt. Hood , in the Columbia River Gorge , and more.
• Hiking in Washington : Add to your Washington hiking bucket list with our guide to the best hikes in Washington . Then dive into our regional hiking guides to discover the best hikes near Seattle , hiking at Mount Rainier , in Olympic National Park , in the North Cascades , and at Mount Baker .
• Mount Rainier National Park : Plan the perfect trip to Mount Rainier with our guides to the best things to do , the best hikes , and how to plan a perfect day trip to Rainier .
• Olympic National Park : Explore the best that Olympic National Park has to offer – the best hikes , a complete itinerary , and exactly where to stay in Olympic National Park .
• North Cascades National Park : The least visited of the National Parks in Washington , learn how to plan a perfect itinerary , and figure out the best hikes to add to your list.
• Crater Lake National Park : Discover the best that Oregon’s only national park (isn’t that crazy?) has to offer with our guide to planning your Crater Lake itinerary , and our guide to the best hikes in Crater Lake . Plus, a guide to planning an amazing Seattle to Crater Lake road trip .

Alicia was born in Seattle and has called Washington state her home on and off for the past three decades. Even though she spends much of her time abroad these days, Alicia craves a dose of the Pacific Northwest when she’s away too long and comes back as often as time allows it to explore the nature of the region. The alpine lakes, evergreen forests, snowcapped mountains, and salty sea air keep her dreaming about Washington state almost as much as the local wineries and microbreweries when she’s gone. You can follow along on her adventures on https://www.journeywithalicia.com/.

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What to Do in Washington State in March

By Seattle Met Staff March 1, 2024

Wenatchee's Rails and Ales celebrates snow tricks and good beer.

Image: Courtesy Mike Endsley

March may come  in like a lion, but it parties all month long. The transition from winter to spring is marked by festivals across the state, some going all in on cultural traditions while others revel in goofing off and eating good food.

Image: Courtesy Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands

Penn Cove MusselFest

March 2 & 3 | Coupeville

Not a bodybuilding event, but a different sort of mussel—the undersea kind. Whidbey Island salutes its signature food with live music and plenty of Penn Cove mussels (and hot dogs too). Ticketed boat rides hosted by Penn Cove Shellfish show off where the morsels are grown, and a mussel eating contest is not for the faint of heart.

Rails and Ales

March 9 | WEnatchee

The Central Washington town of Wenatchee isn't quite ready to let go of winter. In its annual downtown event, skiers and snowboarders do tricks on metal features (like rails) in a formal competition while spectators can try more mellow outdoor experiences like snowshoeing and shooting a hockey puck. Per the "ales" part of the event, there are well-stocked beer gardens.

Walla Walla Guitar Festival

March 7–10 | Walla Walla

The 13th annual music event takes over downtown Walla Walla with performances at hotels, restaurants, wineries, and tasting rooms. Stages fill with both touring and local acts and—this being Walla Walla—there are plenty of food and drink options for between shows.

Wings Over Water

March 15–17 | Blaine

With some of the best bird-watching in the state, the Birch Bay area turns into spotting central over three days. Between formal workshops, speakers, and live raptor experiences, birders meet each other and see what waterfowl they can locate through binoculars.

Image: Matt Higham/unsplash.com

Washington State Parks Birthday

Happy 111 years, state parks—you don't look any older than a presidential candidate. To celebrate the anniversary of the Washington State Parks founding, all entrance and parking fees that would usually require a Discover Pass are waived. Select from  our favorites , or peruse the map of Washington's more than 140 separate properties.

Festival of Color

March 23 | Redmond

Claiming to be the largest Holi celebration in the Pacific Northwest, Marymoor Park's annual event is so popular that advance registration and parking reservations are necessary. The Hindu festival celebrates color in all forms, with bursts of color throwing—basically a powder fight that creates a rainbow on every surface—on the hour from noon until 5pm.

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5 outings to see spring flowers around Seattle this May

How to seattle.

March around the Seattle area is known for cherry blossoms. April is for the tulips. But even as May rolls closer, flower season is far from over. 

Many species of rhododendrons, peonies and other vibrantly colored flowers can be admired in their full glory in late spring. Here’s where to see them around the Seattle area, whether you want to wander through a serene garden on your own or join in on one of these festive seasonal events. 

more spring around Seattle

• How to experience Skagit Valley’s tulips this year
• The best views of ‘The Mountain,’ submitted by locals who love it
• 5 WA wildflower hikes to take around the Columbia River Gorge
• Soak in 5 Canadian hot springs on 1 epic road trip from Seattle

A historic Olmsted creation in North Seattle

Less than a five-minute drive from Bitter Lake Playfield in North Seattle lies a 7.5-acre garden designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers (the minds behind many beloved Seattle parks) as a summer home in 1915. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dunn Gardens is the only Olmsted residential garden that’s now regularly open to the public in Washington, according to HistoryLink . 

Along with towering Douglas fir trees and broad lawns bordered by shrubs, you’ll find rhododendrons blooming in the garden this time of year. Another “showstopper in the garden is the wisteria — it’s purple, it surrounds the cottage, it’s like walking through a purple curtain of blooms,” executive director Carolyn Cox said, before adding trillium and magnolias to the list. “It’s just a color bomb.”

One more rec if you visit soon: “One of the most spectacular trees right now is the Magnolia kobus” in the southwest portion of the garden, Cox said. Walking underneath the “old, gnarly tree” in bloom is “like standing in a flower house.”

Stop by Dunn Gardens anytime 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday (for nonmembers, the entrance fee is $10 per person) or catch a special poetry workshop at 3 p.m. May 11. 

13533 Northshire Road N.W., Seattle; dunngardens.org

Some of the largest rhododendron and bonsai collections around — in Federal Way

If admiring rhododendrons is a high priority, there’s perhaps no better local destination than Federal Way’s Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden , which features more than 700 species of “rhodies” in its 22-acre woodland garden. 

During the “riot of color” that is spring, you can also find magnolias, camellias and “a host of other beautiful trees, shrubs and wildflowers,” according to a statement from executive director of horticulture Steve Hootman.

Rhododendron-lovers won’t want to miss the big-leaf rhododendron garden, where subsections of the species grow giant leaves — up to 2 feet in length! For your $10 admission (or $7 for students and seniors), you can also explore the visitors center, plant shop, Victorian stumpery — an intentional arrangement of wooden materials like stumps and old logs that create a habitat for ferns and other plants — and several other gardens.

While you’re in the area, pop next door to the Pacific Bonsai Museum . It’s “one of the few public collections worldwide solely dedicated to bonsai,” according to its website, and is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday with a suggested donation of $12 per adult. 

Both Federal Way gems are holding special events over Mother’s Day weekend, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 11-12. BonsaiFEST will celebrate “the height of spring blooms” like azalea and wisteria with bonsai-making demonstrations, tours, pop-up shopping and more, and the rhododendron garden will bring in live music, food trucks and an art market. 

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden: 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way; rhodygarden.org

Pacific Bonsai Museum: 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way; pacificbonsaimuseum.org

More than 50 acres of natural beauty in Bellevue

An urban refuge east of downtown Bellevue, the 53-acre Bellevue Botanical Garden includes about 12 acres of cultivated gardens, plus woodlands and natural wetlands you can wander through. 

The 3,000-plus varieties of plants growing there includes 138 different varieties of rhododendrons, spread throughout the garden. To surround yourself with rhodies, stop by the Rhododendron Glen. 

Garden director James Gagliardi also recommends checking out the nearby, Asian-inspired Yao Garden, featuring azaleas, primroses, a stream and steppingstones. 

“There’s always that peak photo spot, and that’s it, I think, in May,” Gagliardi said. 

Make a day of your trip by adding in a stop to the gift shop and the coffee bar and check out any other trails or gardens that catch your interest. Another popular draw is the 150-foot suspension bridge, which spans a ravine and allows walkers to take in the forest’s topography from a different angle. 

Admission is free, and the garden is open from dawn until dusk everyday. 

12001 Main St., Bellevue; bellevuebotanical.org

A traditional Chinese Garden in West Seattle

Built in partnership with Seattle and our sister municipality of Chongqing, China, the Sichuan-style Seattle Chinese Garden comprises nearly 5 acres of plants, stones, water and architecture. 

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May is a great time to see blooming peonies and some magnolias, said interim general manager Mimi Chan.

On May 11 and 12, the garden’s 2024 Peony Festival will celebrate the blooming flowers and Mother’s Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (the final program is forthcoming, but the annual event generally includes music, cultural demonstrations and talks). In past years, about 1,000 people a day have flocked to the festival, Chan said. “It gets very busy, especially if the weather is nice like this.” 

Not ready to head back inside after exploring the Chinese garden? A wealth of nearby greenspaces — West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails, Soundway Park and Puget Park to name a few — makes it easy to extend your nature excursion. 

6000 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle; seattlechinesegarden.org

Downtown Seattle: Springtime edition

A meander along the downtown Seattle waterfront and through Pike Place Market is a classic outing any time of year, but springtime brings its own colorful flavor. 

While you’ll find all sorts of fresh flowers sold on a typical day in the historic market, more than 30 flower farms from King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties will be present 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 11-12 for the 16th Annual Flower Festival at Pike Place Market . Visitors can shop from seasonal favorites like tulips, daffodils, irises and peonies, plus, of course, from the regular dozens of artisan vendors.

From Pike Place, walk about 25 minutes (or take a 10-15 minute drive or bus ride) to Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center. The museum’s “Spring Bloom” lasts through the end of May, with daily garden tours, demonstrations of ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement) and spring-themed cocktails. General admission is $35-$39, with senior and child discounts. (Bundles that combine access to the museum, the Space Needle and Climate Pledge arena are also available.) 

Pike Place Market: 85 Pike St., Seattle; pikeplacemarket.org

Chihuly Garden and Glass: 305 Harrison St., Seattle; chihulygardenandglass.com

Outside these five springtime excursions, many more parks and gardens are bursting with color throughout the spring, from Rainier Beach’s Kubota Garden (9817 55th Ave. S., Seattle) to Tacoma’s W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory ( 316 S. G St., Tacoma ) . For more gardens around the Sound to add to your bucket list, visit pugetsoundgardens.org/gardens .

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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2024 NFL Mock Draft Day 2: Predicting Every Pick of Rounds 2 and 3

After a whirlwind first round, SI's Matt Verderame forecasts what's to come in the 2024 draft.

• Author: Matt Verderame

The first round of the 2024 NFL draft is complete . Only six rounds to go.

If your team didn’t get the player you wanted on Thursday night, don’t worry about it. There’s still Friday and Saturday, beginning with the second and third rounds on Friday evening.

But before we dive into what could happen in the rounds ahead, let’s take stock of Thursday night.

In the first 12 picks, there were six quarterbacks selected: Caleb Williams (No. 1), Jayden Daniels (No. 2), Drake Maye (No. 3), J.J. McCarthy (No. 10) and Bo Nix (No. 12). 

Conversely, no defender was taken in the top 10 picks for the first time since the common draft era began in 1969. The first was Laiatu Latu, who fell to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 15.

But what should you expect moving forward? How are things going to go from here? Let’s look at our mock for the next two rounds. 

Second Round

33. Buffalo Bills (from Carolina): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

34. New England Patriots: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

35. Arizona Cardinals: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

36. Washington Commanders: Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

37. Los Angeles Chargers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon

38. Tennessee Titans: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan

39. Carolina Panthers (from New York Giants): Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia

40. Washington Commanders (from Chicago): Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

41. Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets): Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

42. Houston Texans (from Minnesota): Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State

43. Atlanta Falcons: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah

44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

45. New Orleans Saints (from Denver): Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

46. Indianapolis Colts: Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State

Quarterback Spencer Rattler played two seasons at South Carolina after transferring from Oklahoma.

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

47. New York Giants (from Seattle): Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

50. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

52. Los Angeles Rams: Maason Smith, DL, LSU

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State

55. Miami Dolphins: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

56. Dallas Cowboys: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

58. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

59. Houston Texans: TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State

60. Buffalo Bills: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

61. Detroit Lions: Christian Haynes, OG, Connecticut

62. Baltimore Ravens: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

63. San Francisco 49ers: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

64. Kansas City Chiefs: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington

Third Round

65. Carolina Panthers: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

66. Arizona Cardinals: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

67. Washington Commanders: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

68. New England Patriots: Christian Jones, OT, Texas

69. Los Angeles Chargers: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas 

70. New York Giants: Mason McCormick, OG, South Dakota State

71. Arizona Cardinals (from Tennesse): Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State

72. New York Jets: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

Washington Huskies receiver Ja'Lynn Polk tallied 1,159 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the Huskies last season.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

73. Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit): Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

74. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

75. Chicago Bears: Isaiah Adams, OG, Illinois

76. Denver Broncos: DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke

77. Las Vegas Raiders: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

78. Washington Commanders (from Seattle): Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

79. Atlanta Falcons (from Jacksonville): Dru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

80. Cincinnati Bengals: Braiden McGregor, EDGE, Michigan

81. Seattle Seahawks (from New Orleans): Ty'Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri

82. Indianapolis Colts: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

83. Los Angeles Rams: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan

86. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia): Dominick Puni, OG, Kansas

87. Dallas Cowboys: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

88. Green Bay Packers: Cole Bishop, S, Utah

89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

90. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland

91. Green Bay Packers (from Buffal0): Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson

92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Detroit): Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State

Jermaine Burton played two seasons with Alabama after transferring from Georgia.

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93. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

94. San Francisco 49ers: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale

95. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City): Tanor Bortolini, OC, Wisconsin

96. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

97. Chicago Bears: Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU

98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Philadelphia): T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

99. Los Angeles Rams: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

100. Washington Commanders (from San Francisco): Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami

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5 outings to see spring flowers around Seattle

SEATTLE — March around the Seattle area is known for cherry blossoms. April is for the tulips. But even as May rolls closer, flower season is far from over.

Many species of rhododendrons, peonies and other vibrantly colored flowers can be admired in their full glory in late spring. Here’s where to see them around the Seattle area, whether you want to wander through a serene garden on your own or join in on one of these festive seasonal events.

• Dunn Gardens: 13533 Northshire Road N.W., Seattle; dunngardens.org

Less than a five-minute drive from Bitter Lake Playfield in North Seattle lies a 7.5 acre garden designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers (the minds behind many beloved Seattle parks) as a summer home in 1915.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dunn Gardens is the only Olmsted residential garden that’s now regularly open to the public in Washington, according to HistoryLink.

Along with towering Douglas fir trees and broad lawns bordered by shrubs, you’ll find rhododendrons blooming in the garden this time of year. Another “showstopper in the garden is the wisteria — it’s purple, it surrounds the cottage, it’s like walking through a purple curtain of blooms,” executive director Carolyn Cox said, before adding trillium and magnolias to the list. “It’s just a color bomb.”

“One of the most spectacular trees right now is the Magnolia kobus” in the southwest portion of the garden, Cox said. Walking underneath the “old, gnarly tree” in bloom is “like standing in a flower house.”

Stop by Dunn Gardens anytime 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday (for nonmembers, the entrance fee is $10 per person) or catch a special poetry workshop at 3 p.m. May 11.

• Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden: 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way; rhodygarden.org
• Pacific Bonsai Museum: 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way; pacificbonsaimuseum.org

If admiring rhododendrons is a high priority, there’s perhaps no better local destination than Federal Way’s Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, which features more than 700 species of “rhodies” in its 22 acre woodland garden.

During the “riot of color” that is spring, you can also find magnolias, camellias and “a host of other beautiful trees, shrubs and wildflowers,” according to a statement from executive director of horticulture Steve Hootman.

Rhododendron-lovers won’t want to miss the big-leaf rhododendron garden, where subsections of the species grow giant leaves — up to 2 feet in length! For your $10 admission (or $7 for students and seniors), you can also explore the visitors center, plant shop, Victorian stumpery — an intentional arrangement of wooden materials like stumps and old logs that create a habitat for ferns and — and several other gardens.

While you’re in the area, pop next door to the Pacific Bonsai Museum. It’s “one of the few public collections worldwide solely dedicated to bonsai,” according to its website, and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday with a suggested donation of $12 per adult.

Both Federal Way gems are holding special events over Mother’s Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11-12. BonsaiFEST will celebrate “the height of spring blooms” like azalea and wisteria with bonsai-making demonstrations, tours, pop-up shopping and more, and the rhododendron garden will bring in live music, food trucks and an art market.

• Bellevue Botanical Garden: 12001 Main St., Bellevue; bellevuebotanical.org

An urban refuge east of downtown Bellevue, the 53 acre Bellevue Botanical Garden includes about 12 acres of cultivated gardens, plus woodlands and natural wetlands you can wander through.

The 3,000-plus varieties of plants growing there includes 138 different varieties of rhododendrons, spread throughout the garden. To surround yourself with rhodies, stop by the Rhododendron Glen.

Garden director James Gagliardi also recommends checking out the nearby, Asian-inspired Yao Garden, featuring azaleas, primroses, a stream and stepping stones.

Make a day of your trip by adding in a stop to the gift shop and the coffee bar and check out any other trails or gardens that catch your interest. Another popular draw is the 150 foot suspension bridge, which spans a ravine and allows walkers to take in the forest’s topography from a different angle.

Admission is free, and the garden is open from dawn until dusk everyday.

• Seattle Chinese Garden: 6000 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle; seattlechinesegarden.org

Built in partnership with Seattle and our sister municipality of Chongqing, China, the Sichuan-style Seattle Chinese Garden comprises nearly 5 acres of plants, stones, water and architecture.

May is a great time to see blooming peonies and some magnolias, said interim general manager Mimi Chan.

On May 11 and 12, the garden’s 2024 Peony Festival will celebrate the blooming flowers and Mother’s Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (the final program is forthcoming, but the annual event generally includes music, cultural demonstrations and talks). In past years, about 1,000 people a day have flocked to the festival, Chan said. “It gets very busy, especially if the weather is nice like this.”

Not ready to head back inside after exploring the Chinese garden? A wealth of nearby greenspaces — West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails, Soundway Park and Puget Park to name a few — makes it easy to extend your nature excursion.

• Pike Place Market: 85 Pike St., Seattle; pikeplacemarket.org
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: 305 Harrison St., Seattle; chihulygardenandglass.com

A meander along the downtown Seattle waterfront and through Pike Place Market is a classic outing any time of year, but springtime brings its own colorful flavor.

While you’ll find all sorts of fresh flowers sold on a typical day in the historic market, more than 30 flower farms from King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties will be present 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11-12 for the 16th Annual Flower Festival at Pike Place Market. Visitors can shop from seasonal favorites like tulips, daffodils, irises and peonies.

From Pike Place, walk about 25 minutes (or take a 10-15 minute drive or bus ride) to Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center. The museum’s “Spring Bloom” lasts through the end of May, with daily garden tours, demonstrations of ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement) and spring-themed cocktails. General admission is $35-$39, with senior and child discounts. (Bundles that combine access to the museum, the Space Needle and Climate Pledge arena are also available.)

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