Do you want to know what the weather’s like in Seattle, WA? You’re in the right place! Let’s dive into Seattle’s temperature patterns, rainfall, and even snow, breaking it down month by month. By the end of this, you’ll have a clear picture of what it’s like to live or visit Seattle at any time of the year.
Seattle’s weather is like an artist’s painting with different colors each season. Sometimes it’s cool and rainy, other times it’s pleasantly warm and sunny.
The data and statistics presented in this article are sourced from The Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) Statistics provided by weather.gov.
Seattle’s Temperature Breakdown
Winter (December – February): Chilly, But Not Freezing
Seattle winters are mild compared to many places, but they still have that chilly feel. Here’s how it goes:
- December: The average temperature is 41.8°F, with highs around 46.5°F and lows dipping to 37.0°F. You’ll want a warm jacket, but it’s far from freezing.
- January: January cools down slightly to an average of 42.3°F. The high is about 47.4°F, and the low drops to 37.2°F. It’s chilly but not unbearable, especially when compared to harsher winter climates.
- February: Temperatures begin to inch upwards, with an average of 43.4°F. Highs reach 49.8°F, while lows hover around 37.0°F.
Winter in Seattle is all about bundling up, but not shivering uncontrollably. It’s the perfect time to cozy up indoors or explore the city’s coffee shops.
Spring (March – May): Warming Up And Brightening
Spring in Seattle is a time of renewal, where temperatures rise and the rain starts to ease up a bit:
- March: The average temperature is 46.6°F, with highs at 53.9°F. Lows are still cool at 39.2°F, so keep a jacket handy.
- April: Things start to feel more like spring with an average of 50.8°F. Highs hit 58.8°F, while lows rest at 42.8°F. It’s the perfect time for a light jacket and some outdoor walks.
- May: May is when Seattle really starts to shine, with an average of 56.8°F. Highs can reach 65.3°F, and lows hover at 48.3°F. Flowers bloom, and the city becomes vibrant and full of life.
Spring in Seattle is mild and refreshing, a great time to visit parks and gardens as everything starts to green up.
Summer (June – August): Warm, Sunny, And Perfect For Outdoor Fun
Summer in Seattle is simply gorgeous! The weather is warm but rarely too hot, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Here’s a breakdown:
- June: The average temperature in June is 61.4°F. Daytime highs reach 70.2°F, while nights cool off to 52.7°F. It’s perfect hiking or beach weather!
- July: July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 66.5°F. Highs soar to 76.5°F, but the nights stay cool at 56.5°F, which is perfect for evening strolls.
- August: August remains warm, with an average of 67.1°F. Highs hit 77.0°F, while lows rest at 57.1°F, making it another fantastic month for outdoor activities.
Seattle summers are known for their clear skies and comfortable warmth. It’s a popular time for festivals, outdoor concerts, and exploring nearby nature spots like Mount Rainier or the San Juan Islands.
Fall (September – November): Crisp, Cool, And Colorful
As summer fades, fall rolls in with cooler temps and the start of Seattle’s famous rain:
- September: The average temperature is 62.3°F, with highs at 71.3°F. Lows start to cool down to 53.2°F. This is one of the best times to experience the beauty of Seattle’s autumn foliage.
- October: By October, the average temperature drops to 53.6°F. Highs are around 60.5°F, and lows settle at 46.7°F, perfect sweater weather.
- November: November ushers in cooler air, with an average of 46.4°F. Highs reach 51.9°F, and lows dip to 40.9°F, signaling the start of Seattle’s rainy season.
If you want to read a detailed article about the annual temperature in Seattle, Washington, visit the article below:
Does It Get Cold In Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s Rainfall: It’s Not All Gloom!
Seattle may have a reputation for being rainy, but it’s not as intense as many might think! Let’s dive into the month-by-month precipitation breakdown:
- January: Seattle’s rainy season is in full swing, with 5.14 inches of rain falling.
- February: While still wet, February sees a bit less rainfall, averaging 3.54 inches.
- March: Rain continues through March with 3.86 inches, keeping the city damp.
- April: Things start to dry out a little, with 2.98 inches of rain during April.
- May: May brings a noticeable change, as precipitation drops to 2.16 inches, giving residents a bit of a break.
- June: By June, the rain is almost gone, with just 1.57 inches recorded.
- July: The driest month of the year, July sees only 0.78 inches of rain—a true summer reprieve!
- August: August remains dry as well, with just about 1.00 inch of rain.
- September: Rain begins to make a comeback in September with 1.74 inches.
- October: October welcomes more showers, with 3.65 inches of rainfall.
- November: The wettest month of the year is November, with 5.85 inches of rain… It is time to grab that umbrella!
- December: The year ends on a rainy note, with December bringing 5.55 inches of rain.
Overall, Seattle gets around 37.82 inches of rain annually. Despite the rainy reputation, much of it is spread out, and the rain itself is typically a light drizzle rather than heavy storms.
Snow In Seattle: Light And Sporadic
Snow in Seattle is rare, but when it happens, it’s a treat! Here’s a look at the snow stats:
- December: Seattle sees about 1.7 inches of snow.
- January: Snowfall drops to 0.9 inches.
- February: February brings a bit more snow with 1.0 inch.
- March: No significant snow in March.
- April – November: Snow is nonexistent during these months.
In total, Seattle gets about 3.8 inches of snow per year. It’s enough to make things pretty but not enough to shut down the city. And when it does snow, Seattleites tend to get excited… It’s a rare and beautiful sight!
If you want to read a detailed article about the annual snowfall in Seattle, Washington, visit the article below:
Does It Snow In Seattle, Washington
What Is The Current Weather In Seattle, Washington?
Do you want to know the weather in Seattle, Washington today visit the link below:
Current Weather In Seattle, WA
Wrapping It All Up: Seattle’s Weather At A Glance
So, what’s the weather like in Seattle, WA?
- Winter is cool and rainy but rarely freezing.
- Spring brings mild temperatures and a gradual decrease in rain.
- Summer is warm, sunny, and perfect for outdoor activities.
- Fall is cool with rain returning in full force by November.
Rain is a constant companion in Seattle, but it’s more of a gentle drizzle than a heavy downpour, and the summers are absolutely beautiful. Snow is rare but adds a magical touch when it appears.
If you’re planning a visit, make sure to bring clothes…A jacket for the cooler months and light clothing for summer. But no matter the season, Seattle’s weather has its own charm!
Seattle’s weather brings something different with each season, offering a unique experience no matter when you visit. Winters are cool and rainy, but mild enough to still enjoy cozying up in one of the city’s iconic coffee shops. Spring and fall provide a nice mix of sunshine and showers, with comfortable temperatures that make exploring the city’s parks and outdoor spaces a pleasure. Summer is the real standout, with warm, clear days perfect for outdoor adventures. While the city is known for its rain, it’s typically a gentle drizzle spread across the year, adding to Seattle’s laid-back charm without being overwhelming. Whether you’re planning a trip or thinking of moving, Seattle’s weather adds character to its rich culture and stunning landscapes. Just remember to bring layers to enjoy everything the city has to offer, from rain to sunshine!
Data Sources And References:
The Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) statistics are from weather.gov and analyzed by discoveredweather.com in order to answer your desired questions about temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall in Seattle, WA.
Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) – NOAA’s National Weather Service Data from Weather.gov NOWData Link.