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Best time to visit

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With pleasant weather and affordable prices, September and early October are the best time to visit Seattle. Summer crowds disperse and there is no better time for riding Rocky Mountaineer Train. Winter arrives in November and besides rain and show, brings deals for bargain lovers. Even though the temperatures get chillier from November to February, this is an amazing season for Christmas Lights sparkling brightly and skiing or snowboarding on Mount Rainier. Spring is famous for its moderate accommodation rates and a bit warmer temperatures, however, biting Pacific winds are also possible, so pack warm clothes. Catch the flower blooming season in the mountainous areas and at the Skagit Tulip Festival in April. Peak season from June to August is mostly known for skyrocketing prices and tourist crowds, but it offers best conditions for whale watching and visiting Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls.

93 things to do in Seattle

Rocky Mountaineer Train

April–October Activity

This is more than just a train!

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks Shows

July 4 Event

The Emerald City celebrates America's independence with festivals, fireworks, and picnics

Boeing Factory

all year round Activity

Visit the largest building in the world by volume—the Everett Boeing Factory

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

April 1–30, 2024 Event

Nestled in the mountains, the amazing, colorful​ valley attracts visitors from all over the Northwest

Seafair Torchlight Parade

July 27, 2024 Event

The great culmination in a long series of Seafair summertime celebrations

Boating and Cruising

April—October (all year round ) Activity

Seattle is called the boating capital of the US for a reason

Seattle Pride

June 29-30, 2024 Event

Celebrate LGBT Pride at one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in America

Fremont Solstice Parade

June 22, 2024 Event

A celebration of the longest day of the year in Mardi Gras spirit

Space Needle

May–September (all year round) Activity

Enjoy panoramic views of the Emerald City from the height of 520 ft (160 m)

Whale Watching around Seattle

mid-May to mid-October Activity

The San Juan Islands is the best spot to observe orca whales in the American Northwest

Birdwatching

March–May | September–October Activity

The Seattle area offers plenty of birdwatching spots and trails for both migrating and resident species

Deception Pass Bridge and Park

June–September (all year round) Activity

Discover the iconic Deception Pass by boat, foot or bike

Beach Season

May–September Activity

With beautiful lakes and proximity to the ocean, summer in Seattle means lots of sunbathing and swimming

Seattle Street Food Festival

June, 2025 Event

One of the largest events at the picturesque South Lake Union

Seaplane Flight

all year round Activity

Bird's-eye views of Seattle and the fantastic nature of the Northwest

Capitol Hill Block Party

July 19–21, 2024 Event

The annual three-day music festival and block party

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)

May 9-19, 2024 Event

The largest film festival in the United States

Washington Brewers Festival

June 22-23, 2024 Event

There is no better way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend in Seattle

Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls

May–September Activity

A fantastic hidden lake in between two peaks with an impressive waterfall

Crypticon

May 3-5, 2024 Event

Visit the largest horror convention of the Pacific Northwest

Wildflowers Bloom

March–August Nature

With the arrival of spring, valleys and mountain slopes get covered by wildflowers

Seattle Beer Week

May 17–24, 2024 Event

Eleven days filled with craft beer events of all kinds

Seattle Erotic Art Festival (SEAF)

April 26-28, 2024 Event

Enthusiasts of erotic art in all its forms are welcome to join one of the hottest April events in Seattle

Christmas Lights in Seattle

mid-November–late January Event

Get into the holiday spirit with beautiful light displays

Whitewater Rafting

April–August Activity

Pump your adrenaline levels on some of the fastest Washington rivers

Seattle Macy's Holiday Parade

November 29, 2019 Event

Come and see giant floats and marching bands during the Seattle Macy’s Holiday Parade

Seattle Restaurant Week

April 14–27, 2024 Event

The most delicious time of the year

Olympia Arts Walk

October 4–5, 2024 Event

This vivid street art festival gathers thousands of people in downtown Olympia

Northwest Folklife Festival

May 24-27, 2024 Event

A huge open-air festival with free admission held at Seattle Center

Kayaking

April–October Activity

Enjoy exploring the city and nature of the Pacific Northwest from the water

Washington State Fair

August 30–September 22, 2024 Event

Check out the largest and most popular event in the Pacific Northwest

Evergreen State Fair

August 22–27, 2024 | August 29–September 2, 2024 Event

Visit the most prominent county fair in the Pacific Northwest

Central Washington State Fair

September 20–29, 2024 Event

One of the major entertainment events of the Northwest

The Seattle Marathon

December 1, 2024 Event

The major long-distance race of the Pacific Northwest

Seattle Hempfest

August 15–16, 2023 Event

How about a couple of days in the thick of a bouncing cannabis convocation?

TreeHouse Point

September–June (all year round) Activity

Wake up your inner child and have fun on the trees in a lush green forest

Gas Works Park

June–August Activity

A former gasification plant has become a favourite summer hang out spot

Pike Place Market

all year round Activity

The oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the U.S.

Christmas Ship Festival

November 29–December 23, 2024 Event

Whether you are on board or watching from the shore, this parade is a lovely Northwest holiday tradition

Snowflake Lane in Bellevue

November 29–December 24, 2024 Event

Magical snow and dazzling lights in the heart of Bellevue make this the most popular event in the Northwest

Seattle Center Winterfest

November 29–December 31, 2024 Event

All the things we love about winter holidays are gathered in one place

Leavenworth Village of Lights (Christmastown)

November 29–December 24, 2024 Event

A favorite Bavarian village of the Pacific Northwest welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy the Leavenworth tree lighting festival

Lunar New Year

February, 2024 Event

Asian communities of Pacific Northwest gather for the biggest celebration of the year

Little Si

March–November Activity

A picturesque and short hike for the whole family

Gothic Basin

July–October Activity

A scenic area with several lakes to explore

Colchuck Lake

June–October Nature

A gem in the Alpine region of the state of Washington

Hidden Lake Lookout

July–October Activity

One of the best hikes in the Northwest

Tipsoo Lake

June–October Activity

The most scenic spot for a stunning view of Mt. Rainier

Mount Pilchuck

June–October Activity

A great hike with panoramic views of the Cascade range and the Puget Sound

Diablo Lake

May–September Nature

Turquoise lake in North Cascades surrounded by peaks and lush forests

St. Patrick's Day

March 16–17, 2024 Event

The largest Irish celebration in the Northwest

Big Four Ice Caves

all year round Nature

A wonderful natural site, but also very dangerous

Cherry Blossom

late March–early April Nature

From the University of Washington campus to city parks the pink bloom is everywhere

Easter

March 30–31, 2024 Event

Coming to Seattle during Easter weekend, don't miss out the only Easter parade in Washington State

Memorial Day Weekend

May 9–27, 2024 Event

A busy weekend full of ceremonial and musical events

Washington State International Kite Festival

August 19-25, 2024 Event

One of the largest kite festivals in the United States

Sequim Lavender Festival

July 19–21, 2024 Event

The largest lavender festival in the United States

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

July 19–August 18, 2024 (weekends) Event

One of the largest theatrical events in Washington

Park Butte Lookout

July–October Activity

A fairy-tale cabin on top of a hill provides stunning views

Lake Valhalla

June–October Nature

A scenic lake tucked between Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland

Gray Whales near Everett

March–May Nature

Go on a wildlife-packed cruise just 30 minutes from Seattle

Blanca Lake

July–October Nature

A beautiful turquoise lake near Seattle

Seattle to Portland (STP)

July 13–14, 2024 Event

The largest multi-day bike ride of the Pacific Northwest

Kiteboarding & Windsurfing

all year round Activity

Lots of great spots on lakes or open water

Halloween in Seattle: Fests & Haunted Events

late September–early November Event

The best fall-themed activities and festivals of Pacific Northwest

Pacific Rhododendron

early May–late June Nature

The state flower of Washington colors the slopes pink every spring

Lupine Bloom

April–May Nature

The main attraction of vast subalpine meadows and mountain slopes

Labor Day Weekend in Seattle

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

Take advantage of an extra day-off to discover the Emerald City and to take part in its festive attractions

Seattle Fall Colors

October Nature

Stunning landscapes make Seattle irresistible during fall

Skiing and Snowboarding

late November–early April (best in mid-January–February) Activity

Some of the best views and backcountry rides in the Pacific Northwest

White Pass Winter Carnival

March 2-3, 2024 Event

One of the most popular winter events in the Cascades

Winter Karneval in Leavenworth

January 1–31, 2024 (weekends) Event

A cozy Alpine village celebrates all things winter

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Find numerous options for festivity and fun on New Year's Eve

Salmon Crossing the Road

late October–early December Nature

Have you ever seen fish block traffic? Such phenomenon is not unusual in Washington

Snow Goose Migration

October–early March | best November Nature

More than 50,000 birds stop over at Skagit Valley in western Washington every fall

Wallace Falls

all year round | best: April–October Nature

A spectacular waterfall located on the west side of the Cascade Mountains

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

May 9–12, 2024 Event

Visit the third oldest hot air balloon event in the United States

Hummingbirds in Seattle

January 1–December 31 | June 1–August 31 Nature

You can spot Anna's hummingbirds in Seattle all year round, while other species only in summer

Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle

March 6-9, 2025 Event

Four days of fun for creators, exhibitors and fans

Stargazing

all year round (best May–September) Nature

From towering Cascades to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington offers plenty of starry sky views

Seattle Cheese and Meat Festival

November 9, 2024 Event

Taste a variety of international and local meats and cheeses at the Cheese and Meat Festival

Great Pumpkin Beer Festival

October 4-5, 2024 Event

A vibrant pumpkin-themed fall festival in Seattle

Oak Harbor 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

July 3–7, 2024 Event

A vibrant celebration on Whidbey Island

Kitsap County Fair & Stampede

August 21-25, 2024 Event

An annual event full of family fun and traditional entertainment

Boeing Seafair Air Show

August 2-4, 2024 Event

Best aerobatics by military and civilian performers

Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze

June 28-30, 2024 Event

One of the largest pirate festivals in the Pacific Northwest

Arlington Skyfest

August 16-18, 2024 Event

Hot air balloons, aerial displays, and World War II-era aircraft to explore

Kitsap Medieval Faire

June 15, 2024 Event

Step back in time and embrace the spirit at this resplendent Rennaissance festival in Bremerton, WA

Coast Starlight Train Trip

all year round Activity

The 35-hour Coast Starlight journey passes through astonishing views of the Cascade Range, Mount Shasta, and the Pacific Ocean shoreline

Bumbershoot Festival

August 31–September 1, 2024 Event

Sounds, sights, and flavors collide, inviting all to join in the cultural extravaganza of Seattle's Labor Day Weekend

Bremerton Blackberry Festival

August 31–September 2, 2024 Event

Join a vibrant community celebration of all things blackberry

PAX West

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

Dive into the heart of gaming culture in a vibrant celebration of all things gaming

Oak Harbor Music Festival and Sounds of Summer Concert Series

July 31–August 21, 2024 (Summer Concert Series)| August 30–September 1, 2024 (Festival) Event

Experience the rhythm of community and culture

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