Best time to visit Seattle
Best time of year to visit Seattle
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.
35 THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE (JULY 31 - AUGUST 09)
Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire
One of the largest theatrical events in Washington
Rocky Mountaineer Train
This is more than just a train!
Whale Watching around Seattle
The San Juan Islands is the best spot to observe orca whales in the American Northwest
TreeHouse Point
Wake up your inner child and have fun on the trees in a lush green forest
Space Needle
Enjoy panoramic views of the Emerald City from the height of 520 ft (160 m)
Park Butte Lookout
A fairy-tale cabin on top of a hill provides stunning views
Boeing Seafair Air Show
Best aerobatics by military and civilian performers
Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls
A fantastic hidden lake in between two peaks with an impressive waterfall
Big Four Ice Caves
A wonderful natural site, but also very dangerous
Wildflowers Bloom
With the arrival of spring, valleys and mountain slopes get covered by wildflowers
Pike Place Market
The oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the U.S.
Tipsoo Lake
The most scenic spot for a stunning view of Mt. Rainier
Diablo Lake
Turquoise lake in North Cascades surrounded by peaks and lush forests
Colchuck Lake
A gem in the Alpine region of the state of Washington
Boating and Cruising
Seattle is called the boating capital of the US for a reason
Whitewater Rafting
Pump your adrenaline levels on some of the fastest Washington rivers
Stargazing
From towering Cascades to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington offers plenty of starry sky views
Boeing Factory
Visit the largest building in the world by volume—the Everett Boeing Factory
Seaplane Flight
Bird's-eye views of Seattle and the fantastic nature of the Northwest
Kayaking
Enjoy exploring the city and nature of the Pacific Northwest from the water
Lake Valhalla
A scenic lake tucked between Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland
Wallace Falls
A spectacular waterfall located on the west side of the Cascade Mountains
Little Si
A picturesque and short hike for the whole family
Gothic Basin
A scenic area with several lakes to explore
Deception Pass Bridge and Park
Discover the iconic Deception Pass by boat, foot or bike
Mount Pilchuck
A great hike with panoramic views of the Cascade range and the Puget Sound
Oyster Dome
A great spot with panoramic views over the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and the Olympic Mountains
Beach Season
With beautiful lakes and proximity to the ocean, summer in Seattle means lots of sunbathing and swimming
Skyline Divide Trail
A scenic wildflower paradise north of Mount Baker
Rachel Lake
An alpine lake surrounded by wild forest is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking
Blanca Lake
A beautiful turquoise lake near Seattle
Hummingbirds in Seattle
You can spot Anna's hummingbirds in Seattle all year round, while other species only in summer
Gas Works Park
A former gasification plant has become a favourite summer hang out spot
Kiteboarding & Windsurfing
Lots of great spots on lakes or open water
58 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Seattle Hempfest
unconfirmedHow about a couple of days in the thick of a bouncing cannabis convocation?
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
out of rangeNestled in the mountains, the amazing, colorful valley attracts visitors from all over the Northwest
4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks Shows
out of rangeThe Emerald City celebrates America's independence with festivals, fireworks, and picnics
Sequim Lavender Festival
out of rangeThe largest lavender festival in the United States
Seattle Pride
out of rangeCelebrate LGBT Pride at one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in America
Christmas Ship Festival
out of rangeWhether you are on board or watching from the shore, this parade is a lovely Northwest holiday tradition
Washington State Fair
out of rangeCheck out the largest and most popular event in the Pacific Northwest
Seafair Torchlight Parade
out of rangeThe great finale in a long series of Seafair summertime celebrations
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeFrom the University of Washington campus to city parks the pink bloom is everywhere
Walla Walla Balloon Stampede
out of rangeVisit the third oldest hot air balloon event in the United States
Snowflake Lane
out of rangeMagical snow and dazzling lights in the heart of Bellevue make this the most popular event in the Northwest
Seattle Erotic Art Festival (SEAF)
out of rangeEnthusiasts of erotic art in all its forms are welcome to join one of the hottest April events in Seattle
Central Washington State Fair
out of rangeOne of the major entertainment events of the Northwest
Lunar New Year
out of rangeAsian communities of Pacific Northwest gather for the biggest celebration of the year
Seattle Restaurant Week
out of rangeThe most delicious time of the year
Washington State International Kite Festival
out of rangeOne of the largest kite festivals in the United States
Washington Brewers Festival
canceledThere is no better way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend in Seattle
Seattle to Portland (STP)
out of rangeThe largest multi-day bike ride of the Pacific Northwest
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival (Christmastown)
out of rangeA favorite Bavarian village of the Pacific Northwest welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy the Leavenworth tree lighting festival
Fremont Solstice Parade
out of rangeA celebration of the longest day of the year in Mardi Gras spirit
Kitsap County Fair
out of rangeAn annual event full of family fun and traditional entertainment
Seattle Street Food Festival
out of rangeOne of the largest events at the picturesque South Lake Union
New Year's Eve
out of rangeFind numerous options for festivity and fun on New Year's Eve
Snow Goose Migration
out of rangeMore than 50,000 birds stop over at Skagit Valley in western Washington every fall
Capitol Hill Block Party
out of rangeThe annual three-day music festival and block party
Christmas Lights in Seattle
out of rangeGet into the holiday spirit with beautiful light displays
Evergreen State Fair
out of rangeVisit the most prominent county fair in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Fall Colors
out of rangeStunning landscapes make Seattle irresistable during fall
Salmon Crossing the Road
out of rangeHave you ever seen fish block traffic? Such phenomenon is not unusual in Washington
Olympia Arts Walk
out of rangeThis vivid street art festival gathers thousands of people in downtown Olympia
Northwest Folklife Festival
out of rangeA huge open-air festival with free admission held at Seattle Center
Winter Karneval in Leavenworth
out of rangeA cozy Alpine village celebrates all things winter
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
out of rangeThe largest film festival in the United States
White Pass Winter Carnival
out of rangeOne of the most popular winter events in the Cascades
Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle
out of rangeFour days of fun for creators, exhibitors and fans
St. Patrick's Day
out of rangeThe largest Irish celebration in the Northwest
Seattle Macy's Holiday Parade
overCome and see giant floats and marching bands during the Seattle Macy’s Holiday Parade
Crypticon
out of rangeVisit the largest horror convention of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Beer Week
out of rangeEleven days filled with craft beer events of all kinds
Easter
out of rangeComing to Seattle during Easter weekend, don't miss out the only Easter parade in Washington State
Labor Day Weekend in Seattle
out of rangeTake advantage of an extra day-off to discover the Emerald City and to take part in its festive attractions
Lupine Bloom
out of rangeThe main attraction of vast subalpine meadows and mountain slopes
Skiing and Snowboarding
out of rangeSome of the best views and backcountry rides in the Pacific Northwest
Great Pumpkin Beer Festival
out of rangeA vibrant pumpkin-themed fall festival in Seattle
Sasquatch! Music Festival
overIt was one of the most popular summer festivals in the PNW
Gray Whales near Everett
out of rangeGo on a wildlife-packed cruise just 30 minutes from Seattle
Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze
out of rangeOne of the largest pirate festivals in the Pacific Northwest
Memorial Day Weekend
out of rangeA busy weekend full of ceremonial and musical events
Kitsap Medieval Faire
out of rangeStep back in time and embrace the spirit at this resplendent Rennaissance festival in Bremerton, WA
Birdwatching
out of rangeThe Seattle area offers plenty of birdwatching spots and trails for both migrating and resident species
Seattle Center Winterfest
out of rangeAll the things we love about winter holidays are gathered in one place
Oak Harbor 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
out of rangeA vibrant celebration on Whidbey Island
Halloween
out of rangeThe best fall-themed activities and festivals of Pacific Northwest
Pacific Rhododendron
out of rangeThe state flower of Washington colors the slopes pink every spring
Arlington Skyfest
out of rangeHot air balloons, aerial displays, and World War II-era aircraft to explore
The Seattle Marathon
out of rangeThe major long-distance race of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Cheese Fest
out of rangeTaste a variety of international and local meats and cheeses at the Cheese and Meat Festival
Upstream Music Fest + Summit
overA major event in the historical heart of Seattle, with a perfect mix of acclaimed international artists alongside rising stars
