Taking a winter vacation is a great way to save money and avoid the crowds that take over during the summer, so a trip to Seattle in winter is a great choice for many reasons! Seattle is Washington state’s largest city and hub for some of the best things to do in the Pacific Northwest, making it a must-see for all travelers.
Just an hour from the Cascade Mountain range, a short drive from Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, and just a day trip from the PNW’s best national parks, Seattle is fabulous any time of year. But in the wintertime, you’ll get to experience it in a whole new way.
In this post we’ll cover everything you need to plan the perfect Seattle winter vacation, including where to stay, what to pack and the best things to do in Seattle in December, January and throughout the winter.
This is a guest post by Kassidy from The Hiking Helper.
Why Visit Seattle in Winter?
Seattle is a beautiful city any time of year, with beautiful skylines and the towering Mount Rainier dominating the landscape. However, the winter brings a whole new perspective to the city.
You’ll get to enjoy it without having to worry about so many tourists since so many of them plan their visits in the summer months. You’ll be able to experience the most popular attractions in Seattle without the usual crowds and can grab a bargain too as accommodation prices reflect the lower demand.
The hot, blazing sun is also gone for a few months and you’ll have the opportunity to experience The Rainy City in all her glory. And although you’ll definitely experience rain during your visit, you’ll also see that the locals don’t let it stop them. They know how to have fun and help to make Seattle a great place to visit, no matter what the weather!
Winter Weather in Seattle
The weather during winter in Seattle is typically pretty cloudy and rainy, with an average of about 12-14 days of rain per month.
Temperatures usually hover around the 40-50 °F range, sometimes dipping lower and climbing higher.
The best part of Seattle is that it very rarely snows. The Pacific Ocean does a pretty great job of keeping snow at bay, which makes for a perfect winter vacation without the white stuff. It does still happen occasionally though!
What to Wear in Seattle During the Winter
While Seattle isn’t terribly cold in the winter and doesn’t see snow often, you’ll definitely need to prepare for the rain and chilly air temperatures.
There’s no doubt that you will want a nice rain jacket and waterproof boots while you’re in The Rainy City! Having a thick sweater to layer underneath your raincoat will help keep you warm if the temperatures drop. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella to help you stay even drier on those rainy days.
Have a pair of waterproof gloves and a warm hat handy, just in case you need them.
Things to Do in Seattle in Winter
While some destinations around the world shut down and might not have anything to do in the winter, Seattle is accustomed to the Pacific Northwest rainy weather and remains full of life all year round. As mentioned above, don’t forget to pack a rain jacket and waterproof boots!
Here are some of the top things to do in Seattle at any time of year:
- Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour
- Day Trip to Mt Rainier from Seattle
- Chef-Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
- Seattle Harbor Cruise
- Small Group Tour to Mount St Helens from Seattle
You can browse more tours and attractions in Seattle here, or enjoy some of the best free things to do in Seattle. While you’re visiting Seattle in the winter plan to visit Olympic National Park, as well!
Here are a few of the best winter activities in Seattle for you to enjoy!
The Space Needle
For the past 60 years, the Space Needle has stuck above the Seattle skyline and has acted as a marker of the large city. Tourists from all over come to see the 605-foot-tall tower and view the city below them.
Winter is the perfect time to go up in the Space Needle because you won’t have to wait in the horrendous lines of tourists that the summer season brings! >>>Buy tickets in advance here.
Pike Place Market
Another classic Seattle tourist destination is the Pike Place Market, located right on Puget Sound in downtown Seattle. Here you’ll find over 500 local businesses, farmers, and more, selling their goods and products and it’s one of the best free things to do in Seattle (although you’ll likely be tempted to buy something!).
Fresh fish, blooming flowers, handmade goods, and delicious produce are some of the items you’ll be able to take home – watching the fishmongers throw their catch to each other and stock up the displays definitely deserves a look!
Before you head out, make a stop at Ellenos Yogurt, right outside the market, for some of the best Greek yogurt you’ll ever have! To learn more about the producers and get the inside track on the tastiest treats in the market, take a food tour guided by a chef!
Visit the Original Starbucks
If you’re a coffee drinker, I’m sure you’ll be down to try ‘Seattle’s Best!’ Why not make a stop at the Original Starbucks, which opened in 1971 along the streets of the Pike Place Market? You can see where the popular coffee chain had its start and grab your favorite drink while you’re at it.
Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
Right next to the Space Needle, you’ll find the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. This incredible museum is home to fantastic pieces of art by Dale Chihuly, who specialized in creating pieces made of colorful glass.
There are 8 galleries, a garden, and a 40-foot-tall glasshouse for visitors to enjoy the beautiful artwork. Guests have said that a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum was the highlight of their trip to Seattle so it should definitely be on your Seattle itinerary!
>>Click here to buy combined tickets for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
Explore the Seattle Waterfront
Admiring and exploring Seattle’s waterfront is always a fun thing to do. Sitting right on Puget Sound, you’ll get to experience the beautiful area and have the chance to see wildlife such as harbor seals, sea lions, and even whales in some places, you’ll be mesmerized.
Some of the best places to spot wildlife include Discovery Park and Alki Beach. Even if you don’t see any animals, just stroll along the beaches, search for some shells, and enjoy the beautiful waterfront. There are some lovely views of the Seattle Skyline from Harbor Ave Vista Point too.
Visit Snoqualmie Falls
Just 30 minutes from the city, you’ll find the home to the world’s first completely underground powerhouse, Snoqualmie Falls. This beautiful 482-foot waterfall roars over a cliff and drops into the Snoqualmie River below.
Back in 1898, the falls were turned into a hydroelectric plant to provide power to the area. It’s one of the closest waterfalls to Seattle and provides a great view of Washington’s beauty.
In the winter, you may get to witness it with a snow dusting if you’re lucky, and fewer crowds than you see in the summer.
Go For a Hike
Nearby, there are plenty of beautiful hikes in Seattle that are snow-free for almost the entire year. A few of the most popular include Heybrook Lookout, Rattlesnake Ledge, Mount Si, and Franklin Falls.
Each is unique in its own way, but they all provide beautiful views within a short drive of Seattle.
Things to Do in Seattle In December
In December, holiday events take place around Seattle, and these are a few of the best ones to visit.
Bellevue Botanical Gardens
Just on the other side of Lake Washington in Bellevue, the botanical garden lights up for the holiday season. Visit during the entire month of December to experience a beautiful holiday celebration of lights strung over trees, plants, and more.
Take a Day Trip to Leavenworth
Around two hours’ drive from Seattle, the small town of Leavenworth becomes a magical winter wonderland around the holidays, and it is worth the trip to visit this small Bavarian Village.
Everything here will remind you of Europe, as it’s tucked into the mountains and has beautifully decorated buildings. Lights strung all over the buildings make you feel like you’re in a holiday film and you can even visit a reindeer farm!
While you’re in Leavenworth, check out some of the best hikes in the state, which are within a short drive of the village. Check the weather before you head out though, Leavenworth is inland from Seattle so you might see snow here.
Things to Do in Seattle in January
When the New Year draws near, Seattle comes alive and becomes one of the best places to visit in Washington for the New Year. Here is the best thing to do in Seattle in January.
Watch Fireworks at the Space Needle
It’s one thing to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve, and it’s a whole other thing to watch fireworks from the Space Needle on New Year’s Eve.
Each year, right as the clock strikes midnight, watch as fireworks shoot out from the Space Needle, creating a magical display in the sky. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and is one of the best ways to ring in the New Year in Seattle, Washington.
For New Year 21/22 the show was broadcast on TV and streamed live to discourage crowds, but check the Space Needle website here for details of events this year.
Where to Stay in Seattle This Winter
After a long day of exploring Seattle, Washington, you’re going to need somewhere to rest your head and get energized for the next day.
Here are a few great options for hostels and hotels in Seattle for your visit:
Green Tortoise Hostel – This is a great option for those who are on a budget and are okay with a shared bathroom. It’s located across from Pike’s Place Market and has free breakfast. >>>CHECK PRICES
Ace Hotel Seattle – This funky hotel features unique decor, and beautiful rooms, and is just a short 1 mile from downtown Seattle. >>>CHECK PRICES
Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel – The rooms here are brightly decorated with a pineapple theme and add a bit of fun to your stay. There’s also an indoor pool to enjoy and it’s within walking distance of the Space Needle. >>>CHECK PRICES
If you’d like more options, you can browse all hostels in Seattle on Hostelworld, or find great value hotels on Booking. There are also various options for Airbnbs in Colorado Springs too, take a look at some of the rental homes available here.
About the Author
Kassidy is an avid hiker and adventurer, based in Minnesota and the face behind The Hiking Helper. She lived in the Pacific Northwest for 6 months and loves getting to explore places outside of her home state. You can follow her adventures on Instagram.
Top Travel Tips for Seattle
Check out my top tips for booking your Seattle vacation:
Getting There
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to your destination.
- Public buses are the cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport, but a shared shuttle transfer is quicker and cheaper than a taxi - you can pre-book those on GetYourGuide or Viator
- Try Omio for booking trains and Busbud for buses including Greyhound and Flixbus.
Where to Stay
- For hotels, I use Booking.com to check reviews and find the best deals on hotels and apartments wherever I'm travelling to. Hotels.com is another good site.
- If you're on a tight budget, use Hostelworld to find the best hostels all over the world
Hire a Car
- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.
Book Tours and Activities
- I use GetYourGuide or Viator to book everything from skip-the-line entry tickets to food tours as I can compare options from several companies and choose the best one for me
- If you're staying in a hostel, check out their tours and activities which are usually free or very cheap - and a great way to meet people!
Get Travel Insurance
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
- Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
Check Your Travel Documents
- Don't forget to check the validity of your passport and any other documents for your trip. Use iVisa to check if you need a visa to visit your destination, and get up to date official travel advice from your government, for example on the Department of State website in the US or the UK government website.
Get Cheap Currency
- When travelling abroad, using a travel bank account like Wise means you get great deals on foreign currency - including a fee-free transfer of up to £500 when you use this link to sign up.
Top Money Saving Tip for Backpackers
- Work exchanges are a great way to travel for longer and extend your trip as you can save a ton of money on accommodation. Get an extra $10 discount on Worldpackers here or learn more about work exchanges.
