If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest in early spring, you’ve probably heard the jokes. People love to talk about the "Big Dark" or how it never stops raining until July. Honestly, though? Most of that is just local gatekeeping or people who didn't pack the right jacket.
Seattle weather for March is basically the city’s awkward teenage phase. It is caught squarely between the gloom of February and the "wait, is that the sun?" vibes of April.
It’s temperamental. You might wake up to a sideways drizzle that makes you want to crawl back under the covers with a Theo Chocolate bar, only to have the clouds split open by noon, revealing a sky so blue it looks photoshopped.
The Reality of the Numbers (And Why They Lie)
Let's look at the stats. On paper, March in Seattle looks pretty chill. The average high sits around 53°F ($12°C$), while the lows hover near 40°F ($4°C$).
But here is the thing: 53 degrees in Seattle feels nothing like 53 degrees in, say, Denver or New York. Because of the humidity coming off the Puget Sound, that dampness gets into your bones. It’s a "wet cold."
You’ll see tourists in heavy parkas looking miserable, while locals are walking around in shorts and a Patagonia vest because the sun came out for exactly six minutes.
Rain? Yeah, it happens. You’re looking at about 16 days with at least some precipitation. But "some" is the keyword. Seattle doesn't usually do downpours. It does this weird, misty "spritz" that makes you feel like you're walking through a giant produce section.
The total rainfall is usually around 3.7 to 4.8 inches. It's enough to keep the moss green and the coffee shops full, but it’s rarely enough to ruin a day if you're prepared.
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The 2026 Outlook: La Niña’s Long Goodbye
If you are looking at 2026 specifically, we are in a bit of a transition. The experts over at the Climate Prediction Center have been tracking a La Niña pattern that’s finally starting to loosen its grip.
What does that mean for your March trip?
Typically, La Niña years in the Northwest are cooler and wetter than average. However, the forecast suggests we are moving into "ENSO-neutral" territory right as March hits. Expect the unexpected. We might get a late-season dusting of snow in the first week—cliff Mass, the local weather guru, often points out that big snow after March 7th is a rarity—but generally, we’re looking at a slow, soggy climb into spring.
The Daylight Saving Perk
One thing nobody talks about enough: The "Spring Forward" on March 8, 2026.
Before that Sunday, the sun sets around 6:00 PM. After? Suddenly you’ve got light until after 7:00 PM. That extra hour of evening light is a massive psychological win for anyone living in or visiting the city. It changes the whole vibe of the waterfront. People actually stay out for happy hour instead of scurrying home to avoid the dark.
What to Actually Pack (A Local's Advice)
Don't bring an umbrella. Just don't.
In Seattle, umbrellas are the mark of someone who hasn't quite figured out how the wind works here. Between the narrow streets and the gusts off the water, your umbrella will be inside-out in ten minutes.
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Basically, you need a "Seattle Tuxedo":
- A Hooded Rain Shell: Not a heavy winter coat, but something waterproof. If it’s breathable (Gore-Tex or similar), even better.
- Layers: A light fleece or a "puffy" down sweater.
- Waterproof Shoes: You don't need hiking boots, but those canvas sneakers will be soaked through by lunch. Get some treated leather or Gore-Tex sneakers.
- A Beanie: Or a "watch cap." Keep the head warm, and you’re 80% of the way there.
The Magic of the March Bloom
If the weather is so "meh," why do people come here in March?
Two words: Cherry blossoms.
The University of Washington (the "U-Dub" to locals) is home to some of the most spectacular Yoshino cherry trees in the country. They usually hit peak bloom in the last two weeks of March. Standing in the Quad when a light breeze knocks the petals loose—it literally looks like it’s snowing pink. It’s one of those rare moments where the city feels genuinely magical.
Then there’s the Skagit Valley. It’s about an hour north of the city. While the Tulip Festival is technically an April thing, the daffodils start popping off in March. Seeing acres of bright yellow against the backdrop of the gray Olympic Mountains is a trip.
Surviving the "March Gray"
If you get hit with one of those weeks where the sky is just the color of a wet sidewalk, lean into it.
March is the best time for "Indoor Seattle."
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The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is great when it's raining because it's immersive and dark anyway. Or head to the Elliott Bay Book Company in Capitol Hill. You can grab a coffee, find a corner, and listen to the rain hit the roof.
Honestly, the coffee culture hits differently in March. In August, an iced latte feels like a treat. In March, a hot oat milk latte feels like a survival tool.
Things to Keep on Your Radar for March 2026
- Baseball is back: The Mariners usually have spring training elsewhere, but late March brings the buzz of Opening Day. The energy around T-Mobile Park is infectious, even if you have to wear a jacket under your jersey.
- St. Patrick’s Day: Seattle has a huge Irish community. The parade downtown and the "Dash" are big deals. Just expect the beer to be green and the weather to be... well, Irish.
- Wine Month: March is Washington Wine Month. A lot of the urban wineries in the SoDo district or over in Woodinville run specials. It's the perfect excuse to stay indoors and drink some of the best Syrah in the world.
Is March a "Good" Time to Visit?
Depends on who you ask.
If you want 75 degrees and a tan, go to Phoenix.
But if you want lower hotel rates, no lines at the Space Needle, and the chance to see the city at its most authentic, March is great. You get to see the transition. You see the first green buds on the trees and the first outdoor markets starting to stir.
It’s a quiet, moody, beautiful time in the city. Just check the forecast an hour before you head out. In Seattle, "partly sunny" is often a polite way of saying "it’s going to rain, but we feel bad about it."
Your March Action Plan
- Book the UW Waterfront: Check the UW cherry blossom tracker starting March 1st. If they’re blooming, drop everything and go.
- Monitor the Pass: If you’re planning to head to the mountains (like Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie), March is still "miracle March" for skiers. The city might be raining, but the mountains are often getting dumped on.
- Check the "Pineapple Express": Keep an eye out for atmospheric rivers. These warm, wet storms can dump a lot of rain quickly. If one is forecasted, plan for a museum day.
- Embrace the Layers: Wear a t-shirt, a flannel, and a rain shell. You will likely take all of them off and put them back on at least three times before dinner.
Seattle in March isn't for everyone. It's for people who find beauty in the mist and don't mind a little dampness in exchange for some of the greenest landscapes on the planet. Pack your boots, grab a latte, and don't forget to look up when the sun finally breaks through. It’s worth the wait.