Honestly, if you ask someone from California about the temperature in Seattle in April, they’ll probably describe a scene involving a yellow raincoat and a mood that matches a charcoal sketch.
They aren’t entirely wrong, but they’re missing the point.
April in the Pacific Northwest is a chaotic, beautiful, and deeply confusing time. It’s the month when you can experience a "sunbreak" that makes the city sparkle like a literal emerald, only to be pelted by pea-sized hail ten minutes later while you’re trying to eat a piroshky at Pike Place. It's transition season. It's volatile. And frankly, it's one of the best times to be here if you know how to play the game.
The Cold Hard Numbers (That Don't Tell the Whole Story)
If we’re looking at the data from the National Weather Service and groups like the Washington State Climate Office, the averages seem pretty tame.
Typically, you’re looking at:
- Average Highs: Around 56°F to 60°F.
- Average Lows: Between 41°F and 45°F.
- Water Temperature: A bracing 48°F in the Puget Sound.
On paper, that looks like "sweater weather." But averages are liars. In April 2025, for instance, the state was actually about 1.8°F warmer than the long-term normal. Sea-Tac Airport—where the "official" Seattle weather is tracked, despite being miles south of downtown—recorded a 2.0°F anomaly. We've even seen freak days like April 18, 2016, where the mercury hit a staggering 89°F, shattering every record in the book.
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Basically, the "average" is just the middle point between "I need a parka" and "Where did I put my shorts?"
The "Big Dark" is Receding
By the time April rolls around, Seattleites are emerging from the "Big Dark"—that stretch from November to March where the sun is a myth.
The cloud cover actually starts to break up. At the start of the month, it's overcast about 66% of the time. By April 30th, that drops to around 56%. It doesn't sound like much, but when those clouds part, the intensity of the light is different. The greenery is so bright it almost hurts your eyes.
Rain vs. Drizzle
People worry about the rain. You shouldn't. April isn't the wettest month—that honor goes to November. In April, you usually see about 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain spread across 10 to 15 days.
But here’s the thing: Seattle rain is rarely a "downpour." It’s a "mist." It’s a "sprinkle." It’s a "I don’t even need an umbrella because the wind will just break it anyway" kind of rain. Most locals just wear a hooded shell and call it a day.
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What the Temperature Actually Feels Like
Humidity in Seattle stays high, usually around 77% in April. This is a "cool humid." It carries the chill right into your bones if you aren't moving.
If you are standing in the shade at 55°F, you will be cold.
If you step into a sunbeam at 55°F, you will want to peel off your jacket immediately.
This is why the "Seattle Tuxedo" (a flannel shirt under a Patagonia or REI puffer vest) exists. It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a survival strategy for a climate that can’t make up its mind.
The Convergence Zone Factor
You might hear meteorologists talk about the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. This is a weird local phenomenon where air flows around the Olympic Mountains and crashes back together over north Seattle or south Snohomish County.
It can be 60°F and sunny in West Seattle, while five miles north in Ballard, it's 50°F and dumping rain because of this zone. Always check the radar, not just the general forecast.
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Dressing for 50-Degree Mood Swings
Since the temperature in Seattle in April fluctuates so much, your packing list needs to be tactical.
- The Outer Shell: A lightweight, waterproof jacket. Not "water-resistant." Waterproof. Brands like Outdoor Research (a local favorite) or Helly Hansen are standard.
- The Mid-Layer: A fleece or a "Nano Puff" style jacket. This traps the heat when the sun disappears behind a cloud.
- The Feet: Leave the suede at home. You want leather boots or treated sneakers. Wet socks are the fastest way to ruin a trip to the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- The "Socks and 'Stocks": Honestly, you'll see people wearing Birkenstocks with wool socks (like SmartWool or Darn Tough). It's weird, but it works for the 50°F sweet spot.
Real Talk: Is April a Good Time to Visit?
Actually, yeah. It's great.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is happening just north of the city. The cherry blossoms at the University of Washington are usually hitting their peak or just finishing. The crowds haven't reached their summer "I can't move in Pike Place Market" levels yet.
You get the flowers. You get the fresh air. You get the moody, Twin Peaks-esque fog in the mornings. You just have to be okay with the fact that you might experience three different seasons before lunch.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip:
- Download a Hyper-Local App: Use something like Weather Underground or Dark Sky (now integrated into Apple Weather) to see block-by-block rain start times.
- Layer Up, Don't Bulk Up: Two thin layers are better than one heavy coat. You’ll be taking things off and putting them back on every 20 minutes.
- Skip the Umbrella: Unless you want to stand out as a tourist. A good hood is the local's choice because the wind often blows the rain sideways anyway.
- Watch the Ferries: If it's a windy April day, the temperature on the water will feel 10 degrees colder. If you're taking the ferry to Bainbridge, stay inside or bring a beanie.
The temperature in Seattle in April is less about a number on a thermometer and more about your ability to adapt. If you embrace the damp and the gray, the moments when the sun actually hits the Olympics across the water will be some of the most beautiful things you've ever seen.
Check the local NWS Seattle Twitter (X) feed the morning of your outing. They are great at spotting those Convergence Zones before they ruin your hike at Discovery Park.