You've heard the jokes. Everyone thinks Seattle is just one big, gray puddle where people tan in the rain and own fifteen different types of Gore-Tex. Honestly, if you’re planning a trip or moving here, that stereotype is only about half true. The reality of weather in Seattle monthly is a lot more nuanced than a permanent drizzle. It’s a city of dramatic "Big Darks," surprising summer droughts, and the occasional "Snowpocalypse" that shuts down every hill in town.
The Big Dark: Surviving the Winter Slog
November is usually the month that breaks people. It’s statistically the wettest time of year, averaging about 6.3 inches of rain. This isn't the romantic, light mist you see in movies; it’s the season of the "Atmospheric River." Basically, these are massive plumes of moisture that hitch a ride from the tropics—often called the Pineapple Express—and dump inches of water on the Puget Sound in just a few days.
In December 2025, we saw this firsthand. Multiple systems tore through Western Washington, causing record flooding on the Cedar and Snoqualmie rivers. While the city itself stays relatively mild—highs usually hover around 46°F—the lack of sun is what gets you. By mid-December, you’re lucky to see two hours of actual sunshine a day.
January and February continue the trend, though the rain starts to feel a bit more sporadic. You’ll get "very cold" days where the temp dips into the 30s. If we’re going to get snow, it usually happens now. But Seattle snow is weird. Because we’re right on the water, the "rain-snow line" is a fickle beast. One neighborhood might get four inches of powder while another just a mile away gets slushy rain.
Spring: The Great Tease
March is the ultimate "fake out." You’ll get one glorious 60-degree Tuesday where everyone rushes to Alki Beach in shorts, followed by four days of sideways hail. It’s still pretty wet, with about 3.7 inches of rain and 17 days of precipitation on average.
But then April hits. This is when the city starts to wake up. The cherry blossoms at the University of Washington Quad usually peak in late March or early April, and honestly, even the rain feels different. It’s lighter. More "misty." You’ll start seeing 200+ hours of sunshine for the month.
May is, in my opinion, the best-kept secret. The high temperatures jump to an average of 65°F. The rain drops significantly—usually less than 2 inches for the whole month. It’s that sweet spot where the rhododendrons are exploding in color, but the summer crowds haven't arrived yet.
Summer: The "Dry" Side of Seattle
If you want to win a bet, ask someone which city is drier in the summer: Seattle or Miami. Most people guess wrong. Seattle summers are incredibly dry. In July and August, we often go weeks without a single drop of rain.
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July is typically the sunniest month, boasting about 10 hours of bright sun per day. The average high is a comfortable 77°F, but don’t let that fool you. Recent years have seen some scary heatwaves. Back in June 2021, the mercury hit 108°F at Sea-Tac Airport. That was an anomaly, but 90-degree days are becoming way more common than they used to be.
August stays warm and stays dry. It’s the peak of festival season—Seafair, street fairs, outdoor concerts. The water in the Puget Sound is still freezing (it rarely gets above 57°F), but Lake Union and Lake Washington finally get warm enough for a dip.
The Autumn Shift
September is "Second Summer." The first two weeks are usually perfection—highs in the low 70s, crisp air, and clear views of Mount Rainier. But toward the end of the month, you can feel the shift. The wind picks up, and the first real "gray" days start to settle in.
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October is when the dry season officially dies. By Halloween, you’re looking at highs in the 50s and the return of the steady drizzle. It’s beautiful, though. The Washington Park Arboretum turns neon orange and red. It’s the last gasp of color before the Big Dark returns in November.
A Quick Reality Check on the Numbers
To help you pack, here is a rough look at how the temperatures and rain actually shake out throughout the year:
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Highs of 45–48°F. This is peak rain season. You need a waterproof shell with a hood. Umbrellas are for tourists; locals just wear hats.
- Spring (Mar–May): Highs of 52–65°F. Layers are everything. You’ll be peeling off a fleece at noon and putting it back on by 4 PM.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Highs of 70–78°F. This is "Blue Sky" season. Very little rain, low humidity.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Highs of 51–71°F. September is mild; November is a soaking mess.
Why the Rain Statistics are Misleading
People always say Seattle is the rainiest city, but it doesn't even crack the top ten in the U.S. for total volume. Places like Miami, Houston, and even New York City get way more "inches" of rain per year.
The difference is the frequency. Seattle doesn't usually have massive thunderstorms that dump three inches in an hour. Instead, we have "The Mizzle"—a mix of mist and drizzle that can last for six days straight. We have more cloudy days than almost anywhere else, which is why the weather in Seattle monthly feels wetter than it actually is. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Practical Advice for Navigating Seattle Weather
If you’re visiting, don't just look at the high temperature. Check the "RealFeel" or the dew point. Because we're a coastal city, 45 degrees in Seattle feels a lot colder than 45 degrees in a dry climate like Denver. The dampness gets into your bones.
- Invest in a "Seattle Tuxedo": That’s basically a high-quality rain shell over a flannel shirt or a light puffer vest.
- Download a good radar app: Don't trust the "percent chance of rain." Look at the actual radar movement. Often, the "rain" is just a passing cloud, and you’ll have a clear window in 20 minutes.
- Watch the "Convergence Zone": There’s a weird meteorological phenomenon where air masses split around the Olympic Mountains and collide over North King or Snohomish County. It can be sunny in downtown Seattle while it’s pouring buckets ten miles north in Lynnwood.
- Embrace the indoor vibe: When the Big Dark hits in November and December, do what the locals do. Hit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), find a cozy coffee shop in Capitol Hill, or wander through the Elliott Bay Book Company.
The best time to visit? If you want guaranteed sun, come between July 15th and Labor Day. If you want to see the "real" emerald green beauty of the Pacific Northwest without the crowds (and don't mind a little dampness), May and September are your best bets. Just leave the umbrella at home—you'll just look like you're trying too hard.