Best time to visit Seattle without the crowds

Best match

The grey season returns — 90mm rain, but good shoulder prices and the city's indoor culture shines.

#1 for without crowds

Best match

Still grey, but the rain eases and an extra hour of sun signals the long turn toward summer.

#2 for without crowds

Best match

Spring teasing begins — cherry blossoms at the UW campus, still 95mm of rain to contend with.

#3 for without crowds

Best match

The city unlocks — 75mm rain is manageable, 6 sunshine hours bring Seattleites outside.

#4 for without crowds

Best match

The best month — 18mm rain, 25°C, 10 hours of sun, and the Bite of Seattle in full swing.

#5 for without crowds

Worth considering

Seattle at its rainiest — 150mm, 2.5 sunshine hours, and the grey months properly begin.

#6 for without crowds

Best match

Seattle at its spring best — SIFF launches, 18°C, and the city's outdoor life fully restored.

#7 for without crowds

Best match

Seattle starts to shine — SIFF wraps, Pride month, kayaking on Lake Union, and the sky stays light until 21:30.

#8 for without crowds

Best match

The best-value month — summer weather lingers, crowds ease, and the city exhales.

#9 for without crowds

Worth considering

Grey and wet — 130mm of rain, but Pike Place Market is uncrowded and hotels are cheap.

#10 for without crowds

Best match

Near-identical to July — Seafair brings hydroplane racing, and the summer refuses to end.

#11 for without crowds

Worth considering

Christmas market at Seattle Center — the Space Needle in holiday lights is worth seeing once.

#12 for without crowds