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Summer and winter in Seattle

The most popular time to book flights to Seattle from the UK is during the summer.

Between June and August, temperatures are mild, chances of rain are lower, with perfect conditions for activities such as whale watching and hiking in the mountains are best at this time of year. However, summer is also the most expensive time to visit due to increased tourism rates.

You’ll likely find the cheapest tickets to Seattle from November to February. Seattle experiences somewhat cold, wet winters, which can put some travellers off but are ultimately perfect for exploring all the great indoor activities the city has to offer.

Fans of skiing and snowboarding will also appreciate the city’s proximity to Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range during the winter sports season.

Seattle in the shoulder seasons

If you want to save cash and avoid bigger crowds, then we’d recommend booking tickets to Seattle in the spring or autumn.

During March–May, the weather is cooler and there’s a higher chance of rain and pacific breeze, but it’s ahead of peak season so prices for hotels tend to be lower. Plus, Seattle has plenty of rainy-day activities to offer to keep everyone entertained.

The period after summer (September – October) is probably the best time to visit Seattle, as the city still clings to some of the summer’s mild weather while the crowds begin to dissipate.

There’s also the promise of exciting festivals and events during the autumn months.

Best things to do in Seattle

The great outdoors meets some pretty impressive indoors in this fun and welcoming city. Seattle is full of big city treats but it’s nestled among accessible mountains, gorgeous coastline, and invigorating wilderness.

The futuristic Museum of Pop Culture explores the sounds of Seattle plus geek-tastic science fiction.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exquisite collection of sculpted glass in the shadow of the Space Needle. And speaking of the Space Needle, you can enjoy iconic views in every direction from this flying saucer on stilts.

When the weather is good, there are parks everywhere, coastlines to explore, and activities such as whale watching and kayaking at your doorstep.

Why not pay a visit to Mount Rainier for some seriously photogenic backdrops to your city skyline snaps? A ferry across Puget Sound to nearby islands is another cheap-and-cheerful highlight, and the Olympic Peninsula beckons.

Eating and drinking in Seattle

All appetites in town lead to Pike Place. The market here is a beloved institution - for food, of course, but also for characters and stories (like Rachel the pig, the gum wall, buskers and fish-throwing activity).

The nearby waterfront makes a good stop for fish and chips and assorted seafood snacking, with Capitol Hill and Belltown as the coolest spots to go meal hunting.

And beyond eating, you'll drink well. As the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is renowned for its coffee, and the city has countless roasters and cafes pushing bean boundaries.

You can even visit the original Starbucks branch at Pike Place market. The beer scene is also big in Seattle, with many bars and pubs serving the latest produce of local microbreweries.

Public transport in Seattle

Seattle’s public transport network is made up of the Sound Transit and King County Metro Transit systems, including light railway services, buses and streetcars.

If you’re staying in the city for 1-2 days, you might want to consider purchasing an ORCA card. This pass lets you ride on most local public transport (except the city’s monorail and ferry services), making it really useful to have at hand.

If you’d prefer to explore Seattle in a more immersive way, then you’ll be pleased to know that the city’s individual neighbourhoods are very walkable.

Plus, Seattle is also cycle-friendly, with many bike lanes throughout the city. You can rent a bike or scooter from various hire shops downtown.

Driving in and around Seattle

For longer stays in the city, we’d recommend renting a car – especially if you want to explore further afield.

Driving is probably the most convenient way to get around, but be cautious when journeying in rush hour, as gridlock traffic is not uncommon.

Hiring a car is most beneficial when you want to venture on one of the many road trips you can take from Seattle.

From the city, it's only a short drive north to Vancouver, Canada, and a few hours away from Portland, Oregon.

You can also drive along the west coast to San Francisco and all the way to Los Angeles for some California sunshine.