Seattle's reputation for rain is more accurate as mythology than meteorology. The city does not get particularly heavy rainfall — annual totals are lower than New York or Miami — but it gets a lot of grey days: overcast, drizzly, and dim from October through March. The rain comes in a fine persistent mist rather than downpours, and Seattleites learn to function in it without umbrellas. The joke is that locals can identify tourists by their rain gear.
Summer (June–September) is the time to visit if you want the city at its most enjoyable. Temperatures are mild — typically 70–80°F (21–27°C) — the mountains are clear, and the long evenings encourage the outdoor culture that Seattle does well. The sky stays light until nearly 10pm in June. Crowds are highest in July and August.
Spring (March–May) is cool and changeable, with cherry blossoms at the University of Washington Quad (usually late March) providing one of the most beautiful urban spectacles in the Pacific Northwest. The crowds are manageable and accommodation prices are reasonable.
Autumn (October–November) brings back the grey but also turns the deciduous forests in the hills remarkable colours. This is when the Pacific Northwest mushroom season begins — the farmers' markets at Pike Place fill with chanterelles and porcini.
Winter (December–February) is the low season: hotels are cheaper, the museums are uncrowded, and the ski resorts at Snoqualmie Pass (45 minutes) and Stevens Pass (90 minutes) are open. Downtown can feel quiet on weekday evenings.
Key events: The Northwest Folklife Festival fills Seattle Center on Memorial Day weekend with music and craft from around the world. Seafair runs for several weeks in July and August, culminating in hydroplane races on Lake Washington. Bumbershoot, a major music and arts festival, traditionally closes the summer over Labour Day weekend in Seattle Center.