When it Rains, Seattle Shines: Visiting Seattle in the Rainy Season

When it Rains, Seattle Shines

Visiting Seattle during the wet season has its own unique charm and can even offer a wonderfully memorable experience. Here’s a few reasons to consider it:

• The Cozy Atmosphere: The rainy season adds a cozy, intimate feel to the city. It’s perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café, exploring indoor attractions, and experiencing the city’s charm.
• Fewer Crowds: With fewer tourists, you’ll have more space to explore popular attractions and enjoy a more relaxed experience at places like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
• Lush Landscapes: The rain keeps Seattle’s parks and gardens lush and green. It’s a great time to explore outdoor spaces like the Washington Park Arboretum or Volunteer Park Conservatory.
• Local Deals: Travel costs are typically lower in the off-peak season and attractions often offer lower rates and special deals, making it a more affordable time to visit.

Plus, while Seattle is known for its rainy reputation, it typically doesn’t rain all day, every day. The rain in Seattle is often more of a light drizzle or intermittent showers rather than heavy, continuous downpours. You’ll find that it’s common to have overcast skies with occasional periods of rain, and there are often breaks where the clouds part and you can enjoy some dry weather—and sometimes even a bit of sunshine!

Top Rainy Day Spots in Seattle

When it is raining, there are plenty of fantastic activities to enjoy that make the most of the city’s cozy, indoor attractions. Here are some of our favorite suggestions for making the best of a rainy day:

• Spend the Day at Seattle Center: Seattle Center is a quick monorail ride from the hotel and has several great indoor activities. Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Dale Chihuly’s glass art installations, visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and explore the Pacific Science Center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a butterfly house.
• Explore the Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Wander through an array of art exhibits, from contemporary works to ancient artifacts, all within the warm, dry confines of this renowned museum.
• Wander Through Pike Place Market: While the market is partially outdoors, its covered areas make it a great spot to explore artisan goods, fresh produce, and local delicacies without getting soaked.
• Relax at the Seattle Central Library: This architectural marvel is a perfect place to get lost in a good book, explore the library’s unique design, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while the rain falls outside.
• Visit the Seattle Aquarium: Located on the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium showcases the rich marine life of the Pacific Northwest and is a great way to stay dry while exploring underwater wonders.

Rainy Day Finds: Local Favorites in Seattle

Rainy days are also the perfect excuse to explore some of the city’s hidden gems. Here are five unique activities to enjoy in Seattle when the weather is less than sunny:

• Sip Coffee at a Cozy Café: You can’t talk about Seattle without mentioning coffee! Rainy days are made for curling up in a cozy café with a good book or people-watching from the window. Head to Storyville Coffee in Pike Place Market for its inviting atmosphere, or try Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square for some of the best brews in town.
• Catch a Film at SIFF Cinema: For movie buffs, there’s no better rainy-day retreat than SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly known as Cinerama). This retro theater offers an unforgettable cinematic experience, with plush seats, a massive screen, perfectly balanced sound and their famous chocolate popcorn. Whether it’s a new blockbuster or a cult classic, this is an ultimate rainy-day escape.
• Take the Seattle Underground Tour: If you’re up for a bit of adventure, diseattle ve into Seattle’s quirky past with the Seattle Underground Tour. Beneath Pioneer Square lies a network of tunnels that once formed the city’s old streets. You’ll hear hilarious and bizarre tales of Seattle’s history while wandering through these forgotten passageways.
• Visit the Seattle Pinball Museum: Stop into the Seattle Pinball Museum, where you can play over 50 classic and modern pinball machines. The museum is both interactive and nostalgic, offering a fun, hands-on way to spend a rainy afternoon.
• Explore the Museum of Flight: For aviation enthusiasts or anyone fascinated by the skies, the Museum of Flight is a must-visit. With over 175 aircraft on display, including the space shuttle trainer and vintage planes, you’ll stay dry while soaring through the history of flight.